What is a Trunk Show

Everyone asks us what a trunk show is and why we have them.  Well here's the scoop. 

Each manufacturer that a bridal shop carries, comes out with one or two seasons a year.  Each line may have 30+ gowns in their collections each season.  Since we actually purchase our so called, "SAMPLES", it is impossible for us to pick up every dress in the line.  Not only is it cost prohibitive, it is also space prohibitive.  Therefore, we select approximately 12 pieces per line per season.  Our selection represents a variety of styles from that line.

The manufacturers allow us to offer "Trunk Shows" periodically.  The trunk show consists of the majority of the dresses from that seasons line.  We have the show usually for one weekend only, because the show moves from one store to the next throughout the year.  It is a great opportunity for customers to see additional styles, they may not normally be able to see.

In addition to trunk shows, some manufacturers also allow us to borrow samples of gowns we normally do not carry.  For a nominal fee, we can request a sample of a dress for a short period of time, enabling our customers to view the potential dress of their dreams.

The lesson to you as a bride, is that if you do not find the dress of your dreams in our store you still have options.  Allow us to work with you and we will find a way to fulfill your dreams.  Call us to ask about details of upcoming trunk shows, including our plus size Enzoani & Blue by Enzoani "Gorgeous with Curves", January 15-17 or ":Love by Enzoani" January 8-10.

Sharing the holidays with your new family

As two become one, it is important that everyone understands there will be many changes to the holidays. Compromises will need to be made on both sides. You will need to establish parameters as to how you will share the various holidays throughout the year. You are establishing your own family now, so you will need to merge two sets of traditions. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:

• Explain and talk about each of your family traditions with each other.
• Each of you pick one of your favorite traditions and implement that into your new family traditions. (For Example; a favorite holiday meal that you always had while growing up.)
• Determine where the main differences are and come to a mutual agreement about how you will handle it. (For Example, do you take turns opening presents or does everyone open at the same time, or do you wrap Santa presents or not?)
• Take turns compromising and you will find that that two traditions will merge together nicely into new family traditions.
• Remember that you are a family of your own now. Others need to have respect for that.

Some helpful suggestions for keeping peace and harmony during the holidays:

• Alternate holidays at each family's house.
• Spend Christmas Eve with one family and Christmas Day with the other family.
• Host the holidays yourself and invite both sides.
• Spend the actual holiday with one family and the next weekend with the other (alternate each year)
• If you have to travel to see one side or the other, alternate years visiting for Thanksgiving one year and Christmas the next.
• Try to have respect for each family's traditions and appreciate the differences.

The holidays can be stressful enough without adding to it with conflict of how to handle differences. Discuss it ahead of time and start your own traditions. Most of all relax and enjoy each other. Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Visit our website for more details on events happening at Bella Bridal & Formal Wear and see for yourself "The Difference....Is the Experience"

Black Friday at Bella Bridal & Formal Wear

On Friday, November 27th Bella will offer a one time only opportunity to receive 15% off any purchase made that day.  Appointments are required and spaces are filling up fast. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.  This is a terrific opportunity if you have had your eye on a dream gown and just couldn't quite afford it.  Additionally, we have hundreds of beautiful dresses that are perfect for the holidays, rehearsal dinners, and/or honeymoons. 

Small Business of the Year

Bella Bridal wins Small Business of the year from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.  On Thursday, November 12rh we were chosen as the small business of the year for Business to Consumer. 

We were nominated by one of our fellow chamber members and the award was based on the following criteria:

• Outstanding growth
• New and innovative business approaches
• Special  accomplishments
• Community involvement
• Bonus information that sets them apart from typical standards

We are extremely honored to have been chosen.  Thank you to everyone for your support.

Nouveau November at Bella Bridal & Formal Wear

Bella Bridal pulls out all the stops this month to show you the best of 2010.

Last Thursday, Bella Goes Blue launched with a fabulous cocktail party.  We were joined by many brides and their family and friends.  Guests sipped on our signature Bellatini and enjoyed light appetizers as they viewed the brand new 2010 Blue by Enzoani gowns. 

On Tuesday, November 17th Bella Bridal & Formal Wear will partake in the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Chamber Land.  Join us for specials on holiday attire and accessories at 20% off from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Wild about Watters and Majestic Montage will be featured from November 18th-23rd.  Bridal gowns and maids dresses by Watters and Wtoo. Simplistically beautiful, classically designed.
http://www.watters.com/indexFlash.php
Bring your Mom, Mother-in-law to be or any other special lady in to see this exquisite collection. http://www.moncheribridals.com/CollectionHome.aspx?cname=Montage
Other special in-store savings will also be available for these 5 days only. Visit us and save up to 20% off.

Enzoani Extravaganza   November 25th-30th
Join us as we feature Enzoani and get a sneak peak at the 2010 collection, including Love, the very new Love Evenings and Love shoes. Receive 10% off any Enzoani and/or Love dress.
Cutting edge, couture designs at an affordable price makes this line one you can not resist. Come see for yourself.

On Black Friday, November 27th, enjoy 15% off for one day only.
Appointments are required for all events and available on a first come, first serve basis.

By phone (630) 443-9226

Via Email Sales@bellabridalandformal.com