Winter Wedding

Hey Ladies!

It's Christmas time and it's a great time to have a wedding! It's the time where people are taking time off from work and school and getting together. It's the first time you've seen your aunts and uncles in years! Why not just get married while you're at it?! Just kidding, but seriously.... Imagine the falling snow, Christmas lights, the candles.... beautiful. But there are precautions of having a Holiday wedding. 

1: WEATHER!

You may not want to exchange vows while your knee deep in snow, or rain, or mud. Inside is obviously the way to go. Have pictures outside if you can handle it and you know you can stand somewhere you won't get cold and wet.

Also, the weather makes things really difficult for traveling. So make sure you contact people to leave possibly a day or two earlier than they were planning.

2: VENUE

Make sure the venue is big enough. Lots of people misjudge the amount of space people need to party. Take a tape measure with you! Make sure you know how big the tables are, how many there are, how big the dance floor is, DJ table, etc. 

3: ROLL WITH IT!!

It's the holidays and things get super crazy. If things aren't exactly right, don't sweat it! Breathe! Don't put the wedding entirely on your shoulders. That's why you've got a mom and bridesmaids. The most important thing is that you have fun and you get married to the man of your dreams!

Here is some inspiration for a winter wedding! HAVE FUN!!

 Got these from Pinterest!

Hi Ladies!

We're going to be getting Modest Evening dresses this Spring! Just in time for Prom!! Look for posts on Facebook and the blog for deals!

New Dress: Ruth

Hey Ladies!

There's a new dress in town and it's called Ruth. It was a custom design that went beautifully and we wanted to share it with you! It's a lace dress with a corset back and belted in the front to add extra elegance to the waist. I keep looking at the train and I personally believe that it is to die for!! It's vintage inspired and it looks lovely.

We'd like to thank the new Mrs. Rachel Maxfield for letting us design her dress and wish her the best of luck with her marriage. 

 

Wedding Dress Shopping Guidelines

Hey Ladies!

After a few episodes of 'Say Yes To The Dress' and seeing girls try on dresses at the bridal store, I've noticed somethings that brides do wrong when trying on dresses. The consultants and the managers on the shows also have noticed the same issues. I just wanted to share some guidelines for a successful bridal appointment and hopefully you girls can find a dress with out the stress.

#1
Don't Bring An Entourage
Too many opinions are unnecessary when only the bride's opinion matters. Having too many people speaking out about a dress can put the bride in a really difficult position. She might want to please everyone and it could lead her to put off her own happiness for others in the room. Which no bride wants to feel like she was forced into one dress when the one she really wants is still at the store. There can also be some people who can be slightly jealous of the brides and they will shut down anything they try on or maybe encourage the bride in something not as flattering(I've seen it). Beware!

Jessica's Advice
Bring Mom and Dad or whomever is the Mom/Dad role in your life. They usually will be the ones supporting you and the dress you choose. Plus they usually will cancel each other out when one is getting too opinionated. Be careful with bringing friends because friends are the ones who influence you the most. Grandmas are always encouraged and it's fun to see the generations mingle. In general, I would say to keep it under 3 people. If more people want to join in on the wedding dress experience, let them down gently. Remember it's your day/dress/opinion that matters. Not theirs.

#2
Don't Keep Looking When You Already Found A Dress
If brides keep looking when they've already found a dress just to see what's out there, they will never be satisfied. If brides want to see if they can trump the first dress, they are asking for trouble. Usually they can end up spending more money than originally anticipated.I've heard it this way. It's like finding a man. Once you found the one you want you stop looking around. Be happy with the one you have.

Jessica's Advice
Let's face it ladies, we're just tempting fate when we found something we really like but keep on looking. If you need to come back and try it on a few times just to remind yourself how much you love it. DO IT! It will keep you from having buyers remorse and spending more money and save you from stress.

#3
Don't Try On A Dress That Is Outside Your Budget
Budgets are great and are key when planning your wedding. It keeps you out of debt and a line to follow. Trying on a dress outside of the budget will always create heart break and disappointment. It doesn't matter if the budget is $500 or $10,000. It's never a good idea.

Jessica's Advice
It's one thing if you are fronting the money for the dress, but it's a completely different thing if someone else is. If someone else is paying for it STAY IN THE BUDGET!! You are going to have to ask if there is any wiggle room just in case there is a dress you absolutely love. By wiggle room, I mean a few hundred dollars, not thousands. This way you can be respectful of those who are paying for it. You don't know what their financial situation is and you would hate to be the one that puts them in a dire situation. Always put yourself in the others shoes and be thoughtful.

#4
Don't keep secrets from your consultant
Consultants need to be in the loop. They are there for brides to find the perfect dress and (as long as they've been working for a good amount of time) they know what they are doing. Trust them and they can help you. The more they know the better they can cater to you and your situation.

Jessica's Advice
This is where buying a dress and keeping on the search is a bad idea. You are wasting their time and yours and whatever bride is behind you. Especially if you don't intend on buying another dress. Let them know if you are financially strapped and to keep to your budget and that you aren't willing to wiggle. It's good to keep communication open between the brides and the consultants. That way a dress can be found in a happy and efficient manner without stress.

#5
Always wear underwear
You would think think that this wouldn't be a problem, but it is. It's a sanitary issue and no one wants to put on a dress that has other peoples stuff all over it and no consultant wants to dress a naked girl. Talk about awkward!

Jessica's Advice
WEAR UNDERWEAR!

July 4th Wedding!

I was browsing through Pinterest (as I usually do these days), and I found something too adorable not to share. This isn't my idea so don't give me the credit. It's a July 4th wedding theme. I could easily see this being a theme that doesn't have to be super expensive. Here is the link to the blog Invitation Consultants. blog.invitationconsultants.com

This would be a wedding where you could use carnations to cut the cost and it would still look pretty amazing. You could even add a carnation to the rope knot boutonniere to make it look more "traditional". You can give 'fire crackers' filled with candy as favors and there could be a chance that during your reception you can give out sparklers and have some summer fun under the stars! You don't have to go too literal and use stripes and stars all over everything, but definitely choose a bold blue and a daring red.

More Dresses!

Hi Ladies!

Wedding season is just beginning! We've received brand new gowns in and there will be photos coming soon! So please be patient with us!

Open House

Hey Brides!


We are having an open house on April 28th in Meridian, Idaho. You'll be able to see all the dresses in stock and their will be special pricing on dresses and accessories! Go to modestcouture-bridal.com for more details and directions. 


Emma Toscano also wants to let you know that if you found a dress but it doesn't have the modest look you are wanting, take it to them and they'll design one for you. Please let them know about two months in advance.


Hope to see you there!

New Dresses!

Hi Ladies!


We have some brand new dresses that came in this week. Two of them that are ready for you are the Luana and the Lynette. The Lynette has a layered skirt and the Luana has some great lace applique. Go to EmmaToscano.com to see the dresses at all angles, but I'll post them here for a preview!

The Luana

The Lynette

New Evening Gown/Prom Line

Hi Ladies!

We are going to start a new evening gown/prom dress line. There are some ideas that are being passed around, but we think that we are going to do a vintage inspired line. Do you remember those cocktail amazing gowns from the 50's and 60's? The designs would reflect a lot of that flair, but we want you to tell us what you'd think. Is there a 50's or 60's icon that you admire? Is there a specific vintage dress you would love us try to design? Let us know! Comment here or send us a photo through Facebook. We are really looking forward to your comments. Who knows, maybe you'll see your idea in real life.

Here are some starter ideas for you and what we've been looking at lately for inspiration. Some of these are actual vintage dresses and some are recent designs from other designers.

Wedding Budget Shortcuts!

Hello Ladies!


It's spring time and it's wedding season. The recession hasn't been kind to anyone and it's causing couples to rethink their wedding budgets. Some of the steps do require work on your part, but it can be done. Make sure you have some good friends and family members that are willing to help too! Do your homework as well. Some of these tips also need thought and preparation before executing them. We just want to give a few tips on how to save some money for your special day because Emma Toscano is all about helping our brides save money without the worry!


1: Photography: Finding a good photographer is a pain and their fees can be outrageous! There are always photo students/hobbyists that are trying out new things and they do really good work. Talk to photo professor and see if there is a student that they would recommend that could do a great job and  who needs to build their portfolio.  Also have a friend or family member take some candid pictures at the reception because those can be some of the greatest photos ever. Who doesn't want to miss Grandpa doing the chicken dance?! 


2: Invitations/Save the date: A good way to do invitations and save the dates are post cards! It saves on envelopes and on prints. There are printing stores and online sites (ex: Shutterfly and Vistaprint) that can help with the layouts. If you need a reply for a guest count set up an email address that they can reply to. The email should be obvious like schartzwedding@yadayada.com. Double check that you put the email on the cards. It will save postage for everyone.


3: Food: If you are having an open house or a walk-in reception make the food yourself. Have some of your girlfriends, mom, and mom-in-law help too! Making the food can be stressful so pick foods that you can make in advance and freeze it. That is something no body wants to worry about on the day of their wedding. If you need to buy any sort of dishes get them at the dollar store so that they are all the same and if something breaks it's not a big deal.


4: Location: Your reception and wedding locations can be free! Having the wedding at a church usually is free. Having a backyard wedding is always nice. There is some maintenance with that, but can easily fixed with some grunt work or a landscaper. Parks can be reserved for free or for a small fee. Also may need a little work considering it's in a public space and you don't want wedding crashers. But there are some parks that are absolutely beautiful and the landscaping is to die for. If you have a friend who lives in a large house with some property, now would be the time to ask them if you can use their nice place for a wedding/reception. If you do that, make sure that they are not put out of their way to make the place nice. It will be your job to do the work. It's just rude asking and then putting the burden on them.


5: Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Cut down the number of the wedding party. If you have to count groomsmen and bridesmaids on fingers and toes, you have too many. The less you have, the less you have to spend, and fewer opinions you have to consider. You don't want to have to please 10 girls with different tastes and body types. Go to a department store and pick out nice dresses that they will be able to wear after the wedding. The money will go farther that way and no body wants to wear hot pink satin outside a wedding.


6: Hair and Makeup: If you don't have a salon that you regularly go to, have some friends do your hair. Look up some hair styles and makeup tips you like online, instructions included, try them out a few days before. Then on the day of or night before the wedding, make a real girls day out of it! The hair, makeup, manicures, pedicures, and homemade masks and facials! Have movies, pajamas, and snacks!


7: Decorations: A fun way to decorate the tables are photos! 5x8 photo prints are cheap at your local Walmart. For frames go to the dollar store. It doesn't matter if they don't match. Grab some spray paint that are the colors and theme for your wedding and spray the frames. Have fruit in bowls or vases that match the theme of your wedding. It's always great to have something natural incorporated in decor. Whether they are fresh or plastic that will have to depend if they are in season and how much they cost per pound. Have some candles! Always a good way to set a romantic mood. You can easily find inexpensive candles and candle holders.


8: Flowers: Some people are really picky about their florals, but if you aren't use fake. They have some amazing flowers that look real and will save you lots of money. Have some fun and arrange them yourself or buy a book or look online how to do them. All the supplies should be at your local craft store. If you are lucky you can find a florist arrange them for you. A great upside to having the fakes you can keep your bouquet and boutonniere from your wedding!


9: Timing: Really consider the timing of your wedding. If you have an early morning wedding, you may feel obligated to serve breakfast. The same with lunch and dinner. Weddings can go long and there are people who traveled to be there. They are definitely going to hungry. You are going to want to choose a time in between meals so that everybody has a chance to eat and then at the reception they can munch all they want.


10: Dual Receptions: Chances are that you and groom didn't grow up in the same town. It's hard to pull of two receptions in two different cities/states. See if, without hurting feelings, if one of the set of parents want to throw an open house. It will save money and you will be able to see everyone who wants to wish you congratulations.

Bridal Fair

Hi Girls!


The Rexburg Bridal Fair was so much fun! Thanks to all of you who checked us out. There were some brides that tried on some of our dresses and their pictures are on our Facebook page. Check them out and see what you think! I (Jessica) think that it's always better to see real girls wear the dresses so that you can have a better idea what they look like and how they will fit.


We want to thank Heather with Soul Reflections Studio who took the pictures for us. Also thanks to Liz and Sarah from BYU-Idaho for helping with the dresses. If you missed us this last time, there will be another fair in October in Rexburg.

A Bella Dress?

Hi Brides!


So a fan asked us on Facebook about making a Bella Swan dress from Twilight: Breaking Dawn. It's definitely a possibility, but we want to know from you guys. For those who are getting married, would you wear/want a wedding dress that is similar to Bella's dress? Here are some pictures for you to look at. Please leave us comment, we want your input! *Robert Pattinson not included* :)

What do you think?

Hey Ladies!

Do you think that Emma Toscano should make a Kate Middleton look alike wedding dress? It was originally designed by Alexander McQueen. Let us know what you think! Here are a few pictures of Kate in her dress.

Prices

Hello Brides!
I just took a look at all of our dresses and they are all under $900!! It's a great bargain for the Spring and Summer brides. The Aubrey is the Pippa Middleton look alike. It's looks like the bridesmaids dress that she wore for her sister's royal wedding and it's only $249. I personally think that it is a sweet and simple dress for those who are having a wedding/reception outside and in the heat. The Aubrey is a great dress if you really want to accessorize with a birdcage veil, a headband, and possibly a belt with rhinestones. You could really make this your own!

Lastest Addition

Hello!

We added a new dress to the Spring Collection. It's called the Ainsley. It has lace applique over organza A-line skirt and the bodice can come in either in a corset back or zipper. Just to let you know, that you can customize your dress if you discuss it with the owners. If you love the dress but want less stones or a flower moved, the designers can arrange it. Just make sure that you let them know in ahead of time.

Spring/Summer Collection

It's a new year and that means that we are getting ready for spring and summer. It will be our busiest time of the year and we are getting our designs ready for the Spring/Summer Bride. Right now we have the Desirae, Dottie, Elise, and Luana ready for the season. They are beautiful! If you are in the Boise, Idaho area you can contact us to make an appointment to see the dresses. 


Looking at the fashion trends right now, vintage lace is coming back and makes the dresses elegant and adding instant class. Lace layers are becoming popular. It's a good way to add make the dress interesting and fun to wear without having the bulky and full skirt. There are a few contemporary designs in there as well. We have added some of those elements to the dresses and hope that you like them. Please visit our sight EmmaToscano.com to see all of the dresses from the Fall/Winter collection. Some of those dresses  can be used for the Spring. There is a sale going on right now for $100 off any dress $499 or higher. It's a great deal and there is something there for everyone!