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.