No matter how much you bat your eyes at your dad, most weddings come with a price cap!  Some brides ask the question on how much should they allot for the wedding dress – a common concern for the budget minded bride.  Here are some rough figures that may help you determine the price range for a wedding dress based on a wedding budget is $25,000, one of the most popular budget amounts for Houston brides in 2010.  Many wedding professionals and dress destinations, including Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, advice that about 5% of your total wedding budget should be designated to buy your wedding gown and veil…shoes may or may not be included in this estimate, considering you can wear them on occasions other than just your wedding day.  Wedding dresses can cost a lot these days but you must remember if you choose your number and stick to the budget and you will be golden!  At Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, we understand the brides who are budget conscious, and we cater to your needs, whatever they may be.  Aside from having a huge variety of dresses for different figures and designers, we also have a very healthy range of budget options.  One of the best ways to approach bridal gown shopping is to talk to your consultant about exactly what you would like to spend on your dress.  You will truly be amazed at the options and availability of dresses to fit each bracket – and trust us, at Parvani Vida, we have your DREAM dress…waiting for you!

The show down: ivory vs. white.  Many brides-to-be ask the simple but relevant question, should I wear white or is ivory a suitable color for my wedding dress?  To be completely honest, ivory is a more flattering color on most brides!  Even though your mother feels that white is the most suitable, you may want to try and see if IVORY is really YOUR color instead of the usual white.  Hot and new to the scene are dresses with a tinge of blue, even hints of pink – but for most brides, tradition and the simple elegance of white to off white reign supreme.  One more thing to consider when buying a dress is opting to add some sort of extra lace, beading or a more intricate design.  At Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, we believe that simple, elegant lace makes the ivory look a bit darker and more dramatic than lace on a bright white dress.  Nonetheless, in many cases we find that many more brides are considering ivory over white.  Most dresses pick their owner and you should say yes to the dress!  The mother might think it is a bit taboo but we think it is one option you should at least consider.  At the end of the day you should pick the wedding dress that you love, even if it is pink, yellow, green or ivory because this is your day and you should love every part of it, especially the dress!  Come in to Parvani Vida today for your custom session with a consultant and discover the dress of your dreams – Parvani Vida style!

Are you hard to fit, need custom measurements, or maybe you’re just hard to please? You should consider a more custom gown. I bet you’re thinking “I bet there is no way I could afford that?!”

Casablanca Bridals could be the answer to all of your prayers. They have an amazing array of gowns to choose from ranging in sizes 2-28. They also offer custom measurements for a minimal charge for brides who are not a perfect fit to standard sizing. They also offer custom changes including adding straps, neckline changes, adding or taking away beading, and lengthening or shortening trains, all for reasonable prices.

The bridal gown shown here is one of the Spring 2013 collection offered by Casablanca Bridals. The gown (Style 2110) features beaded lace appliqués sewn on tulle over Silky Satin. The bateau front neckline is built up with cap sleeves for sheer coverage. The sheer beaded lace continues to a low “V” tank back.

We have paired this gown with Belsoie Bridesmaids style L154009 by Jasmine Bridals. The lovely supreme satin and lace gown features a similar bateau neckline made of lace. The satin and lace combination of fabrics looks amazing with the bridal gown and comes in 34 stunning colors. Belsoie bridesmaids gowns come in sizes 00-34, and offer matching junior bridesmaids in sizes in 4 junior to 16 junior.

Still can’t find the style and fabric that you want? Don’t worry, all of the B2 and Belsoie bridesmaids gowns can be customized in any fabrication you want! Custom measurements and sizes are just some of the features offered by the top designers at Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo.

Designer gowns are not custom made, and almost always require some alterations to fit properly. The custom services provided by these designers often need final alterations to insure a perfect fit, but are a great alternative for customers with fit issues.

So what are you waiting for? Customer designed gowns with the help of the stylist at Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo are totally affordable! If you were nervous about shopping for the first time, or have looked and looked and can’t find what you want, you can start designing your perfect wedding attire today.

Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo in Urbana, IL is an authorized retailer of Casablanca Bridals and B2, Belsoie, and Jasmine bridesmaids gowns.

We’re very excited to be launching a monthly ’2013 Trends’ feature, where we will be showcasing some of the most fabulous, innovative and inspiring trends we encounter over the course of the year.  We had the opportunity to visit two premiere bridal salons in San Francisco this week, Marina Morrison and the brand new Vera Wang Bridal, and wanted to share some of our favorite gowns, accessories, fabrics and textures.  The 2013 collections are featuring more structured ‘floating’ pieces, mixed mediums, layered laces, dazzling beading, and of course, peplum accents.  What will you be wearing in 2013?

At our first consultation, C was prepared with magazine clippings and internet links to her favorite ideas and wanted to know if her vision for her mom’s gown was even a possibility.  We all, mom, daughter, and I, examined the gown top to bottom and from every angle and finally, I decided that with just a little extra yardage from new fabric, we’d be able to achieve C’s dream gown.

It’s nerve-racking it is to take a woman’s perfectly good wedding gown, full of sentimental meaning and rip, cut and tear it apart! It might have taken a year or so off my life.  I’m sure it was worth it, though – I’ll do just about anything for a dress :)  The lace was particularly challenging – after I oh-so-carefully ripped the stitches and warmed the glued parts up to gently pull them apart, I pieced the lace all back together in a different pattern to accommodate the new design.  It was like putting a puzzle together without a picture to guide me and with pieces that didn’t always fit together perfectly.

I had a lot of fun working with C and her mom on this special project.  I love when gowns have a little extra depth and meaning to them – as pretty as the gown was, though, it was C’s beauty, happiness and love that shined on her wedding day.  Here’s a peek of how the day went, courtesy of Blue Vinyl Creative, super-talented Tennessee based photographers - beautiful!

And here are a few pictures of the gown in process

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Custom Evening Wear , NatashaVon , available on Etsy ….

Finding an ideal wedding gown for a full figured bride can be a difficult task. But with the well known online sites offering wide range of plus size wedding dresses from various reputed bridal dress designers, you can now easily get a well designed and well fit gown in all types of materials and style. But if you are eager to get exactly the wedding dress you always have envisioned in your imagination you must go for a custom wedding dress 2012.

Often a dress that looks great on the magazine does not come out so well when you try it on. Though the plus size wedding dresses can fulfill the size criteria but the designs might not be very impressive. Or, even if you find the design and style of the readymade wedding dress at the bridal salon to be very attractive, again the size might not fit you well. So to match all your criteria buying a custom wedding dress could be a great idea.

You can choose a professional bridal dress designer who can make custom wedding dress. You have to give your exact size and measurements and suggest the desired designs and styles. Inspired by your imagination and by using the accurate measurements the designer can make wonderful custom made wedding gown for you. Or otherwise you can also look for the popular websites who sell beautiful plus size wedding dresses and also delivers custom wedding gowns.

Your wedding dress has to be very comfortable and must be very beautiful both from inside and outside. When you buy a custom wedding dress it includes all the comfort features and inner supports that are often missing in readymade wedding gowns. The materials and fabric used for the custom made bridal wear are of highest quality as well.

It is also important to find out the wedding dress which would be most suitable for your figure. If you are full figured slip into the brilliantly designed plus size wedding dresses that will flatter your shape and make you look most gorgeous on your big day.

Whatever size you are you can still get the perfect wedding gown at your finger tip. With vast selection of plus size wedding dresses offered by several recognized online sites it is now possible to have a stylish and well fit dress for your plus size figure. And even if you have a sleek and slender body a more fitted custom wedding dress can give you the radiant and unique look you desire for your special day. There are many online shops that specialize on plus size dresses and you can find various styles and colors to choose from.(flora gown flora gown)

Finding an ideal wedding gown for a full figured bride can be a difficult task. But with the well known online sites offering wide range of plus size wedding dresses from various reputed bridal dress designers, you can now easily get a well designed and well fit gown in all types of materials and style. But if you are eager to get exactly the wedding dress you always have envisioned in your imagination you must go for a custom wedding dress 2012.

Often a dress that looks great on the magazine does not come out so well when you try it on. Though the plus size wedding dresses can fulfill the size criteria but the designs might not be very impressive. Or, even if you find the design and style of the readymade wedding dress at the bridal salon to be very attractive, again the size might not fit you well. So to match all your criteria buying a custom wedding dress could be a great idea.

You can choose a professional bridal dress designer who can make custom wedding dress. You have to give your exact size and measurements and suggest the desired designs and styles. Inspired by your imagination and by using the accurate measurements the designer can make wonderful custom made wedding gown for you. Or otherwise you can also look for the popular websites who sell beautiful plus size wedding dresses and also delivers custom wedding gowns.

Your wedding dress has to be very comfortable and must be very beautiful both from inside and outside. When you buy a custom wedding dress it includes all the comfort features and inner supports that are often missing in readymade wedding gowns. The materials and fabric used for the custom made bridal wear are of highest quality as well.

It is also important to find out the wedding dress which would be most suitable for your figure. If you are full figured slip into the brilliantly designed plus size wedding dresses that will flatter your shape and make you look most gorgeous on your big day.

Whatever size you are you can still get the perfect wedding gown at your finger tip. With vast selection of plus size wedding dresses offered by several recognized online sites it is now possible to have a stylish and well fit dress for your plus size figure. And even if you have a sleek and slender body a more fitted custom wedding dress can give you the radiant and unique look you desire for your special day. There are many online shops that specialize on plus size dresses and you can find various styles and colors to choose from.

Light and airy fabrics are ideal for bridal gowns in spring. Think chiffon, charmeuse, and organza. Let a spring breeze wisp your chiffon train as you walk down the aisle, or go for a spaghetti-strap, organic Swiss Dot silk cotton for an outdoor spring wedding. However, don’t be fooled by all the sunshine. Nighttime temperatures in spring can drop into the 50s, especially in March and early April. Instead of a wrap, try a sophisticated cashmere cardigan. Three-quarter sleeves or even a full-length cover-up will keep you warm without distracting from your garden wedding dresses.

Both wearing light custom wedding gowns and keeping warm, is it a great plan for you, brides-to-be?

Customize In Your Style!

TheHouseOfVolda.com® provides a place where you can customize your dresses. We design the clothes from your pictures, and you just need to input your size, colour preference, and other details that are specific to you. Just leave it to us…..and we’ll do the rest!

Enjoy Your Shopping Experience!

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Unique wedding gowns. Would you dare?

We think this Vera Wang is simply lovely.

We posted about this dress here.

This is a dress that a bride wore last year, Vera Wang, love!

A friend of ours had this amazing and very unique gown custom designed:

This sweet seersucker gown was spotted in a Southern wedding. Isn’t it so fresh looking?

This Carolina Hererra has such a classic and modern look. Love the subtle polka dots!

We also think these pastel Elie Saab gowns are pretty amazing.

Vintage gowns. Making it yours.  

Have you seen Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s wedding photos? David’s dad, the Ralph Lauren, made Lauren’s gown. We love the vintage feel of both her beautiful gown and the traditional feel of their wedding photo.

Why would you go vintage? Well, you might want edit a family heirloom to make it more modern. Or you might simply want the exquisite details at a fraction of the cost of a brand new gown. Our 5 tips to finding a vintage dress:

1)    Don’t get a dress that needs major repairs. They will cost you more in the long run.

2)    Be careful with certain older fabrics. 20s chiffon doesn’t last overtime and might have deteriorated.

3)    Don’t look for your dress when looking for vintage. Sizes had different meanings, so you’ll get stuck with the wrong size.

4)    Consider buying or making a reproduction. Sometimes an actual vintage dress, while beautiful, might not be as practical, so better use modern fabrics, but stay true to the original design.

5)    Keep your budget in mind. If there are many repairs or alterations to be made, the cost might be higher in the long run, so know what you’re getting yourself into!

So, whether you’re stepping out side the box, going vintage, or buying something custom-made, we know you’ll look simply stunning on your wedding day!

How many Moms, Grandmas, or Aunts have saved their gowns in the “hope that my daughter will someday want to wear it?” The reality is that very few brides-to-be want to wear Mom’s or Grandma’s old gown, as beautiful as it was at the time of their wedding. They have dreamed about their “day” for a long time and in that dream they are seeing something more in trend. 

Actually, I did wear my Mother’s gown once for a bridal fashion show at my Sister’s church. It has been in and out of the garment bag a few times just to look at and admire. After all, my Grandma made that gown. Two daughters and two grand-daughters later, my mom’s gown is still in the bag, unworn by any other members of the family.

So how exactly does this fit into the 3 R’s? Those gowns that have been packed away in the cedar chest or the attic have a chance for another go-around. With the help of a creative wedding gown seamstress, they can be restyled into something new and modern that will have the specialness of being part of your family history.

No matter how much you bat your eyes at your dad, most weddings come with a price cap!  Some brides ask the question on how much should they allot for the wedding dress – a common concern for the budget minded bride.  Here are some rough figures that may help you determine the price range for a wedding dress based on a wedding budget is $25,000, one of the most popular budget amounts for Houston brides in 2010.  Many wedding professionals and dress destinations, including Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, advice that about 5% of your total wedding budget should be designated to buy your wedding gown and veil…shoes may or may not be included in this estimate, considering you can wear them on occasions other than just your wedding day.  Wedding dresses can cost a lot these days but you must remember if you choose your number and stick to the budget and you will be golden!  At Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, we understand the brides who are budget conscious, and we cater to your needs, whatever they may be.  Aside from having a huge variety of dresses for different figures and designers, we also have a very healthy range of budget options.  One of the best ways to approach bridal gown shopping is to talk to your consultant about exactly what you would like to spend on your dress.  You will truly be amazed at the options and availability of dresses to fit each bracket – and trust us, at Parvani Vida, we have your DREAM dress…waiting for you!

Remember those days when you were a little girl and you would make believe you were walking down the aisle (or hallway of your home to be more exact, with your Barbie and stuffed animals as guests) and all you had for a gown was a pillowcase and a blanket? Brides everywhere want to have that one-of-a-kind dress that will set them apart from all others and make them feel like a princess – with one MAJOR stipulation – that it is attainable on any budget!  At Parvani Vida Bridal Salon, we are here to ask the simple but yet vital questions so you don’t have to.  One of the most important questions is what should a bride be looking for when it comes to your wedding dress, affordability or design?  The answer:  you should be looking for an even balance between the two!  Throughout many bridal dress sites and bridal shops, they offer different sections for price ranges and designs.  For the more intricate designs (having things like sown in beads or extra lace and even extra long trains) one can expect to be racking up the price for their wedding dress.  Keep in mind however, at design salons like Parvani Vida, because of our size and expertise, we can offer you more bang for your buck and use techniques like bustles and seamstress’ flair and technique to add that special touch to your dream dress.  Affordability is always on the mind of every bride because you do not want to go over the budget for the gown and have to cut some other part of the wedding short – so, with this in mind, come into Parvani Vida and let us make your dream dress a reality!

SORRY BOYS. This is a pretty girly post this time. So, I found my dress!!! kind of. I looked and looked to find a dress. I was looking for something different than a strapless white white dress with a bunch of beads on it. That look is very lovely of course… but not me. And that type of dress really tends to be the trend right now and it’s hard to find anything else.

I got a recommendation for a lady and then she passed me on to Jennyvi designs. I was impressed by her website and intrigued to email her. So it did, and we ended up meeting for coffee and talking through some details. She is so sweet, easy to talk to, approachable, and really truly cares for the bride and what she would like for the day. The price is perfect, and I felt like she really understood the direction I wanted to go. This girl is only in her late twenties and has been sewing and designing since she was ONLY 5 years old. How crazy is that?!?! Her father was a tailor and taught her when she was very young. I got my measurements taken the other day and i am so excited to see it. i will let you know how things go down. Here are a few photos…some from her catalog.

She even drew up some designs on the spot of what i was thinking and describing to her.

Its so fun, that as an artist, I get the opportunity to custom design my own wedding dress. There are so many endless possibilities.