5 Reasons Not to Shop Online for Wedding Dresses

Online shoppers BEWARE!  Here's what we have learned about online bridal stores:

A lot of online bridal stores use original designer wedding gown photos and reduce the price dramatically in hopes of persuading online shoppers that they’re getting a huge deal on designer dresses.  Here is the REAL DEAL: Designers DO NOT support online bridal stores or their policies (unless the online bridal store has a physical bridal boutique as well).  This is because most of the online bridal stores are selling replica designer gowns - FAKES.

Top 5 Reasons NOT to shop online for a wedding dress:

Problem #1.  Online stores are using the designers’ original photos to promote their products and mislead the online shopper.  You do not get what you see - and there are no laws to protect the consumer.

Problem #2.  The online dress bead work is unattractive, the fabric is not the same, the pattern is poorly constructed, and the label is a fake.  The quality is simply inferior to the designer's original.  (Not to mention how upsetting pirating is to an accomplished designer!)

Problem #3.  The online dress you had "made to order" does not fit.  The size chart recommendation is not accurate.

Problem #4.  The online dress will cost you more in alterations.  Most professional seamstresses will not alter poorly made online designer replicas.  Now you're forced to use someone who's not an expert and it will cost you more in the long run.

Problem #5.  Even if you are satisfied with your "knock-off" gown, you will still need to have it cared for upon it's arrival.  It will need to be steamed, pressed, or ironed.  This also can cost you more money.

If those reasons don't dissuade you from supporting online piracy and gross replicas, then maybe this video clip will.

(just a short commercial before video)

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Entertainment for Weddings: DJ + Photo Booth

Entertainment at your wedding is crucial for your guests. While you are saying the "hellos" and making your rounds to greet everyone, you don't want to leave anyone left alone or bored at your wedding. Entertainment options are endless if you are creative brides and have time to plan it out. However, if you are like many brides who need more time in your daily life, you should hire a professional to cover this area for you!

MidMichiganDJs.com and 3,2,1 Say Cheese! are owned and operated by Joel and Christina Gresham. Located in the Brooklyn-Irish Hills area and members of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce. I have personally worked with this couple on many occasions through the chamber events and have hired them for weddings I have planned.

It is a pleasure to work with Joel, Christina, and their dj crew. They are all very professional, friendly, and very willing to please the client. The number one reason I enjoy working with them: they always come prepared for the "what-ifs" and do VERY well in crowded events!

Jump on their website and meet the crew of MidMichiganDjs! They offer entertainment for weddings, graduations, corporate events, anniversaries, and community events. They offer dj service and a photo booth. It's a great combo package for any event!

Need more entertainment ideas? Call us with your questions: 517.592.8882

5 Tips for Bridal Show Brides-to-be

It's no surprise that Christmas, New Years Eve, and Valentine's Day have the highest rate of proposals. Not only is it engagement season but for us bridal professionals it is also bridal show season. We display our goodies at the bridal expos and participate in bridal fashion shows just to get our name into the hands that need them: the Brides-to-be!

If you are a Bride-to-be who hits the bridal show circuit here's a few tips for you from Brooklyn Bridal & Prom:

1. Get a new email address to catch all your bridal show offers and check this weekly. maybe something catchy for you and your groom with your wedding date. for example: janeandjondoe2013@yahoo.com. After the wedding you probably won't need to review this email anymore and you won't be bothered with junk mail you no longer need.
2. Prepare labels that include your names, address, email address, phone, and wedding date. Use these labels when you go to shows and enter for the awesome drawings and giveaways. You don't have to suffer from writer's cramp or pen fumbling.
   
3. Get a babysitter and leave the kids at home. Think of bridal shows as "shopping" for your vendors. When you meet a potential vendor it is best not to be distracted by children, strollers, or them stealing your lime-light for the day.
4. Bring your checkbook! I can't stress this enough. Most bridal professionals will offer a one-day-only special offer if you sign up with them on the spot. You can't get this offer if you don't deposit something.
5. Take your time. Relax and enjoy the day. You get an opportunity to meet the vendors you need. It's like building a friendship - it is not to be rushed! Make sure they fit with your personality because they will most likely be one of your best friends on your wedding day.

Janet Kapa, has been offering wedding planning advice, tips, and tricks to brides for over a decade! Call with your wedding planning questions: Brooklyn Bridal & Prom 517.592.8882.

Events with Brooklyn Bridal & Prom

Wedding Planning 101

Jackson Bridal Fair website

Meet April Scott, Professional Photographer

I honestly couldn't tell you where I first met April Scott. It feels like she has been my friend forever. But really, we have only bumped into each other about a dozen times. April is a professional photographer and most times I see her with her camera in hand. When she doesn't have her camera in hand, she is most certainly thinking about how she would shoot the scene!

She has a way of connecting with her subject, so she is able to breathe life into her portraits.

April has this sort of electric magnetic personality that screams "Whatever you need, I'm your gal!". That's what a Bride needs - she's like your best friend for the day. There to capture your most intimate moments and expose your good side! She may not wipe the frosting out of your hair after he smushes the cake in your face, but she will take some awesome shoots and then show you how silly you both were :)

April Scott's wedding photography is unique. Unlike anything I have seen in our local area. If you're looking for someone who has a sensitive side, yet is full of fun and energy, is trendy and up-to-date, April is your gal!

April Scott
Phone: (248) 787-1313
Email: april@aprilscottphoto.com

For more of April Scott Photography:
> Check out April's website!
> Visit April's Blog
> Find April on Facebook

Those Crazy Grooms!

Early on in a couple's engagement, most of the fuss is all about the bride and her gown. For the groom, the decision on attire is much easier and is made at a much later date - three to four months prior to the wedding. At Brooklyn Bridal & Prom we like to sit down with the bride and the groom to get the vision of the wedding. We offer assistance in selecting the right combination for the groom and groomsmen, to compliment the bride and her bridesmaids. We LOVE it when the bride and groom choose to do something fun paired with our tuxedos! Two of my favorites include crazy socks for the guys and skinny ties without vests.

Let's face it, guys want to look great, too! We offer tuxedos for every budget that are very fashion forward. We made it really easy for the out-of-town groomsmen to send us their measurements and we can complete the whole group.

~ Best Prices
~ Best Colors
~ Best Service

Call for your free consultation: 517.592.8882