Long Distance Bridesmaid? Here's how you can stay in the loop

October 15, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

It can be hard living away from your best friend, especially when she asks you to be a part of her bridal party. Becoming a bridesmaid is a fun and exciting experience that you want to be involved in every step of the way. Here are a few tips on how to support the bride, from a distance!

Stay connected!

Take advantage of technology. Keep in touch regularly to stay connected during the planning process. Video chat is your new best friend! You may not be able to be there physically, but you can be there virtually.

Attend any events you can

Decide which events are more important for you to attend. Is it more important to be there for the shower or wedding dress shopping? If you can only make it to the wedding, be sure to tell the bride in advance and send out a thoughtful gift or card to the other events.

Use your location to your advantage

If everyone is able to travel, suggest a destination bachelorette party! Maybe you live in a fun city and would love for the bridal party to experience it. Invite everyone to crash at your place for a fun-filled weekend.

Volunteer to help in any way possible

Even though you are far away, you can still be a part of the planning process! One of the easiest things you can do from a distance is make calls to order or book things. Make sure you let the other bridesmaids know you are willing to help wherever you can!

Arrive early!

Try to arrange your arrival a few days earlier than the wedding! You can use this time to catch up with the bride and help prepare any last-minute details. Making the effort to arrive early shows the bride how much you care for her; she will appreciate you being there for her!

Treating Every Day like a Special Occasion

October 13, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

We all have something sitting around our house, waiting to be used at the perfect moment. Do you have an outfit or a certain perfume you’ve been saving for the perfect date? Do you have a fancy china set you’ve been saving for the right guests? If you answered yes to these questions, why are you waiting?

This year has been filled with so many challenges but has also been filled with many lessons. One of the most important lessons this year taught me was to never take life for granted. Nothing in this world is for certain, everything is constantly changing right before our eyes and that is why we need to start living each day like it’s our last! No matter what day it is, no matter what week it is, every minute that we are breathing is a special one.

So many people wait a long time before they ever treat themselves. What if that perfect opportunity never comes along? Start buying things to enjoy them, not to put them away and be pulled out months later. Try using words like “someday” less often and whenever something approaches you that is worth doing or seeing, go for it!

It’s time to stop waiting around for the perfect time or special occasion because today is one! Every single moment is your life is an important. So remember to live in it and to love it, there will never be another day like today!

How to Feel Confident When Wedding Dress Shopping

October 8, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

If you’re a bride-to-be, preparing for your wedding has brought up many emotions. It’s normal to be feeling nervous about how you look when all eyes are going to be on you. Every bride wants to find the perfect dress, adding a lot of pressure on one single shopping trip. It’s easy to feel disappointed in your body when you can’t find the dress you’ve hoped for. Wedding dress shopping should be an exciting and memorable experience, not a miserable one! Here are a few tips to help you look and feel your best the day you say, “I do”!

Choose your entourage carefully

A good support system is very important when dress shopping. Being kind to yourself is already hard enough when shopping, you don’t want other’s being negative as well. We all have friends who are too honest and sometimes can come off as being harsh. These are the people you do not want to bring. Of course, every bride wants to have other opinions and criticism. Make sure to bring people who deliver these comments in a supportive manner.

Stop looking at sizes

A number will never define your worth! Make a promise to yourself to not look at the size when you’re trying on dresses. Size is just a number and can vary from store to store. You may be a size 10 at one store than a size 8 at the next. It is not the size that matters, but the way you feel when you put it on.

Try different silhouettes

Most brides come into their appointment expecting to get a certain style. Don’t close yourself off to different dresses just because you think only one certain silhouette will look good on you. Try on a wide variety of options, you never know what can surprise you!

Replace the negative thoughts

This is key to remaining body positive while looking for your wedding dress. Anytime you have a negative thought about your body, try replacing it with a positive one. Shopping can be stressful, there is no room for negativity!

Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas

October 6, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Are you tired of the traditional pen and paper guest books? You’ve come to the right place! Wedding guest books are a great way to memorialize your special day. Recently, brides have been moving away from the traditional guest book, wanting to provide their guests with something fun and unique. Keep scrolling to see different guest “book” ideas to represent your big day!

1. Polaroids

Polaroid and film photos have become very popular in recent years. Provide one or two polaroid cameras for guests to take photos. Make sure to have sharpies laying around so guests can write a note at the bottom of their picture! You can then take all the photos from your wedding and put them in a scrapbook or frame.

2. Shadow Box

This guest book idea can also be used as a decoration. Anything can be used to fill the box, be creative! Guests can sign corks, hearts, or even bottle caps. Once everyone has filled the box, you can hang it or even keep it in on your dresser at home.

3. Balloon Canvas

Instead of having your guests take photos or write a memory, have them engage in an activity! Fill balloons with paint that represent your wedding colors and attach them to an empty canvas. As guests arrive to the reception, they can throw a dart at a balloon. The paint splatter will then decorate the canvas, providing you with a new art piece.

4. Electronic Book

This idea is a great way to interact with your guests while leaving you with sentimental videos to look back on. No need to buy any fancy devices, any recording device you have would work. You could also have guests use their own cell phones to take pictures or videos. Create a wedding hashtag so guests can share their photo with you on social media!

5. Furniture

Provide a piece of furniture you wish you have in your newlywed home. Make sure you pick a piece you don’t mind guests writing on. This is another great way to personalize your wedding while having something functional to remember your big day.

Beauty Products You Need This Fall

October 1, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Fall is in full swing with cold weather coming right around the corner! Taking care of our skin is an important step as we transition from summer to fall. Many people are preparing for those end-of-year deadlines, or gearing up for the holidays. This can be a stressful time, so don’t forget to slow down and pamper yourself. Here are a few beauty products that are perfect for your transition into fall!

Summer Fridays

This R+R mask from Summer Fridays leaves your skin looking bright, smooth, and hydrated. All of Summer Fridays products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and comes in recyclable packaging. You can find this product on Sephora’s website for $52.

Laneige

The Laneige lip mask is a lifesaver! This lip sleeping mask is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, leaving your lips feeling refreshed in the crisp air. Laneige offers a variety of different flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, and more. Find this product on their website or Sephora for $22.

The Ordinary

This brand has been on the rise recently when it comes to skin care. The natural moisturizer from The Ordinary is perfect for dry skin during those colder months. It has a hydrating formula with amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid. You can find affordable product for just $5.80.

Nécessaire

Dry hands can not only be annoying but embarrassing. Carrying a hand cream in your bag is essential during the fall and winter. Try out this hand cream from Nécessaire. This is a fast-absorbing, daily moisturizer with peptides and multi-vitamins. Find this product on their website or Sephora for $20.

How to be Confident While Shopping

September 29, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Shopping isn’t always that fun and exciting experience people make it out to be. It can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling mentally drained by the end. Trust me, we’ve all been there. However, shopping doesn’t have to be this way. We should feel empowered and confident every step of the way. Check out these few changes you can make at your next shopping trip, making a huge impact on how you feel.

Look for what YOU want, not what you SHOULD want

It’s time to throw those beauty standards out the window! So many thoughts can go through your head while shopping. “I need to find this size, this style looks better for my body type, or I should stay away from this color”, and the list goes on! The moment you start thinking those things is the moment you start believing it. This can make shopping extremely overwhelming. Instead, think about what you want and what you are looking for in a piece of clothing. Remember, if it makes you feel comfortable and confident, that’s all that matters!

Set a time limit

Spending hours going from store to store can really take a lot out of you. It’s common to become burnt out, frustrated, and insecure when you can’t find anything you’re looking for. Setting a time limit for yourself can make the process go much smoother. Couldn’t find anything after an hour at the mall? Try for another day. When you plan in advance, walking into stores feels less intimidating. You want to start your shopping day feeling prepared and confident.

Face away from the mirror

If you have to try something on, face away from the mirror while taking your clothes on and off. This way, you are not already judging your body before you even get a chance to try the clothes on. This is also a great way to focus on how the garment feels on you. Sometimes we buy clothes that may not be super comfortable to meet other people’s expectations. Go into the fitting room with you in mind, no one else!

A positive mindset is EVERYTHING

Do not start off your shopping experience with negative thoughts. If you are already thinking about how you’re not going to find anything that you want or like, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment. Start by shopping with stores you know you like and have purchased from before. Stay away from stores you know won’t have what you’re looking for.

It is important to remember that self-confidence is not something that happens overnight. It’s okay to feel a certain way about yourself, many people share those same struggles. Always be gentle and kind with yourself because you are not alone.

Top Pittsburgh Wedding Venues

September 24, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Congrats on your recent engagement! What an exciting and important time in your life. Venue selection is an important part of planning a wedding. The perfect venue will not only make you and your guests feel comfortable, but it will help create the theme and tone you are looking for. Pittsburgh is surrounded by beauty, providing its brides with some of the most unique wedding venues. We created a list with some of our favorites, keep scrolling to check them out!

Pittsburgh Botanical Garden

This venue is the outdoor, rustic wedding of your dreams! The Pittsburgh Botanical Garden was founded in 1988. Horticulturists who created the garden imagined a world-class outdoor garden for Pittsburgh. Their vision is to inspire people to value nature by using different plant collections and garden displays. Here, you can have your ceremony in the Peirce Celebration Garden featuring a stone wall with romantic plantings.

PNC Park

Now I know what you’re thinking, how can you have a wedding ceremony in a baseball park? Believe it or not it’s possible. This nontraditional venue may not be for everyone but it’s perfect for someone looking for that unique wedding experience. PNC Park has captivating views offering home plate and dugout ceremonies. If you and your significant other met through your love of baseball, this venue is for you!

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

The Carnegie Museum was first started in 1895. Today, there are now four museums you can visit and hold events in. This allows brides to have more options and be creative when it comes to which venue they select. One of the museums, Carnegie Science Center, provides great views of the Point and Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Each of these four museums will certainly give you and your guests a night to remember!

Fox Chapel Golf Club

This sophisticated, traditional wedding venue gives off the perfect classic feel. The Fox Chapel Golf Club is a place to enjoy friendships while receiving social, recreational, and dining experiences. They also provide staff to help you plan your event and make sure it meets all your expectations. However, Fox Chapel Golf Club is a private facility and you will need a member to sponsor your event.

Was Your Wedding Postponed Due to COVID-19? Here's what you can do to stay positive

September 22, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

It is no secret that the pandemic has changed everyone’s plans this year, especially those planning a wedding. Couples all over the world are faced with the challenge of finding new venues and vendors, making it seem impossible. Here are a few tips on how to reduce stress and stay positive during this time.

Take Time to Write Everything Down

In the midst of the all chaos, it can be easy to let your emotions get the best of you. Creating a journal during this time is a great way to reduce stress by getting rid of all your negative thoughts and feelings. Whenever you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, grab that piece of notebook paper and let it all go.

Celebrate Your Original Wedding Date

Your dream wedding may have to be postponed but it does not change the importance of your original date. This day can be a celebration of the love and commitment you made to each other. Having a nice dinner, getting dressed up, and taking a trip down memory lane are just a few things you can do. Remember that when your day comes, it will be just as magical was you dreamed it would be.

Focus on The Good

It can be difficult to keep things in perspective during a time like this. Thinking about how this situation benefits you can offer a feeling of relief. One way of doing this is finding the positive aspects to having a longer engagement. Take comfort in the fact that you more time to invest into the relationship, only making it stronger before your big day.

Start Those DIY Projects

Never got around to working on those DIY projects for your wedding? Now is the perfect time to get started. Not only this is a great way to distract you from all the stress, it’s the perfect opportunity to make your wedding more personal and meaningful to the both of you.

Learn to Be Open and Flexible

Change is expected, even without COVID-19. It is important to understand some things are beyond your control. Remain positive by only focusing on the things that directly affect you. After postponing your wedding, you may not be able to have everything you originally planned. Learn to let go of the small things and prioritize what’s important to you.

You’re not alone, you got this!

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Flowers

July 19, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

When it comes to wedding planning, flowers are an important part of your big day. Here are some tips to ensure you have the perfect flowers for your special day.

Pick a Flower with Meaning

Every flower has a specific trait or meaning that goes along with it. Your wedding can be especially symbolic if you choose a red tulip which signifies love and passion, or a lily of the valley represents happiness and purity.

Think About your Venue

Let your venue guide your wedding flower decisions. You want to make sure that the flowers compliment the backdrop. For example, use less flowers for an outdoor garden wedding and more flowers for an indoor ceremony.

Budget out your Flowers

Flowers can be a huge part of your wedding budget. Most wedding planners will dedicate 10% of the total budget to flowers. If you are looking for a less expensive flower budget, remember that many flowers have look alikes and less expensive alternatives.

Think About the Season

The season of your wedding can greatly affect your flower choices! Some flowers are not available in certain seasons, or if they are available, they are very expensive. Really consider the time of the year of your wedding when deciding on what flowers you want!

2020 Mother of the Bride Dress Trends by Season

July 12, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

With wedding season picking up as COVID-19-induced social distancing mandates begin to lessen, there is no better time to get the perfect Mother of the Bride dress! No matter the season of the big day, Dress Haute has you covered with a beautiful gown.

If the wedding is in late Summer-

Reach for a floral gown in a pastel shade! The floral design will be in touch with the season while the pastel color will ensure you stand out amongst other guests. Check out this beautiful, fitted, lace appliqué gown with overskirt train and illusion cap sleeves.

If the wedding is in the Fall-

Try a dress in deep red or maroon. This exquisite color will compliment the changing leaves of any outdoor fall wedding! Check out this amazing, beaded and lace bodice, chiffon empire waist dress.

If the wedding is in the Winter-

Look for a gown with a touch of sparkle! An embellished gown in cool colors adds a sense of magic to a winter wedding. Check out this stunning A-line, chiffon, three-quarter sleeve gown with closed back and lace detailed bodice.

A Guide to Your Perfect Wedding Shoe!

June 28, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Every detail of your wedding look should be complete- head to toe! Here is a guide to help you pick the perfect wedding shoe to finish off your wedding look!

Kitten Heel

For a more relaxed, laid-back wedding, try a kitten heel. A kitten heel is more comfortable and easier to walk in due to the smaller heel height, which will allow you to dance the night away!

Cowboy Boots

If you have the perfect, rustic outdoor wedding planned, go the extra mile with these gorgeous sequined cowgirl boots! The boots add a fun flair to any wedding dress, and the look will really be in step with your outdoor wedding!

Heeled Sandal

Planning for a fun, summer wedding? Try a heeled sandal! This pair is the perfect heel height to give you a boost, but still allow you to walk comfortably the whole day! Plus, the sequin details will perfectly complement any wedding dress!

Pumps

If you’re planning an elegant, sophisticated wedding, reach for a pair of pumps for your big day! Pumps are a timeless option- perfect for your elegant wedding!

2020 Bridesmaid Dress Trends

June 20, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

You have the perfect bridal party- now find the perfect bridesmaid dresses! Here are some 2020 bridesmaid dress trends that are stylish and beautiful:

Classic Blue

Classic Blue is the 2020 Pantone color of the year, and makes a great wedding color. Classic Blue is easily complimented by many different colors making it very versatile. Plus, your bridal party will look timeless in this beautiful cool tone.

Pleated

The pleated trend is a fun style that adds a boho flare to your wedding day! Your bridal party will look chic and unique standing by your side on your big day. Look for a pleated style that incorporates embellishments and lace for extra glam!

Halter Neck

A halter neck dress is a universally flattering option that will make all of your bridesmaids look amazing! The halter neck style can also be easily dressed up or down, making it very versatile for any type of wedding.

Sage

Sage is the perfect color for a fall wedding! The neutral green tone will compliment any white wedding dress, and look great in an outdoor setting. Find a sage dress made of chiffon for an extra ethereal look!

The Perfect Way to ask your Bestie to be your Bridesmaid

June 10, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Bridesmaid Boxes. The newest trend in the Wedding World! What is it exactly you might ask? Well, a Bridesmaid Box is a small gift or collection of gifts along with a note asking if the recipient will be in your wedding party. It's a small, whimsical gesture that kicks off the journey to “I Do” and brings extra excitement.

Here are some ideas for Bridesmaid Boxes for every type of friend you have!

Flora & Fauna Box

This cute gift box includes a gold necklace, candle, compact mirror, diamond pen, and a white ring dish, plus it includes free customization! Perfect for any bridesmaid that enjoys gold and glitter! Find the gift box here-

Spa Day Box

This adorable Bridesmaid Box is perfect for any bridesmaid that enjoys a relaxing spa day. Show her how grateful you are that she’s standing by you on your big day with this pampering box. The set is completely customizable with a small message or note, and includes a bathbomb, scented candle and match box, lip balm, and a compact mirror! Find this box here-

Confetti Box

The perfect box for a fun bridesmaid! This Bridesmaid Box will get your bridesmaid excited to celebrate with you on your big day with the included bottle opener, fortune cookie, baroque frame, stemless champagne flute and paper straw, candle, and confetti push pop! Plus, you can customize the box with any message or with your bridesmaid’s name! Find this box here-

Luxe Box

Looking to go the extra mile by really pampering your bridesmaid-to-be? Pick this luxe Bridesmaid Box that includes a pashmina, 14K gold plated earrings, a stemless wine glass, and a custom candle! This box really goes above and beyond to show your bridesmaid how much you appreciate her! Find this box here-

Now that you have your perfect bridal party, check out these Dress Haute favorites that are the perfect bridesmaid dresses!

Picking your perfect Mother of the Bride dress!

June 6, 2020 Carrie Lehrman

Tips on how to pick the perfect Mother of the Bride dress for your body type!

Self-Love Saturday: How Do You Do Self-Care?

July 20, 2019 Guest User

Everyone is unique in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to what we like to do. One of the most important things we can do as a person is take care of ourselves, however that may be. Some of us pamper ourselves with face masks or long baths, while others take the time to crack open a book they’ve been wanting to read.

It’s not always fun, but, for me self-care centers around building self-confidence by accomplishing tasks or undertaking small health goals. One week, it may be cutting down on my caffeine consumption and trying to drink more water, and another it may be exercising more regularly. The most difficult (but potentially most rewarding) thing I did this year was significantly cutting down on my social media usage. I deleted my Facebook and Instagram entirely, and uninstalled Twitter from my phone. I only check Twitter once or twice daily if I’m on my laptop, and honestly, I don’t miss Facebook at all. While it may not be helpful for everyone, I felt like it freed up a good bit of my time and improved my ability to concentrate.

For Self-Love Saturday, we challenge you to spend a few minutes today to take care of yourself! After you’re done, share your experience with us! What does your self-care regimen look like, and how does it make you feel?

- Alysha ♡

DressHaute Blog