This Sunday: Gown Sale at the Bridal Boutique!

It is hard to believe how quickly costs mount when preparing for a wedding.  It seems there are just too many "must haves" and "cannot do withouts" for that special day.

Breaking news!  Here is a refreshing change - the chance to SAVE money on a wedding-related purchase!  This Sunday, The Bridal Boutique, located in Honolulu (O'ahu), Hawai'i, will host their Mid-Year Sale, featuring a whopping 40% off dresses!

In previous years, the salon was practically bursting at the seams on this one-day-only event, and this year promises to be another huge hit!  To be able to take advantage of the sale, the key is to pre-order the dresses and get slotted for a time on sale day, so that come Sunday, you are simply in to pay, and out thereafter to experience the satisfaction of having procured the dress - the holy grail of wedding trousseaus.

Charisse chose a stunning lace gown from The Bridal Boutique for her special day.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Of critical importance is scheduling appointments, for the pre-sale consultation, and for payment on sale day, so be sure to call (808) 597-8893 to reserve your time slots.  The Bridal Boutique is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10:00am - 6:00pm; and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm and is located at 627 South Street, Suite 101 in Honolulu.

Happy Dress Shopping!

Mona

neu events

formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona

Tips and Advice: bringing your wedding gown to Hawaii

Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

For destination brides traveling to Hawai'i for their wedding, we suggest bringing "the one" (your very special wedding gown) with you as a carry on when flying here, rather than checking it in as luggage. Upon arrival in the islands, get it professionally pressed or steamed, by a reputable bridal salon to ensure that it looks its absolute best for your big day. Call the bridal salons in advance, as not all salons will treat gowns that were not purchased there. Some hotels will even provide steaming/pressing services, but check with bridal salons first, as they would be most accustomed to dealing with such specialty garments.

Upon receiving your gown in pristine condition after being pressed or steamed, minimize the likelihood of any wrinkles from setting in by immediately removing the gown from its garment bag, unhooking the train, and spreading out the train. Shoot for pick up or delivery of your gown for the day prior to your wedding. The idea is to have your gown in your possession for as little time as possible, thereby preventing your significant other from accidentally seeing your gown, and from you having to transport the gown during which time more creases could be created.

I hope you are looking forward to getting married here in our island state. Happy planning!

Say 'Yes' to the Dress - in Hawaii

Photo by Chrissy Lambert

This morning's episode of Say 'Yes' to the Dress inspired me to pen a few words about the wedding gown market in Hawaii versus in major metropolitan areas on the "mainland" (continental U.S.). Many brides on the show set their budgets around $3,000 - $4,500 and donned gowns in the $3,500 - $6,800 range. These gowns, styled in luxurious fabrics and studded with stunning embellishments dropped jaws, moved brides to tears, and at times, caused sticker shock, but saying "yes" to almost double the original budget on the gown? Say what???

In many ways, the pretty penny charged for sumptuous gowns created by top designers is justifiable, considering the talent, workmanship, and materials that go into such a gown, and especially for such a momentous occasion. Fortunately or unfortunately, the higher end designer gowns barely exist here in Hawaii. This is in part attributed to the fact that many brides locally continue to include the cost of the bridesmaids' dresses in their attire budget, footing the bill not only for the bridesmaids' dresses, but also for their own gown. Many brides here set a ballpark figure of $1,500 for their gown, and local salons offer a wide selection of beautiful gowns at the lower price range of several hundred to under three thousand dollars.

For those desiring gowns from top designers, local gown salons can order some of them, or brides can purchase their gown on the mainland. Contrarily, for destination brides getting married in Hawaii, they can either bring their designer gown with them on the plane, or they can shop for very reasonably priced gowns while on a planning trip here (ideally half a year prior to the wedding date or a little more). The good thing is, pretty gowns can be found at every price point so brides can say "yes" to a gown at a price they prefer.