The Scoop is coming to the Willamette Valley!

Yes, the 2011 NW Wedding Scoop is just around the corner of the Willamette Valley, and our local Bridal Pros are very excited to use their expertise to help brides and grooms plan for their special day.

The best thing about the Scoop is that it is the first of its kind: no sales pitches are allowed. This way, the couple and their entourage can comfortably and informally ask questions and get tips from Bridal Pros. On top of that, there is a Man Cave for the grooms, so they can relax and enjoy the planning in their own way. There are also many bridal goodies that will be given away, as well as exclusive discount booklets for wedding services, not offered anywhere else.

This is certainly a bridal event that should not be missed. After all, making informed decisions when planning such an important event can save you a lot of time, stress and overspending. The Scoop is essentially like having a wedding consultant for a day — except the ticket to the Scoop is a considerable amount cheaper. The tickets for both Scoop shows (in the Willamette Valley and Portland) are going fast though, so make sure you get yours in time (you can find them here).

We will be there, and hope to see many of you there too!

Wedding Dresses to Fit Your Body Shape

Shopping for your wedding dress can be just as excruciating as it is exciting, but there are a couple of ways to avoid having a wedding dress-related meltdown. First, keep in mind that wedding dresses are notorious for being sized very small, so don’t panic when you don’t fit into your typical size. Second: knowing what looks good on your body saves you time and frustration when it comes to trying on dresses. So, break out your tape measure, to help you figure out your shape and the style that will look best on you.

Hourglass  Shape
You are an hourglass shape if your bust and hips are about the same measurement – there may be an inch or two’s difference – and your waist is at least four inches smaller than either of these two. Any style of dress usually works for hourglass-shaped women, but a mermaid style dress will accentuate curves in all the right places.

Pear  Shape
You’re pear shaped if your hips are larger than your bust. The pear shape is very common. An A-line dress is typically the most flattering, giving a balanced appearance.

Apple Shape
You have a round/square body type if your waist, bust, and hip measurements are all about the same. You can accentuate your waist with dresses that gather on the hips and bust or have other detailing in those areas.

Petite
5’4″ and under is usually considered petite. Before you visit a salon, make sure they carry petite sizes. An easy way to create length is to look for dresses with vertical seams or detailing. Avoid belts and sashes, and opt for details that draw the eye upward.

Tall
Women 5’9″ and up will want to look for dresses with wide bodices or sashes and large collars or other details. Flared skirts and low necklines are great on this frame.

Best of shopping gown shopping, and have fun!
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For more information on Muse – A Wedding & Event Planning company based out of Portland, Oregon, visit www.eventmuse.biz.   Thanks for stopping by!

Eco Chic Wedding Gowns

For many brides, finding that perfect dress is of utmost importance. . . as it should be. It sets the tone for your wedding day, often elements from the dress help create your style, and it places a bride in the mindset of her wedding day.  For many brides, however, the challenge they face is that constant battle of the perfect dress against the perfect pricetag.  Do I really need a designer dress?  Do I really want to pay that much for a dress I will only wear once? 

There are tons of ways to make your dress an financially-friendly and eco-friendly part of your wedding:

Gorgeous Eco Chic Grecian Wrap Dress

The eco chic dress:  You’ve tried on a dozen dresses, and nothing has screamed “that’s me!” yet, or you are simply not interested in walking into the high end shops that sell dozens of designers and try to pick one.  That style you love, take a look at designers online first – find designers who are doing an eco-chic style and start with shops that carry lines that you know are eco-friendly.

The recycled dress:
Getting a recycled dress is a great way to (1) save money and (2) go green. If you think about it, a recycled dress has really only been worn for about 8 hours, and they’re usually still like new! There are some awesome sites to find gently used gowns. Recycled Bride is a great resource for the eco-savvy bride. They’ve got resources for everything: grooms, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and shoes.

What to do with the dress after the wedding:
Although you may have the urge to save your dress for your hypothetical daughter, think about it carefully. More than likely, (a) the styles of today will not be the styles of your children’s generation, and (b) your daughter will probably give you grief about whatever style you wear.  So, what do you do with your dress? Donate it. The Brides Against Breast Cancer is a great organization for donating your dress. When you donate your dress you’re supporting a good cause and recycling!

Another option for recycling your dress is to style it into something new. I love the idea of creating a new classic dress that you can wear out on your anniversaries – adorable concept and wouldn’t you stun your guy into awe.

You can also sell your dress on recycling websites, and let another bride get as much happiness out of it as you did!

Whether you choose to implement one or all of these ideas, the slightest effort makes a big difference. Good luck!

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For more information on Muse – A Wedding & Event Planning company based out of Portland, Oregon, visit www.eventmuse.biz.   Thanks for stopping by!

Wedding Gown Sale

Still need your dress?  Here’s a great opportunity to get a gown worth buying at a reasonable pricetag!!  The Brides Against Breast Cancer Foundation put on a tour of gowns throughout the US, and the opportunities are unmatched.  Designer labels, custom made gowns, gowns that have never been worn and still have the tags on them… all for a fraction of the cost.

This is a nation tour, the following information is for the sale happening closest to my office in Beaverton, Oregon.  For more info or to find a location near you go to: http://bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/index.html 

Canyon Place Mall
4005 SW 117th Ave. (Between Red Robin and Marshalls)
Beaverton, OR 97005

General Sale – Free Admission
Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Power Hour Preview Shopping Spree – $20 Admission
Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

 

NATIONWIDE TOUR OF GOWNS 

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE” 

“Brides Against Breast CancerTM” gown sales continue to be important fund-raising events for Making Memories. Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer.

The worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals (who donate a most treasured possession) make possible our Nationwide Tour of Gowns sales.  The proceeds from these events help bring a moment of joy into world of someone for whom a cure is too late. 

“Brides Against Breast CancerTM – Nationwide Tour of Gowns” 

This unique opportunity allows brides-to-be a chance to find the gown of their dreams at a remarkable price, while helping to make wishes and memory-making events come true.  Most gown prices range from $99 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000.  *Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at an incredible 25% to 75% savings. We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards. 

REMEMBER – More than half the gowns presented during each event are BRAND NEW DESIGNER GOWNS that arrived directly from designers, manufacturers and bridal retailers.

Our Brides Against Breast CancerTM program has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, with an estimated resale value of over 4 million dollars.  This generous endowment is due in part to Making Memories national media coverage, including magazine articles in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding, Time, Philanthropy World and Modern Bride, along with appearances on, Oprah Winfrey, CNN, MSNBC, Ananda Lewis and hundreds of television and newspaper interviews.

What to Wear for Events 

Be comfortable!  Something that slips on and off easily is recommended, as are comfy shoes.  That being said, however, you might want to consider bringing a pair of heels, wearing a good bra or bringing a low back or strapless one, and doing your hair and makeup.  That will give you a better feel for how you will look on the day-of your wedding.

 Purchase your tix for the Beaverton Sale:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/423213844

Bring the Tour to Your Home Town 

We are searching for donated space to hold “Brides Against Breast CancerTM” charity wedding gown sales in cities nationwide. If you or someone you know has 4,000 – 6,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space available to host our event, please contact mminfo@makingmemories.org.

We welcome you to come check us out at Muse
weddingsandeventsbymuse.com

www.weddingsandeventsbymuse.com