Great Idea----- The Reality---

There are so many things that seem like fabulous ideas! Upon closer inspection, those fabulous ideas have outcomes where the reality is perhaps not exactly what one had hoped! Every week we see brides (and a groom or two) who have purchased and are attempting to use the next great thing. In the interest of our beloved clients, we'll talk about just a few of those things.

R*escue Tape:

• also known as Hollywood Fa*shion Tape, and under several other brand names. Always cleverly packaged with cartoony faces of happy smiling women who now have garments that never let them down. The reality is that brides sweat. (Also known as perspiring delicately!) When this tape gets a bit moist it looses it's stick and can become a gummy mess. Ack.

The better choice:

• GOOD Alterations! There is absolutely no getting around having bridal gowns as well as bridesmaid's dresses professionally altered. Know your alterations lady------ have you seen her work? Do others rave about her? It matters, trust us. The alternative is upon arriving at the hotel or church to get ready for the Big Day a dress sags, bags, slips or otherwise looks icky and there is no fix. Not a long lasting, good looking fix. The second choice is that when you have hired BBP someone will be there with a needle and thread and Plan B!

Garment Hanger Loops:

• Most brides and their attendants swear they were created to drive them mad! Often they are cut off with a quick snip and not much thought to it.

The better choice:

• DO NOT cut off your hanger loops unless you absolutely must! A hanger loop NEVER cuts off cleanly as it is sewn into the garment itself, it leaves a nubbly little bit of loop that sticks out. What generally happens is this little remainder rubs throughout the day, and suffice it to say that it rubs in a delicate place where such friction frequently causes an ugly, often sore spot. Ouch! Opt to tuck IN these hanger loops instead, a much more comfortable choice. If you absolutely have to cut off the loops, cut them off leaving enough of the tail to gently tack down and out of sight with needle and thread. The obvious here is to please try on dresses before you get to the hotel/church and make any adjustments well in advance.

Tide Pens:

• We love a good T*ide Pen......... the stain removal stick that has and will saved us all from errant spaghetti sauce or grubby mark. However.......... on the fabric that makes a wedding gown or bridesmaids dress (tightly woven with an often slippery finish)---- a T*ide Pen can be a less than great choice. Not because of the product itself but because of the delivery system. The small pointed pen tip is less than effective on larger areas, or areas where you can't readily "get into" with another hand to offer pressure to the stain.
  

Better choice:

• In your emergency bag, Sh*out wipes are very often a better choice. Think larger surface area, better control. Of course remember if you have encountered a bad stain all of the stain removal products in the world will not save you! NO colored liquids while wearing your finery, and be careful with lipstick wearers and kids with grubby hands. The hem of your bridal gown WILL get grimy............ a fact of life. A product with a "wipe" will be easier to knock back the dirt a notch or two than a pen tip.

We will address the "emergency bag" in the near future, for the most part they are way overpacked. It is an easy and inexpensive task to pack a bag that will cover your needs and not weigh 39 pounds!