Bridal Gown Cleaning and Preservation

You found the perfect Bridal gown and you had a dream come true Wedding. Now, you are wondering where to take your beloved dress to clean the DIRTY hemline and to remove that lipstick, food or wine stain.

You can treasure your special moment in time with our HAND cleaning and preservation service. A Beautiful Touch deals with a local business (female owned) that has 30 years in the Bridal business. Experience is very important when deciding where to take your priceless gown. Fabrics are delicate and must be handled properly. Also, if you have elaborate and extensive beading or crystals on your gown, the high heat of the machines (at the dry cleaners) can severely damage, melt or destroy that beautifully detailed work.

Your gown will be hand-cleaned to it's original brightness with a special hypo-allergenic solvent. It will then be treated for preservation. The gown and veil will be placed in a window box for you to view. The box will be incased in an outer box for safe storage. This process will take about one to two months. You may take the gown out of the window box if you wish to observe the brightness, then carefully repack for storage.

Please store your gown in room temperature ONLY. Excessive heat will cause a breakdown of the fibers, causing the gown to yellow. DO NOT STORE IN AN ATTIC! Basement storage, due to moisture, may cause mildew.

We do not recommend storing your shoes or slip within the box. Shoes could soil the gown and the slip takes up too much space. There is however, a larger box available if you must include the slip. You may store the garter or pillow.

A HALF deposit is required at the initial drop off and the balance is due upon completion. If you wish to have your gown hand-cleaned and preserved please call me at the Boutique to make an appointment for drop off time and inquire about prices (856-858-3777). We kindly ask that you make an appointment so there is no waiting time.

We can also clean Christening, Communion and formal gowns.

Warm and "Personal" Memories

Many Brides who come into our Boutique are looking for
a personal gift to give to their special Bridesmaids.
One of our best sellers, are these luxury knit chenille robes
that can be personalized with a name, monogram or
title. They not only make a very practical gift but are a
beautiful sentimental one as well.

We are almost half way into the summer:-( and it seems as
though the October Brides are looking around for some ideas.
We even have '10 Brides (as in getting married in 2010),
starting to purchase Wedding accessories for their Big Day!

As you will notice in the photograph above (courtesy AVI Studios),
this picture was taken in a warmer month in
a summer resort location. The personalized robes are
perfect for winter months to keep cozy and even in
the hotter ones as they will help to protect from the
sub-zero temperatures from the cranked up air
conditioners!!!

These robes make wonderful gifts for the future
Bride and Groom too!!!! Perfect with their monograms!!

What's "cooking"?

Brides (and Grooms) just want to have fun!!!
This "cheeky" NEW French style apron is
custom made especially for A Beautiful Touch.

It is perfect for the Bride who has
1-800-Reservations on her speed dial!
The little "quickies" recipe book (in the
Groom's apron pocket) is one of
the fastest selling novelty items in our
Boutique. It is a very cleverly marketed
recipe book that compiles good meals in
thirty minutes or less:)
It is a gift that definitely gets giggles.

The success of our Boutique is due to the
way we mix our elegant merchandise with
the more whimsical gifts. We believe this
is the most memorable time of a woman and
man's life, make it fun!
We are sure here to help with that!!!

Exquisite Jewelry for the Bride

Since our modest beginning, back in September of 2000, we have
come a long way with our selection of Bridal and Wedding
merchandise. Our jewelry "department" made its debut in
October 2005, with a small but distinctive collection of
Swarovski crystal and CZ necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Over the past four years, it has grown to include an
extensive and tremendous collection of some of the prettiest
and finest Bridal jewelry around. We are expanding it even
more, with the addition of four custom made jewelry towers to
hold HUNDREDS of sparkling new jewelry.
Earrings are our specialty. We have a tremendous selection of
Swarovski crystals and Cubic Zirconia's that are perfect for the
Bride, her 'Maids and the entire Bridal party.
The jewelry featured in this post today, is the merchandise
that was purchased in our latest jewelry shopping adventure!
Glamour is our middle name. Crystal chandelier
earrings paired with a beautiful bracelet are real
show-stopping accessories.
Perfect for the Bride or Mother-of-the-Bride
who wants to make a statement.

We will keep you posted on the up coming additions
to our fine jewelry line that is going to be showcased
in our new jewelry towers!!

Real Brides - Beautiful Presentations

A beautiful idea for someone to present a collection of gifts, especially personal apparel for the Bride's Wedding day, night, Honeymoon or happily ever after, is to wrap them in these damask stacked keepsake boxes. Whether the gifts enclosed are a trendy zip-up "Soon to be Mrs." hoody, a cozy terry shower wrap or an elegant peignoir set for the Bride's trousseau, they will make a outstanding presentation.


Our newlywed Bride, Lauren (married June 6, 2009), was lucky enough to receive a beautiful repertoire of personal gifts for her Bridal shower that ranged from hip and chic to sophisticated and refined. These photographs show the blushing Bride opening very special gifts from her mother. Her mom carefully packaged all the items with the most important and traditional piece, her peignoir set, in the bottom box so it would be opened last. The other items consisted of a cute cotton crystal cami set, slippers and a pretty silk chemise.

All of these personalized apparel items and pretty underthings were purchased at our boutique, A Beautiful Touch. The stacked damask boxes are also available as well. This five piece set can be simply wrapped and tied with tulle and adorned with satin ribbons and roses. Or they can be left undecorated since they make quite an impressive presentation on their own.

Thank you Lauren for sharing some of your pictures with me and allowing my readers to view your beautiful day! I am sure they were able to gather a few inspiring ideas:-)

"Tying" the knot

In honor of Father's Day this Sunday, I thought it would be the perfect time to post a video on "tying the knot". Of course, this is a Bridal expression and a play on words but every man should know how to tie a tie well . If you are a Bride-to-be, make sure you take notes!!! Your future Groom may need some assistance:-) Actually, it is a good idea for ALL women to know:-) Why not??

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the devoted, loving and hardworking father's in the world!!!!

Click on the link below to watch a very easy to follow and informative video, I thought it was one of the best. Enjoy!!
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-tie-a-tie-using-a-full-windsor-knot

"What a Wonderful World"

"I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you, and I think to myself what a wonderful world"...

It's time to "take 10" and break away from all the Wedding planning and give your mind a much needed rest and listen to a feel good song. Well, ok, one song but two very different versions. We could all use a beautiful reminder of how "wonderful" the world is around us. This song is so touching, it gives me chills (and sometimes happy tears) every time I hear it and is a perfect choice for your Wedding song list.

The first version is from, of course, Louis Armstrong, the legendary trumpeter. And the second is from Rod Stewart. Although Rockin' Rod is one of my favorites, I think I prefer the original classic by Satchmo. I still love both versions and wanted to share them with my Brides and readers. Enjoy your double dose of such a wonderful song!! (Photo courtesy of digitalphotoartistry.com)

What a wonderful world - Louis Armstrong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5IIXeR5OUI&feature=related


What a wonderful world - Rod Stewart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUmhFyic9A

Calligraphy Guidelines

The term calligraphy comes from two Greek words roughly meaning artistic beauty and writing or drawing. Or in my book, beautiful handwriting. If you are a Bride and interested in using a Calligrapher to address your Wedding invitation envelopes and placecards, look no further:-) I provide HAND calligraphy services through my Wedding boutique, A Beautiful Touch. The above photograph is an example of my writing on a placecard at a client's Wedding (photo courtesy of Ryan Estes).

I have been interested in beautiful writing for a very long time and starting practicing in the ninth grade:-) Also, I studied Interior Design/Architecture in College and was trained as an "old" school draftsman, which means I printed everything by hand INSTEAD of using computer aided design to generate my blueprints.

So with that being said, please use the guidelines I have provided below to get you started with your Wedding guest list. I hope you find this information to be helpful!

1. BEFORE you begin, please peruse an older post called "Addressing Do's and Don'ts" (January 7, 2009) and use this insightful information to guide you. If you have any further questions, or encounter any "creative" living situations you may call me to discuss them at 856-858-3777.
   
2. Please use a WORD format to set up your guest list and NOT Excel.


3. Kindly CENTER all guest names and addresses on the page.
   
4. Please write 10 guest names and addresses per page.
   
5. You may find it helpful to alphabetize your guest list or separate them according to the Bride's family and the Groom's. Do whatever you find is easier.
   
6. Please include YOUR name, address, phone number and date of Wedding on the first page of your guest list.
   
7. Please REVIEW and carefully check your information. I print exactly what you write.
   
8. Please allow a two week lead time depending on the size of your guest list and the volume of Calligraphy work that I currently have.
   
9. If you find that you have any address changes once your guest list is submitted, please e-mail me with them at abeautifultouch@aol.com
   
10. Full payment up front is required by check or cash only. Thank you.
    
    
    

WEDDING GUEST LIST EXAMPLE

Cherie DeSorte
123 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, New Jersey 08108
(Cell) 123-456-7891, (Home) 555-123-4567
Wedding: June 7, 2010



Mr. Santino Amorosia
and Ms. Sophia Lorenzo
6769 Ocean Avenue
Longport, New Jersey 08136
Sonny and Sophia

Please note: The LAST line above is for the INNER envelope.
It is socially acceptable to be informal and address your guests by their first names.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Caldwell
34 Third Avenue
Atco, New Jersey 08004
Michelle and Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kasper
125 BeBeetown Road
Hammonton, New Jersey 08057
Grandmom and Poppy

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Kennedy
777 Paradise Lane
Haddonfield, New Jersey 08003
Cat and Eric

Doctor and Mrs. Robert McIntire
834 Greentree Road
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
Uncle Bob and Aunt Sally
Billy and Kelly


Please continue the same format down the page until you reach 10 guests.

How to avoid a "MOB" scene

Of course by MOB, I mean Mother-of-the Bride. This next post is going to be discussing the Moms' Dress code. This advice is given by N.Y.C. Bridal Atelier owner Mark Ingram as written in InStyle Weddings. I have seen too many times where the Bride is unhappy with the style or color of the dress that her soon to be Mother-in-law chooses for the upcoming Wedding. I am sure that in the very distant future, I too will obtain the title Mother-of-the Groom. I will be certain to archive this post and abide by this information happily:-)

The Bride should take the initiative and tell them what she is wearing.
Both mothers should be taking cues from the Bride. "Let them know the shape, fabric and level of ornamentation of your dress so they can look for outfits that are keeping with the tone," says Ingram. I personally, have many Brides that take both moms on their search for the perfect gown. If this is the case, then this first step will be relatively easy. Although BEWARE of allowing too many people tag along because an abundance of opinions can become frustrating and often confusing.

Send YOUR mom shopping first.
Traditionally, the Mother-of-the Bride buys her dress and then describes it to the Mother-of-the-Groom," says Ingram. "Communication is key." Make sure you are very descriptive about your Mother's dress, send your fiance's Mother a photo or tell her the color, style and designer. You need to do this so she can choose her dress appropriately and not look as though she belongs at a different event. Also, and most importantly, so she is careful not to outshine your Mom!!

Give them guidelines.
As a Bride you can call the shots but make sure you call them tactfully:-) It is well within your rights to steer both Moms toward certain colors or away from them if you want. The strength of your influence will be completely dependant upon their personalities. In a perfect world, the Moms' should follow these rules:

• Keep the choice of dress in the color family. Selecting varying shades of your Wedding palette will make things look very cohesive without being to matchy-matchy.
  
• Nothing overly sexy. Even if Mom has a premier membership at the local gym, ask her to keep the hemline at the knee or below and the neckline on the conservative side. I know a few "older" women who still think they are in their 20's and dress like their teenage daughter and friends. Make sure they dress age appropriate!
  
• Their drama level should be below yours. If your dress has sleeves, theirs shouldn't be strapless; if you're wearing a sheath they shouldn't be in ball gowns. I think this guideline is important and not quite as obvious as the previous two suggestions.
  
• No white. Period. According to Mark Ingram, "you would be surprised at how many moms and Mothers-in-law convince themselves that a "cream" dress is appropriate.

There are several dress boutiques that are local (and one not so local) to A Beautiful Touch that I would highly recommend and have included links to their websites. I have heard many positive reviews and have had plenty of happy customers that have patronized these fine stores.

http://marlenesdressshop.com/ - Collingswood, NJ

http://jansboutiqueonline.com/ - Cherry Hill, NJ

http://fashionsbypenina.com/ - Marlton, NJ

http://sterlingsofnewhope.com - New Hope, PA

Have a seat please!

During the past few days, I have found some really great articles and pretty cool websites that I think may be of value to you. Since I have many upcoming Weddings in the next three months, I know there will be many Brides planning the seating arrangements for their Wedding guests.

This can get a bit tricky especially if you have a large guest list or unfortunately have feuding family members or divorced parents that are not on good speaking terms:-( I found this website through Brides Magazine and thought it was a little bit like playing musical chairs! I logged onto this site to experiment with a trial run and found it relatively simple and straight forward to understand. You can add tables of various styles and sizes and move them anywhere on the screen. You can also drag and drop guest names as easy as can be and save several versions to see which one works best. Additionally, you can import a guest list from an Excel or Word file. This site can be used for planning the seating arrangement for any party or celebration!

There is a $20 fee for this service and it is good for 6 months. There is a money back guarantee within 7 days if you are not satisfied. I think it is well worth the cost for the convenience. Good luck!

http://www.toptableplanner.com/tableplan.php