A Formal Affair

Photo courtesy of Kathlin Argiro.

One of the things that brides have the most trouble deciding upon is an amazing color scheme for their big event. There is SO much more to this decision than just picking a pretty color for the bridesmaids’ dresses! What about flowers? Mens’ accessories? The table linens? The centerpieces? The invitations? How will the selected colors actually look together?

Thanks to Jill, one of our store managers, A Formal Affair now has an incredible tool to help brides with color selection! Jill has created an awesome “book of colors” that includes swatches and sample ideas from EVERY color family you can possibly imagine!

Wondering how a warm brown would look with an earthy green, or how hot pink will look with bright oranges and yellows? Come see us! We can help you to select the proper hues to create a unique and spectacular event!

Written by: Lisa Miller

A Formal Affair will be closed all weekend, February 6th – 7th due to the heavy snow.   We were hoping to open today, but after an hour of shoveling, we couldn’t make it out of the driveway, but we tried!  The good news is that if you were planning to attend the Sincerity Trunk Show this weekend, we have extended it through Monday, February 15th (President’s Day).  If you already have an appointment, please feel free to let us know when you would like to reschedule.  While we’re closed, you’re welcome to view our website and blog to plan your dream wedding from the comfort of your home.  We will reopen Tuesday, February 9th from 12-7.

Enjoy the snow and relax at home this weekend!

Debbie

Our beautiful models were styled to perfection by Salon Emage!

Guess what? A Formal Affair’s Bridal University is going to be featured on WUSA9 News! A news producer and cameraman visited our store in January to cover this exciting story! Store president Debbie Richards was interviewed about our fabulous Bridal University program which features free monthly seminars for area brides! The day was very exciting because we were joined by several vendors / future Bridal University “professors”. Our prestigious faculty of wedding experts included Salon Emage, Fauquier Springs, Legends Catering, and Shelley’s Floral Designs. All in all, the day was a huge successs!

As soon as we know the exact air date and time, we will let you know! Thanks to everyone who helped with this fabulous project!

Written by: Lisa Miller

For the third year in a row, A Formal Affair has been selected as a pick for The Knot Best of Weddings magazine. The bridal boutique received this honor due to the options it provides budget conscious brides, as well as its dedication to customer satisfaction.  The continued recognition by The Knot, a leader in wedding publications, solidifies A Formal Affair’s spot as one of the most recognized and reputable bridal boutiques in the United States.

The designation was given to the bridal boutique after The Knot surveyed 20,000 brides.  The brides gave detailed information about every business they used for their wedding.  A large number of questions were asked, including questions about the creativity and professionalism of the businesses.   

After the survey was conducted, The Knot tabulated and then compiled into The Knot Best of Weddings, which is available on newsstands, bookstores and TheKnot.com/shop.  The publication serves as a regional resource for brides across the United States.  Brides are able to find their location and then see how bridal vendors rated next to others in their region.

A Formal Affair is very pleased to receive the honor of placement in The Knot Best of Weddings once again, and believes the boutique has managed to stay on top because of their ability to deliver elegant gowns and accessories to customers, even during difficult economic times.

Debbie Richards, the president of A Formal Affair’s Warrenton store, notes the store works to meet the budgetary and style needs of customers. Richards states the store also has style consultants onsite to help future brides pick the perfect dress. 

The store president also notes the prestige that comes with recognition by The Knot.  The Knot is a leading wedding brand and offers engaged couples an award-winning website, books, magazines and broadcast specials. The Knot appeals to a diverse demographic of brides and A Formal Affair is excited to help each demographic pick out dresses and accessories for their wedding.

 Information from official press release utilized in this post.

Have you heard about Bridal University?

A Formal Affair kicked off our yearlong series of free bridal seminars (titled Bridal University) on Sunday, January 24th! We presented one mini-class on creating a bridal planning timeline, and a second class on wedding gowns.

The brides who attended got lots of valuable information and asked lots of questions! We had a wonderful time meeting these brides and their friends and offering them wedding advice!

Thank you so much for participating, ladies!

Our second session will be held on the last Sunday of February…look for details in the near future!

Written by: Lisa Miller

Every bride struggles with the repeated question “What are your wedding colors?” Color is critically important in creating a mood and overall look for your special day! If you are unsure of which colors would be most stylish, why not consider Pantone’s (experts in color palettes for both fashion, graphic design, and interior design) color of the year for 2010: turquoise!                                                                                              

“Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing,” according to the Pantone color experts.

Bright, but tranquil, turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

This makes turquoise an amazing choice for weddings! Bridesmaids will be delighted to wear this flattering tone, and flowers of any hue would look gorgeous against this color! Chocolate brown or black tuxedos could coordinate with turquoise accessories. A Formal Affair carries a full selection of bridesmaids’ dresses available in this hue and can easily assist brides in coordinating men’s accessories such as ties and vests! For a fun touch, the bride could even wear a turquoise shoe!

Written by: Lisa Miller

A Formal Affair is pleased to announce it will be hosting a series of “Wedding University” seminars for local brides and members of their wedding parties.

The events will kick off in January with monthly seminars covering several topics to educate future brides. On Sunday, January 24at 1:00 p.m., the store will host informational sessions titled:

“Where do I Start? Wedding Planning Timeline- What to do when”
In this workshop, your wedding professor will discuss how to remain calm and organized throughout the entire process of planning your wedding. A detailed timeline and bridal checklist will be provided as your textbook!

“Wedding Gown 101 Considerations for Selecting the Perfect Bridal Gown”
In this course, you will learn all about wedding gown styles and trends! You will graduate as a true bridal gown fashionista!

Throughout the next 12 months the store plans to present additional Bridal University seminars to assist brides with a great variety of wedding planning topics.

Local experts in various aspects of wedding planning will be featured at many of the Bridal University seminars. Some of the planned topics include:

My Girls are soo Different! Advice for Bridesmaid Dress Selection

Taming Your Men: Tips for stress-free tuxedo ordering

Strike A Pose! Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

The Power of Flowers: Working With a Florist To Create Your Dream Wedding

By Invitation Only: Selecting Your Wedding Invitations and Stationary

Flowergirl and Ring Bearer Cookie Party and Seminar: Why Your Job Is So Special

Sweet Escapes: Selecting and Designing Your Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake

Who Is In Charge Here? Why a Wedding Planner Can Be Helpful

What a Trip! Planning Your Honeymoon

Photo courtesy of Maggie Sottero.

Oh, You Beautiful Bride! A Guide to Bridal Hair and Makeup

Debbie Richards, President of A Formal Affair commented, “As we meet with prospective brides, they are feeling overwhelmed with the wedding planning process. We think there is a need to provide some helpful assistance from wedding experts to provide some important considerations in their planning.”

Prospective brides who wish to participate in the Wedding University seminars are encouraged to pre-register in person at A Formal Affair or via telephone (540-347-5126) or email (info@formalaffair.us).

Written by: Lisa Miller