{Vendor Spotlight} Sticks & Stems Floral Studio

Who: Lori Grover from Sticks & Stems Floral Studio, based out of Waterdown, Ontario.

How It All Started

What inspired you to become a floral designer and start your own business?
I got my first job in a flower shop about 12 years ago. An opportunity came up from a designer who offered to train me and I was hooked! I've been a florist ever since. I decided to open up Sticks & Stems while on maternity leave with my son. I knew I wanted a lifestyle that allowed me to have a good work/life balance.

How did you come up with the name for your company?
A brainstorming session with my husband.

Why the wedding industry?
Weddings have always been my favourite part of floral design. I enjoy the freedom of creating different looks and styles. One weekend it may be a rustic, natural look, the next a vintage theme, and then a romantic glamorous affair. I love mixing things up!

How would you describe your floral design style?
Modern and fun with an emphasis on the details.

In your opinion, why is hiring a professional florist so important for weddings?
I'm a big believer in DIY but I don't recommend going it alone with your wedding flowers. If using fresh flowers (and I hope brides out there are) the arrangements have to be made either the day of or the day before your wedding. Brides should be pampering themselves and relaxing, not getting a hand full of rose thorns! The longevity and overall look of the arrangements depend on the quality of flowers as well as proper care and handling. You don't want wilted or browning flowers the day of your wedding. If a bride decides to do a DIY project, I would recommend doing a sample well ahead of time so they know what they're getting themselves into!

How soon should a bride book and confirm her florist?
On average 6 to 9 months before the wedding date. I've done weddings with as little as 1 month's notice and as much as 18 months.

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
I generally make all my designs the day before, so for me the day of involves delivery and set up. Sometimes this includes one drop, and others 3 or 4 deliveries and partially assembling pieces on site. Every wedding day is different for me.

What makes you stand out from other vendors?
Personalized service. I really try to get to know my brides so I have a good idea of their overall vision for the day. I stay flexible with times for consults, and do day, evening and weekend appointments because I know my brides are busy. I do a lot of consultations over coffee, and recently went to the home of a bride with a 2 month old baby. I do whatever I can to make the planning process effortless and fun.

Having Fun And Getting Personal

What trends have you loved, hated, missed and/or are glad have come back?
I love that a lot of brides are mixing things up with the centre pieces. Either doing different designs, varying vases, or groupings on the tables makes things much more interesting.

What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

1. People tend to think I'm very relaxed and laid back, while I'm actually a perfectionist bordering on control freak.
2. If I won the lottery I would still run my business.
3. I've been know to watch cartoons even when my son isn't around.

What tips would you give brides to maximize their budget when picking flowers?

Openly talk budget with your florist. There's no point falling in love with a $100 centre piece if your budget is $25. Try to get an idea of what you want to spend so your florist can suggest ways to sill achieve a great look, while staying within your budget. If you're on a really tight budget, choose one type of cost effective flower and own it! Make your bouquets all babies breath or a mound of carnations. The key to still getting a great, modern look is to use one variety, one colour, and no greens or fillers. Keep it simple and clean.

If you can give a couple only one piece of advice before their wedding day, what would it be?
Try not to stress too much. Remember what it's all about, you're in love! Relax, have fun, and take it all in because the day goes by in a flash.

Final Thoughts

What is new for Spring and Summer for Sticks &Stems?

Lots of fun weddings this season. Keep an eye out for new pictures posted on my site and Facebook page.

How can readers connect with you?

• Email: lori@sticksandstems.ca
• Phone: (289) 895-9758
• Website: http://www.sticksandstems.ca/
• Blog: http://www.sticksandstems.ca/blog.php
• Facebook: click here

{Style Shoot} Tiffany Blue Inspired Wedding Decor

Style shoots are all the rage these days in the wedding industry and we couldn't resist sharing this fabulous photo shoot styled by Rachel A Clingen Wedding, Event & Seasonal Design and photographed by Purple Martini Photography from Orangeville, Ontario.

I'm obsessed with Tiffany's (they were the inspiration for my own wedding invitations) and hope you are too. Here are a few of my favourite shots from the photo shoot.

Tell us, what has inspired the decor for your special event?

*All images courtesy of Purple Martini Photography and Rachel A Clingen Wedding, Event & Seasonal Design

Vendor Spotlight: This Fine Day Online Wedding Boutique

Who: Christine Shelton of This Fine Day, an online wedding boutique selling hand crafted wood place card holders, candle holders and handmade hair accessories, located in Portland, Oregon USA.

How It All Started

What inspired you to open your Etsy shop?
Actually my friend was preparing for her wedding and wanted to add a bit of Portland to her destination wedding in Fresno, California, and asked me if I knew anyone who could make some little round stump place card holders. My husband used to run a contracting business and had all sorts of saws, and we also had a shed full of wood from a fallen tree, so, I told her to give me an hour and I would make one for her. It was perfect and just what she wanted. We made 200 of them for her wedding and about a week later I decided to put a few up online to see if anyone else would be interested in them. It turned out they were a hit there too. Now I'm focusing on developing new products and keeping up with other wedding trends however the rustic wedding theme never seems to go out of style luckily!

How did you come up with the name for your company?
I remember thinking of the band A Fine Frenzy and how their songs and videos made me feel. I wanted the name to be sweet and simple but memorable. I liked the flow of A Fine Frenzy, especially the word fine. I figured This Fine Day would embrace the present tense: while every day is a fine one, collectively you are building the blocks towards that special day (your wedding day).

How long have you been in business?
This Fine Day has been open since May 2010 however, I also run a jewelry shop one Etsy that has been in business since 2009. When I opened the jewelry shop, I always paid special attention to the Etsy success stories, tips, articles and the seller handbook to help me learn what would and would not work with setting up shop (with images etc.) When This Fine Day started to take off, I really put my research to work to build my shop and shortly after (October 16, 2010) I quit my job as a web publisher to work for myself full time.

Why the wedding industry?
I kind of just fell into it. I was planning my wedding while I opened my shop and was very into DIY projects and organic products. While I was planning my wedding simultaneously with my friend, I realized just how much people spend for that one day even if they are trying to keep a low budget. People will always get married no matter what the economy looks like, I just need to have a broad range of products to accommodate every type of budget.

How soon should a bride place their place cards and other accessories?
My goal is to have orders shipped within 5-7 days by priority mail (so orders arrive 2-3 days after shipping). I recommend planning for 10 days total before you need the product. I am able to accommodate rush orders and have successfully delivered products to the brides front door in 5 days total.

What makes your Etsy shop so unique?
My market research shows that there is only one other wood shop that has more than 85% of their items geared to the wedding industry. At This Fine Day, when an order comes through I am the only one who handles it from beginning to end, allowing me to stay organized, prioritize orders as well as offer superior quality control over each place card holder I produce.

What are 3 must have items from your shop you think every bride should have?
That's tough because not every bride can incorporate wood products into their wedding theme. So from that perspective I'd say the Ring Pillow because it comes with a variety of different coloured flowers and ribbons, the Ivory Chiffon Hair Flower and the Custom Love Bird Wedding Signs.

Having Fun And Getting Personal

What do you do when you’re not creating and designing custom favours?
You can find me spending time with my amazing friends, my 2 year old nephew and family, playing bass in a local rock band called Love Lies Dying, cooking, dreaming, running, painting, and designing web pages...whew!

What are 5 things people don’t know about you?
Well there isn't much that my friends and family don't know about me but I'd have to say the following for everyone else:

1. I feel inclined and almost determined to do a dare if confronted with it.
2. I'm pretty reserved but can bust out some mean moves on the dance floor. Including but not limited to the worm and what I have trade marked as a "happy dance". It really can get quite hilarious at times!
3. Apparently I'm a pool shark. For years I was terrible at billiards and was determined to turn that around, and have finally succeeded.
4. I'm deathly afraid of heights and of growing old.
5. The one thing I wish I could do but can't is sing.

 Final Thoughts

What is new for Spring/Summer 2011 for This Fine Day?
A line of bridal jewelry, possibly cake stands (need a large band saw) and  centerpieces.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would love to hear ideas for custom orders or new products if anyone is inclined.

How can readers connect with you?

• Website: http://thisfineday.etsy.com/
• Email: thisfinedaypdx@gmail.com
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thisfinedaypdx
• Blog: http://thisfinedaypdx.tumblr.com/



{Bridal Fashion} Ivanka Trump 2011 Shoe Collection

Photo Source: IvankaTrump.com

While we're big fans of business woman, socialite, heiress and fashion model turned designer, Ivanka Trump, we're even bigger fans of her wardrobe. From her business attire on the hit show The Apprentice, where she acts as boardroom judge (side by side with her brother and father), to her more elegant bridal look, we just can't get enough of this girls fashion. That's why we were so pleased to hear of her new footwear collection that featured a white line of dress shoes, perfect for bridal wear.

Here are a few of our most favourite styles, whether worn with a bridal gown, by the mother of the bride or simply paired with the perfect outfit for a girls night out on the town, we think these shoe's are fabulous, don't you?

Photo Source: IvankTrumpFootwear.com

More on Ivanka Trump fashion:

• 2009 Wedding pictures from Popsugar
• Ivanka Trump website

Vendor Spotlight: Frilly Bits

Be Memorable, Be Gorgeous, Be "Frilly"

Who: Mother and daughter duo Kalee McTaggart and Wendy Widdicombe of Frilly Bits, located in Grimsby, Ontario.

How It All Started

How did you get involved in designing hair accessories for weddings and other special occasions?
My [Kalee’s] husband is from the UK and hair accessories are huge over there. I would always bring them back from our UK trips and would wear them to special occasions (weddings and other social functions) and would get tons of compliments on them. When a friend of mine was getting married a few years ago, she asked to borrow one of my hair accessories because she didn’t want to pay the exorbitant amount at a bridal shop. I decided to do one better, I made her her own, custom piece. On the day of the wedding the salon where we got our hair done asked me for my business card so that they could promote my business. It was then that I realized I was on to something exciting and thus our business was born.

What inspired you to start your own business?
We have always wanted to work in the wedding industry. When we eventually came up with the idea of creating custom hair pieces, we knew we had to start our own business.

How did you come up with the name for your company?
A close friend’s mom, who is also English, commented on one of my hairpieces one day. She said “What a lovely little frilly bit.” We loved her way of describing it so much we decided to name our company Frilly Bits.

How long have you been in business and how many years of experience do you hold personally?
We just recently passed our one year anniversary but we have gained quite the momentum and following. We have created custom hairpieces for over 90 brides and clients, and we have even been worn, on air, by Dina Pugliese,  Co-Host of Breakfast Television (BT). In addition, we have been asked by BT’s segment producer, April Kalloo to create a hairpiece for her upcoming wedding. We’re thrilled!

Ok ladies, why the wedding industry?
I have always wanted to work in the wedding industry. After planning my own wedding I realized what a fun, exciting and rewarding industry it is. Wendy and I have always been extremely creative so we knew it had to be something that would utilize our creative abilities.

Since we're talking fashion and accesories, how would you describe your style?
Our style is the perfect combination of classic, vintage and modern. One of our gorgeous brides said this about our style, “Frilly Bits' style combines the best of both classic glamour and contemporary flair. They build upon the decorative and ornate style coming out of the early to mid 20th century and combine it with a contemporary sensibility. Together this makes all the pieces seem both unique, and slightly vintage but also completely part of current fashions.”

How long does it take you to make a customized hairpiece?
It depends on what our client is looking for. If we have all the supplies in stock, we can generally have the piece complete within one week from the original consultation. If we need to custom order or dye certain supplies, then the time frame will be extended according to shopping or processing times.

How soon should a bride place an order with Frilly Bits?
Generally we like to recommend the bride order a piece from us as soon as she knows what she wants to do with her hair/veil/hairpiece. That way we have enough time from consultation, to design, to creation, to make sure it’s what the bride wants.

We certainly know why we love Frilly Bits, but what do you think makes your product so unique?
Frilly Bits is unique because we are able to take a bride’s vision and personality and translate it into a show stopping, custom piece that celebrates her personal style. We don’t stop at hairpieces though. We can create everything from boutonniere alternatives, flower girl and bridesmaid hairpieces, corsage alternatives, cake toppers, clutches with frilly bits on them, custom sashes with flowers, shoe clips, rings, ANYTHING that helps the bride create a cohesive vision for her big day.

Time for Girl Talk

What trends have you noticed come and gone over the years?
Many trends have come and gone over the years but we are seeing that vintage is one that seems to be staying. Our pieces have a vintage flair to them to begin with, but we can take that a step further by adding vintage jewellery into the piece or we can take a bride’s family heirloom (like a Grandmother’s brooch, for instance) and incorporate it into the piece for their something old. A few other trends that seem to have staying power are peacock themed weddings, bride’s incorporating black into their ensembles and bride’s adding custom items to further embellish their look from hairpieces to adding a sash to their otherwise
simple gown.

What trends have you loved, hated, missed and/or are glad have come back?
There aren’t really any trends that we hate. We are thrilled that the vintage trend seems to have real staying power, it’s such a fun and gorgeous theme!

Having Fun and Getting Personal:

What do you do when you’re not designing or creating accessories?
We both love to travel, love shopping, cooking, reading, writing and getting together with good friends

What is your favourite piece from your current collection?
Kalee: My favorite piece right now would have to be Robin Custom and Catherine Custom. They both have a vintage feel and are very feathery and ethereal looking.

Wendy: I love our custom sashes, they are such a gorgeous way to jazz up a simple wedding gown or a bridesmaid dress.

If you were stranded on a deserted Island, what is one item you couldn’t live without?
Aside from food? I think we would both say music. We’re both huge music people!

Are you Tim Hortons or Starbucks kind of gals?
Starbuck’s, without a doubt!

Final Thoughts

What is new for Spring/Summer 2011 for Frilly Bits?
This Spring/Summer we are doing a lot of bright colours in dupioni silk and crepe satin. We have also been creating a lot of grey pieces, a colour that seems to be very popular these days.

If you can give a couple only one piece of advice before their wedding day,what would it be?
Our advice would be to enjoy the planning process. It is such an incredibly fun time in your life, you are planning a day that celebrates the love and special commitment you are making with your best friend. Nothing could be better! :)

How can readers connect with you?

• Website: http://www.frillybits.ca/
• Phone: (905) 902-6315
• Email: fillybits@gmail.com
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/frilly_bits or @frilly_bits
• Facebook group, click here

*Images provided by Frilly Bits

Vendor Spotlight: Kettle Creek Weddings

We sat down with Wayne Prevett, Co-Founder of Kettle Creek Weddings to find out what couples need to know about booking a wedding officiant. We also had to ask, what makes these wedding officiants so unique?

What made you decide to be an officiant?
My wife Rosanne and I are both ordained ministers, which is mandatory in the province of Ontario to have a license to marry, so we had been marrying people for many years already before we launched Kettle Creek Weddings.

I see you are the co-founder of Kettle Creek Weddings, what made you decide to get started in this business?
My wife, Rosanne and I were already serving non-church families and we saw an increasing need to expand to other people outside of the city we lived in.

Have you seen any interesting/new trends pop up in regards to wedding ceremonies over the last few years?
Yes anything goes! Locations like centre ice, baseball diamonds, any day of the week, any dress code goes. Couples are also have more of an interest in choosing their vows, readings, etc

What is your favourite thing about marrying a couple?
To be invited to the the couples most intimate celebration.

What is your favourite part of the wedding ceremony?
When I get to inspire or motivate the couple in their journey.

What are some things couples need to know when booking an officiant? 
They need to book us right after the venue. There is no wedding without us! Also, couples shouldn't make their decision based on price. Officiants are the least expensive part of the day, but we are the most important part, without us it would just be an expensive wedding themed party.

What advice would you give to a couple who is nervous about saying their vows, or having their vows memorized?
We would tell them not to worry, we don't encourage vow memorization (we prompt 99.9% of all couples).

To learn more about Kettle Creek Weddings and the services they provide, visit them at http://www.kcwmain.com/. Also, don't forget to Like their page on Facebook.


{Photo Source: Kettle Creek Weddings, Picasa Album}



Vendor Spotlight: Couture Cupcakes

Christa, we absolutely love Couture Cupcake Boutique, we're practically addicted! How did you get into the cupcake business?
Since I was a child, baking has been a passion of mine (making beautiful, edible works of art). While I was on maternity leave with my first child, I decided to pursue my passion for making custom edible creations. Couture Cupcake Boutique was established in February 2010. Cupcakes appealed to me because of the versatility they offer; different flavours, styles and themes in each cupcake can be incorporated for any event.

Besides the flavours listed on your website, are any new flavours and/or designs in the works for 2011?
We are working on a Prince & Princess cupcake to be available in the new year with kid-friendly ingredients (also free of artificial flavours). We are also launching the Lola Pupcake this month which is a dog-friendly cupcake for your favourite pup.

What kind of cupcake would you recommend to someone planning a winter themed wedding?
The Marilyn cupcake a rich red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, is elegant and the vibrant red colour is sure to catch every one's attention at a chic winter wedding.

What is the most popular cupcake at Couture Cupcake Boutique?
The Marilyn cupcake is our most popular. Second in line is Strawberries & Champagne, closely followed by Autumn Love.

If you could be any flavour of cupcake, what would you be?
If I could be any cupcake I would choose to be the Amaretto Sour because that is my favourite cocktail!

Are you having any special holiday contests, sales or giveaways?

Our website has a monthly specials page which is currently offering our Christmas special. If you join our Facebook page, we have monthly contests as well.

How can our readers contact Couture Cupcake Boutique if they want to check out all your yummy flavours, pricing etc?

You can follow us Twitter @couturecupcakeb and keep a look out in 2011 for our upcoming blog for the cupcake connoisseurs. Also, check out our Facebook page or our website for more information.

Is there anything else about Couture Cupcake Boutique you'd like our readers to know?

Absolutely, we can work with any event or budget, hand craft each cupcake with the finest ingredients and strive to customize each to your vision. Also, Couture Cupcake Boutique will be opening a store front in the near future, check our website for updates!

Vendor Spotlight: Calculated Style Photography

We love discovering local vendors for our brides and one of our favourite types to explore are photographers. From traditional, editorial, contemporary or fashion photographers, we love them all and just can't seem to get enough.

This month we sat down with Aron Goss, owner of Calculated Style Photography (in Milton, Ontario) to find out just what makes him tick as a professional wedding photographer.

We asked Aron this simple question: What are some things you want your clients to know about you?

Aron's answer: A few things I want clients to know about me (and wedding photography in general) are:

• This is my full time job and your wedding photography deserves the attention only a professional can truly deliver. 
• Wedding photography is completely different from any other photography industry. While you might have a friend that takes incredible pictures, you only have one chance to walk down the aisle and if the shot is missed, it cannot be recreated. Professional wedding photographers know how to pose a crowd, work with any situation you might deal with, have back up equipment and can shoot in low light. I would really recommend whomever you decide to have capture your wedding, that they be prepared to handle these situations.
• I want to make sure my images stand the test of time. Your wedding images should be proudly displayed on the walls of your house for the rest of your lives. I worry that the trendy processing a lot of photographers are using at the moment will look rather dated in five or ten years down the road.
• I stress to any couple searching for a wedding photographer to insist that their potential photographers show them a few full weddings. Anyone can get lucky with a few shots but consistency is where your money should be spent.

To learn more about Calculated Style Photography visit their website and be sure to check out their blog too.

Fashion Friday: Chunky Meets Elegant

{Photo Source}

Whimsical and Feminine Boutique Style Jewelry Designed to
Help Today’s Woman Go from Simple to Stylish in a Snap

The concept for the Stella & Dot jewelry collection began a few years ago when serial entrepreneur and mother-of-two Jessica Herrin had a vision to create a company to help today's busier than ever women succeed with a balanced life. As a successful executive and co-founder of WeddingChannel.com, she wanted to apply her talents to addressing the modern woman's dilemma.

Part of Jessica's plan for Stella & Dot was to create a “must-have” jewelry collection that would compete, both in terms of price and quality, with trendy shops and online stores. And that it does.

Stella & Dot carries a wide selection of trendy and stylish pieces that are not only unique, but also affordable for your everyday and/or special occasion accessory. Even celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Deborah Messing and Parris Hilton have caught the Stella & Dot bug and who can blame them as each piece is not only beautiful, they're created from high-quality materials such as sterling silver, gold vermeil and semi-precious stones.

Click here to check out some of Hollywood's most talked about A-listers who've sported a piece or two from this jeweller.

To browse Stella & Dot's Bridal Boutique, click here.

*All information from Stella & Dot Press Release

Vendor Spotlight: Green Diva Bridal Jewellery

Green jewellery? We're sure the concept sounds pretty foreign to you with visions of hemp bracelets dancing in your head. Thankfully, eco-friendly jewellery doesn't have to screem DIY project if you shop at Green Diva.

How do the gals at Green Diva keep their jewellery environmentally friendly? Well, for starters, 95% or more of the gold and silver they use is 100% recycled. Secondly, all of their gemstones and pearls are sourced from suppliers and miners who practice fair trade and abide by certain environmental standards.

Did we mention that even their packaging is recycled? No ugly jewellery boxes used here. Green Diva uses recycled wedding dresses to create their packaging.

"Our adorable eco-friendly Wedding Dress Pouch™ is made with old, reclaimed weddings gowns purchased second hand. They are double-layered with fabric and handmade for a durable, lasting construction. The Wedding Dress Pouch™ is designed to protect pearls and gems from nicks and scratches. It is built with a drawstring closure that will also keep most air out of the bag when the jewellery is in storage. This is particularly helpful in preventing silver tarnish and safeguarding pearls from contact with chemicals," their website says.

Ok enough talk, here's a sneak peak at some of our favourite bridal pieces from Green Diva.

Photo Source

Vendor Spotlight: Shannon Barcic Designs

Shannon Barcic of Shannon Barcic Designs opened the doors to her business almost one year ago in Guelph, Ontario. Offering stunning, handstamped sterling silver pendants, Barcic's jewellery is not only hand made, their designs are completely customizable to what her clients want.

Clients can choose the style of pendant they like best and have it stamped with information such as children's names, birthdates, special events, the list goes on! Want to add some bling to your custom pendant? Barcic also offers Swarovski Crystals to those looking to add a splash of color to their piece.

When asked what customers should know about her shop, Barcic says "due to the nature of personalized work we cannot offer exchanges or refunds. However, if a mistake is made on a piece, I will be more than happy to replace the item at no extra cost." How's that for customer satisfaction?

"Any one of my sterling pendants can be used for unique bridal gifts," Barcic says. "My personal favourites are the rectangle bars and open circle pendants. Anything from the date of the event to the name of the Maid of Honour/Bridesmaid can be stamped and would make a great personal and unique keepsake. I also design key chains as well for groomsmen."

Barcic's designs can be found on her blog Little Bits of Me, at her Etsy Shop or at various boutiques in Guelph and Toronto. Check out Pretty Chic Boutique (Guelph) or Periwinkle (Bloor West Village) should you wish to see some designs in person.

Vendor Spotlight: By Design Gifts

Established in 2007 as an online boutique, By Design Gifts was created out of the need for unique, trendy yet practical baby gifts and accessories. In 2009, Owner Tina Labonte-Gordon made the big leap and opened a storefront in Burlington, Ontario, adding a variety of gifts for all occasions.

"From birth onward to every celebration, milestone and remembrance, we pride ourselves in customizing the gift for your occasion, to make it special and personal. If you don't see it on our site, just ask and we will do all we can to create that something special," Tina says on her company website.

Not only can you find one-of-a-kind diaper cakes, baby accessories and other special occasion gifts, By Design Gifts also offers shipping on each item. Customers can also have their creation gift wrapped with a special, personalized message attached to each bundle. More information on shipping, pick-up and worldwide delivery can be found here.

 
To learn how to place an order (phone, e-mail or via online) click here.
 
*Diaper Cake photo courtesy of By Design Gifts. Click here for product details.

Our favourite By Design Gifts finds:

• Baby Shower Favors
• Organic Baby Gift Baskets
• Wedding Gifts, Shower and Wedding Favors
• Chic Bridesmaid Gifts

Vendor Spotlight: The Perfect Dress

"The Perfect Dress aims to re-define your shopping experience for life's special occasions. With trend-setting designs from around the world, glamorous accessories, and exceptional personalized service, we strive to make the search for your Perfect Dress an experience to remember." http://www.theperfectdress.ca/

Located in the Town of Milton, Ontario, The Perfect Dress lives up to its mission to provide its customers with exceptional service and unique designs. We sat down with the Deborah, the owner at The Perfect Dress to find out what makes her store such a hot spot for specialty dresses.


Can you tell us a little about yourself and what prompted you to open The Perfect Dress?
I am originally from Montreal and my wedding was the best day of my life - thanks to the subtleties that many overlook, such as colour themes, seasonal fabrics and timeless trends. I didn't want to look back in 15 years and think "Oh my gosh what I was thinking with those dresses!" I wanted to help other brides experience the same sense of satisfaction when they look back at their perfect day. Migrating west to Ontario four years and not knowing Toronto well enough to continue my wedding planning business, I realized that Milton was growing and felt it would be a great opportunity to infuse Milton with some of Montreal's style sense. The Perfect Dress is truly an extension of what I love to do; helping people celebrate life's special occasions in style!

What types of dresses do you specialize in?
We focus on a void we've uncovered in the bridal industry. Most stores cater to bridal gowns, and fill in the gaps with the typical bridesmaid uniform. Our store is all about celebrating the woman, regardless of the event. Be it your sweet 16, prom, wedding, gala, pageant or a friends wedding, we have a dress for every budget and every occasion. All dresses are carefully selected using our fashion philosophy: great style,service and value!

Do you sell wedding dresses?
We do not regularly stock wedding gowns however, we do from time to time come across surplus and sample inventories at a great value and offer those savings to our customers.

With the new year just around the corner, what fashion trends can clients expect from your store?

Our Spring 2010 collections will be arriving throughout December and January. We are very excited with our new Tony Bowls line, the head designer for Miss USA. New for 2010 Impressions Bridal, B2, Belsoie, Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung and many more. Also, with prom season just around the corner, we encourage girls to start looking for their perfect prom dress in January or February. We keep a database of all styles purchased and guarantee that we will not sell the same dress to the same prom, but reserving your dress is key.

Do you have any tips clients can follow when ordering special occasion dresses?

Certainly, sizing usually run 2 sizes smaller that street sizes; delivery can take up to 12 to 16 weeks; minor alterations are required on some dresses to perfect the fit; and a 50% deposit is required prior to ordering, which is non-refundable.

The Perfect Dress is open from Tuesday to Sunday with a mixture of appointment only and walk in times available. Click here for more information on their hours of operation.

We suggest you visit their website to check out their 50% Off Clearance Sale too! We promise, you will love this store!