Archives

Photos by Tiffaney Childs Photography

We’d like to feature this Real Crystal Bride Wedding, Caitlin & Devin. The happiness of these two is just contagious. Caitlin & Devin shared with friends and family their picture perfect wedding day. Their ceremony was held at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in La Grange, IL, and the reception was at the distinguished Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL. We absolutely love a real Crystal Bride Wedding.

  • It’s all about the details, this invitation suite highlights Caitlins classic and sophisticated style
  • Caitlin’s gorgeous Allure Bridals halter style wedding dress
  • Classic and timeless bouquet highlighting the color scheme the couple chose
  • Have you ever seen a more perfect ring shot? *Swoon*
  • Not only beautiful but kept Caitlin dancing the night away

Real Crystal Bride Getting Ready!

The color scheme the couple chose had an air of royalty with a color palette of neutrals, dusty blue and gold.

  • Final touches to Caitlin’s look
  • Such an honor to be a part of her special day
  • Where would you be without your bride tribe?
  • Simply beautiful portrait

The Ceremony

Caitlin looks absolutely flawless in the Allure Bridals halter style ball gown. The neckline showcased handcrafted bead work that perfectly framed her neckline and back and the skirt has layers and layers of beautiful soft tulle creating a look fit for a queen.

  • A walk to remember
  • You may kiss the bride!
  • Such a tender moment between the bride and groom
  • Caitlin’s Bridesmaids wore gorgeous dusty blue bridesmaids dresses from Dessy
  • What a handsome couple!
  • A picture perfect day, from top to bottom, Caitlin’s look is truly flawless!

The Reception

Our real Crystal bride Caitlin and her new husband Devin danced the night away together on the dance floor and captured some beautiful shots! You can truly feel the love between these two!

  • Introducing the beautiful couple!
  • Cheers to your love, Caitlin & Devin!
  • Formal and elegant as they grace the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife!
  • That bustle! Its flawless!!
  • Sweet tender moments they will forever remember!
Even had an artist paint the most incredible depiction of their love! How perfect is that?!

Congratulations! We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and wedded bliss! Thank you for letting us take part in your special day!

We hope you enjoyed this feature of a Real Crystal Bride Wedding. If you’d like to share your Real Crystal Bride Wedding with us, please share your images with us at Info@CrystalBride.com or click here!

EDIT: Originally written by Kayla Gross

0 comments
|

Congratulations! You are at the point in your wedding planning process that you have selected your dream wedding date, chosen your picture perfect venue and now you need to know what you’re going to wear! Let the ladies at The Crystal Bride provide this guide to finding your dream wedding dress from start to finish:

Preshopping Homework:

START PINNING: This is a perfect opportunity to start saving some of your favorite bridal photos and pin them to a Pinterest Board! What silhouette do you see yourself in? What about neckline, fabrics, trains? This process will help you determine what is available in the bridal industry which will also come in handy when you meet your consultant.

SET UP YOUR BUDGET: This is critical! The gowns at The Crystal Bride range from $1300-$3500 with the majority of our gowns ranging between $1300-$2000.

SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT AT THE CRYSTAL BRIDE: This may seem like a no-brainer, but we have to get started somewhere! You can request an appointment here!

GRAB YOUR GALS: Invite your most important (and supportive) guests to come shopping with you. Keep it intimate and remember this is a huge decision and your opinion matters most! You don’t have to include absolutely everyone, they can see the dress at a fitting, try on, or even the big day!

DISCUSS YOUR VISION WITH YOUR CONSULTANT: The dream team at The Crystal Bride does a wonderful job getting to know you before you walk through the door! Finding your dream wedding dress is incredibly important to us. We send over a registration form and personally call to discuss your wedding details before your appointment to help streamline the process and as a result, our 90 minute appointments run smoothly. Don’t be afraid to include us in any concerns. You are our number one priority.

Shopping & Saying Yes:

WELCOME TO THE CRYSTAL BRIDE: We are so excited to meet you in person! We have selected styles for you to see based on our previous conversation. The Crystal Bride is proud to have the largest inventory of wedding dresses in the area. We have more than 400 dresses to show you. Our dedicated consultants know the gowns like the back of their hands so don’t let that number scare you, let it excite you! We are sure that your dress is here waiting for you.

THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF: Throughout your appointment, your stylist will ask you questions about what you’re loving and what you dislike. We want honesty! We know the inventory like the back of our hands and will continue to edit your room to find your dream dress.

DID I JUST SAY YES TO THE DRESS!?: Oh yes you did! Most of our brides will find their dream wedding dress on their first visit to The Crystal Bride! Shopping for your wedding dress should be an exciting and stress free time! When you do say yes, pause and soak it in; you can’t recreate a moment.

Your consultant and a manager will take two sets of measurements and then discuss sizing with you. We require a 50% deposit on your dress to get your wedding dress on order. You can pay the 50% deposit, or pay for your dress in full. If you choose the half option, we will hold a credit card on file and charge your balance 90 days after your order date.

WAITING IS HALF THE FUN: Depending on the designer, your wedding dress will take 4-6 months to arrive. We recommend finalizing your bridesmaids and mother of the wedding dresses during this time. Set up your appointment here!

HELLO NEW FRIEND!: Your wedding dress has arrived! Now what? You’ll want to set up a “meet your dress” appointment. This gives you an opportunity to see your beautiful new friend, shop accessories, finalize your shoe options and take your dress home!

Alterations & Pick Up:

ALTERATIONS: The proper fit of your wedding dress just as important than selecting your dream style. If you choose to get your alterations completed at The Crystal Bride, you will book those appointments as soon as your dress comes in. Your fitting process will begin about three months before your wedding.

1ST FITTING: It is SO important to have your shoes with you for each and every fitting! First fittings go quick as your seamstress is simply marking with pins the work that needs to be done.

2ND/PROGRESS FITTINGS: After your initial fitting, your dress will remain in a temporary state. All excess material is left in your dress and no seams are complete. We call it “Under Construction” and it is a part of the process. Any lace or beading has been removed to get the perfect fit will go back to normal!

FINAL FITTING: Your dress is in the most complete state! Your bustle is in place. Now it is the time for at least one of your bridesmaids to come and learn how to complete your bustle. This fitting will be about two weeks before your wedding. You do not take your dress home today. You will pick your dress up the week of your wedding after it has been steamed and pressed.

PICK UP DAY: Your dream dress is perfectly steamed and ready for you to get married! When you pick your dress up, you will have to store your dress out of the garment bag to avoid any wrinkles. If you are traveling far with your gown, consider setting up a steaming service upon arrival.

REVIEWS MAKE THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND: Thank you for being a valued Crystal Bride! The most difficult part of the process is saying goodbye! If you enjoyed working with us as much as we did, please leave us a review on the following platforms:
Google Reviews
Facebook Reviews
The Knot
Wedding Wire

We hope this sheds some light on finding your dream wedding dress at The Crystal Bride. We value your business and look forward to working with you every step of the way.

0 comments
|

Congratulations! You found the love of your life and you are ready to spend the rest of your life with them! You’re probably mastering your ring selfie and cannot stop smiling. We can relate!
You’re about to jump into the most fun, stressful and exciting wedding planning time in your life. Let the ladies at The Crystal Bride walk you through the wedding planning checklist, share our favorite vendors and make this next year (or so) the best time of your life! Feel free to print or save this wedding planning checklist to refer back to so you can check things off your list!

12 MONTHS

PICK A COUPLE DATES: Narrow down a season and a month, choose a few different options. Check with your officiant/venue to pin down THE date.

CHOOSE A VENUE: Keep in mind distance from ceremony to reception locations.

BUILD THE BUDGET: Yikes! It’s gotta happen at some point, so set your budget before purchasing anything! Be realistic and set yourself up to succeed! To give you a point of reference, the gowns at The Crystal Bride range from $1300-$3500

CONSIDER A WEDDING CONSULTANT: This is an often overlooked detail until its too late. The last thing you want to worry about is what happens when your cake doesn’t arrive.
Crystal Bride Recommendation: Estera Events – Chicago IL

11 MONTHS

SELECT YOUR #BRIDETRIBE: Pick your wedding party – These days, bridal parties can have any number of special people (Groomsladies & Bridesmen). Get creative and include your most important people!

DRAW UP THE GUEST LIST: Keep in mind the cost per plate and venue capacity to avoid over inviting. Draft a list for yourself and let your fiance’ do the same. Work together to balance the list and remember you’ll want to visit with and thank each guest!

10 MONTHS

SAY YES TO THE DRESS: The best part of the planning process! We recommend shopping 10-12 months before your wedding date. Wedding dresses take 4-6 months to arrive and alterations can take 3-4 months to complete, don’t rush this process!
Book your appointment here!

HOTEL TIME: Research & book hotel blocks for out-of-town guests. Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for discounts. Often hotels offer room block discounts for weddings!

PORTILLO’S OR FILET MIGNON: Sit down or buffet, it’s time to book your caterer! Think outside the box and include cuisine that you and your fiance enjoy together.

9 MONTHS

RENTALS: Will you need tables, chairs or a tent? Contact & reserve your party rentals now.

GIFTS GALORE: The hardest task of them all: picking out gifts for people to buy you. Complete your gift registry & add it to your wedding website! Online registries are SUPER convenient, but don’t forget, Aunt Betty still loves going into a store to purchase something for you. Register at 2-3 places to give your guests a variety of price points and items.
Crystal Bride Recommendation: Zola, Amazon, Crate & Barrel & Target

VENDOR CHECK: At this point, you need to book your photographer, videographer, musicians & any other vendors who will aid in creating your perfect wedding.

8 MONTHS

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Choose & order your girlfriends’ gowns, with enough time for any necessary alterations.

HONEYMOON PREP: Begin researching places for your honeymoon & consider arranging flights/hotel reservations.

FLORAL AFFAIR: Browse floral decor and bouquet ideas, keeping in mind what stems are in season. Hire your florist!
*Crystal Bride Recommendation: Town & Country Gardens

7 MONTHS

SEND THE SAVE THE DATES: If you’re planning a destination wedding, give your guests more time to plan. Local weddings can generally wait until the five-month mark. 

GROOMSMEN GET UPS: Pick out the boys’ fashion for the big day.
Crystal Bride Recommendation: The Groomsman Suit

TROLLEY TIME: It’s a good idea to book your wedding day transportation now, especially if you’re renting a party bus or limousine.

6 MONTHS

PUT A RING ON IT: Don’t leave your engagement ring hanging! Order your wedding bands.

CHOOSE YOUR CAKE: View cake options and book your baker.

INVITATIONS: Pick stationery and order your invitations by the six-month mark.

5 MONTHS

GROOMING: Buy the groom’s attire & make the necessary alterations.

PASSPORT TO PARADISE: Renew or buy your passports if needed for the honeymoon.

FITTING TIME!: Book your bridal gown fitting for next month – don’t wait until next month to call, your seamstresses book up quickly!
Pro tip: Leave your shoes in your car so you never forget them for a fitting!

4 MONTHS

PRE-WEDDING COUNSELING: Start your pre-wedding counseling with your officiant.

NIGHT OF OUTFITS: Purchase your wedding day undies (& wedding night lingerie, ooh la la!)

PARTY TIME: Attend your own wedding shower! This one was easy!

3 MONTHS

BACK TO THE BAKERY: Order your cake & cake topper.

CONSIDERING CALLIGRAPHY: You’ll have to enlist a talented calligrapher, only if you want your invitations formally addressed!

BOOK THE BEAUTY: Find your makeup artist and hairstylist & schedule trials.
Crystal Bride Recommendation: Montage Salon & Spa

2 MONTHS

SEND ‘EM OUT: Address, stamp & send out the invitations. Pro tip: Put a small number in the top corner of your response cards to keep track of what comes back to you. You’ll be surprised by how many people select what they want to eat and forget to include their names!

THE FAVS: Choose & order your wedding favors. Get creative, look into things you and your fiance would use or shows off your personalities.

CONFIRM: Reach out to your vendors and make sure everything is still set for your wedding.

ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE: Write those vows!

POINT & SHOOT: Discuss details and “must-have” shots with photographer/videographers.

1 MONTH

MOST NECESSARY: Apply for your marriage license!

GO WITH THE PROGRAM: Arrange & print the programs for wedding guests.

FINALIZE IT ALL: Menus, seating charts, song lists, checklists. Send your bridal party a contact list and day of schedule so everyone can contact each other and not blow your phone up.

THE BEST FOR LAST: Get your engagement ring cleaned, hair colored & nails done! Pick your dress up as close to your wedding date as possible. You typically want to keep the dress out of the garment bag to avoid any wrinkling! Don’t forget to enjoy these times, things can get stressful at the end, but you get to marry your best friend at the end of all this!

0 comments
|