Article Surfing Archive

Did you ever wonder how bridal salons end up with all those fabulous gowns and accessories? Twice a year, the shop owners go to special events held by the designers so they can see all the hottest new looks coming out for the year ahead. The biggest bridal market is held in New York, and there are additional shows in places like Chicago. Market time is very exciting for bridal shop owners, and it is also a big deal for brides, because what comes out of the markets is what they will be choosing from when they shop for a gown.

Bridal market is very hectic, with show after show, and salon representatives racing all over town. Many of the gown and accessory designers will gather in suites or ballrooms in a few hotels, but the designers with New York showrooms will host private runway shows in their own spaces. The runway shows are definitely the highlight of the weekend. Salon owners make appointments to meet with designers and see their newest creations. They are given a packet detailing the specifics on each dress, and then models wear them down the catwalk. Owners have a change to see how the gowns look as they move on the girls, which is very important. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to inspect the gowns up close, either on hanger, mannequin, or a live model.

Salon owners also get a chance to see the latest in accessories at bridal market. Every year there are important trends. One year it may be classic pearl bridal jewelry. Another season might bring an emphasis on funkier styles, such as pearl bridal jewelry mixed with hand crocheted sterling silver wire and Swarovski crystals. Or what about feathers for the brides to wear in their hair? The fun part for salon owners is that they never know what gorgeous and creative new looks they will discover over market weekend.

The fun part for brides is when all of the new collections start to arrive in the bridal shops. After bridal market, salon owners sit down and carefully choose which gowns and accessories fit the style of their shops. Did you know that the salons have to purchase all of those designer gown samples? That is why not all of the dresses you see on a designer's website will be in every store. So if you are in love with a particular style, call ahead. Often, the shop can borrow a sample from a designer for a special showing just for you (typically there is a shipping fee, which is applied towards the price of the gown if you order it).

Many brides are looking for the newest and most unique gowns and accessories, so that they will not look the same as every other bride. Usually gowns are ordered at market for the season ahead, meaning that dresses the shop ordered in the spring will arrive in the salon in the fall to be viewed by women getting married the following year. If you form a relationship with a fine bridal salon, they can give you a sense of what the look for the upcoming season will be, so you can have a sneak peek at the freshest looks hot off the runway. That way, you can be the first girl in town to have access to that fabulous new gown!