Renting a Wedding Sari

Recently I met up with a former bride (now friend) to catch up after her wedding. She brought along her wedding album and I was able to see pictures of all the festivities of her East Indian wedding. I have always (secretly) loved saris and of course I noticed hers and complemented on all of them. She thanked me and made one comment that was very unlike her. She said "they were VERY expensive." I totally got it. They were expensive. Most of my bride's saris were around $75-$100. Just the fabric alone on hers were over $250. Because of the cost, she paid for all five of her bridesmaid's saris too. Wowzers.

When I first met my friend, she told me her wedding is a three day celebration. I immediately thought, you are essentially planning three weddings. A typical wedding costs on average $30,000. She is multiplying that by three and she is anything but average.

After some research, I learned there are three companies based out of the States that offer a service of renting out saris. These companies are: Luxemi, Borrow It Bindaas, and Devi’s Closet. While wearing something "new" is important to some East Indian families, this might be a good option for your bridesmaids. If you are a less traditional bride and just want a beautiful sari at a good price, the rental market might be right for you!

What do you think? Would you consider renting your sari or that an absolute NO?

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
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Photo Credit: Jaylena Photography

Your Role in the Wedding Party

You have been asked to be part of the wedding party and it is a huge honor. With huge honor, it comes with huge responsibilities. Whether it is your first or seventh time being part of the wedding party, it is always good to have a refresher on what your actual role and responsibilities are. Knowing your responsibilities will prevent "stepping the toes" of others in the wedding party too! The infographic from Great Speech Writing will definitely keep you in line and ensure you are doing your "job"! 

~Monica
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Guest List: Who's IN or OUT?

Determining who is IN or OUT on your guest list is a daunting task. Some couples want to invite everyone including the cashier at their favorite sushi joint. Some couples barely want to invite their rowdy family members. The two biggest worries my clients have is the reception costs (More guests = more food needed = more $$$$) and whether to invite people that might not want to spend money on them and waste a weekend.

I've had many clients ask me who they should invite and what the criteria is. One particular couple comes to mind. The groom didn't want to invite his dad because he wasn't part of his life growing up or ever. Having made this decision, the entire family refused to come to his wedding. He was now stuck with over 10 empty seats at the wedding. He wanted to invite his coworkers but he just started his job a couple of months ago. I asked him if he likes his coworkers, if he wants them there, and if they would actually come and be happy for him. The groom answered yes to all the questions and his coworkers were all invited. Judging from the pictures after the reception, everyone had a great time. No "rules" were broken.

If you are trying to determine whether to invite a certain person, here is a handy guideline from Overwhelmed Bride. The chart really gets down to the basics and it works. Couple more questions than I asked my groom, but whatever works. Remember this is your wedding and you can invite whoever you want. Heck you can even invite the Starbucks barista that gets your order right every time without you even ordering and puts your name on your cup correctly. "swoon."

~Monica
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Overwhelmed Bride 

Sexiest Wedding Gowns (Part 2)

There was just too many sexiness for one blog post. As such, we had to split the sexy gowns of Berta Bridal into two parts! Enjoy brides (and grooms!).

~Monica
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

WN: Soundwaves Artwork

The two words that makes me melt is when I hear the bride and groom say "I do." For me, I hear them seal the deal with each other on their commitment. If you feel the same way and would like an awesome keepsake, why not turn your "I do" sound waves into artwork? If you have another special words for each other, I say go for it! (Sweetie, pumpkin, cupcake, sugarplum? All works to me!)

Thanks L for this wedding notification (WN)!

~Monica
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Wedding Dress Trends 2014

The brides that visit our wedding consignment boutique usually comes to with wedding dress expectations. They might show me a picture on their phone or come with magazine clippings. Either way, brides pay attention to what is in style and on trend. Here are the wedding dress trends of 2014. The gowns shown are examples of the trends. I am sure the designers of the gowns shown are also on trend though!

If you don't know what works on your particular body shape, here are some tips on how to find a flattering wedding gown. If you want inspiration for the other aspects of your wedding, check out the wedding trends of 2014!

~Monica
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

1. SUBTLE COLOR 

Monique Lhuillier

Vera Wang

2. LONG SLEEVES 

Oscar de la Renta

Carolina Herrera

3. FISHTAIL HEM 

Reem Acra

Vera Wang

4. GLOVES

Vera Wang

5. MINIMALISM 

Carolina Herrera

Vera Wang

6. RUFFLES 

Reem Acra

Carolina Herrera

7. PLUNGING NECKLINES 

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Wishahmon Now Offering Bridal Accessories

After several months of meeting with brides and getting feedback from them, I am happy to announce that Wishahmon - Glorious Gowns now have shoes, veils, and accessories too. These accessories are new and handmade. Our goal is not only to help brides get their dream gown at a fraction of retail cost, but also to be their one stop shop. If the bride is getting married tomorrow, they will be able to get everything they need to look gorgeous the next day at her wedding!

 

~Monica

Owner and lead designer @ Wishahmon

 

 Bridal Shoes

Hand made hair fascinators

 

Bridal Veils

Wedding Gown Sashes

Bridal Gloves



Calgary's Consignment Boutique Has Vera Wang!

We are UBER excited at Wishahmon - Glorious Gowns because we just got our first Vera Wang wedding gown in our collection! This gown is brand new. Check out this beauty and others at our website! If you want to book an appointment to look at our gowns, send us an email at: weddings@wishahmon.com.

~Monica
Owner and Lead Designer @Wishahmon