The Budget-Savvy Bride…Part II

April 30, 2019 in St. Pucchi News, Sample Sale, Wedding guide, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

image-bridal sketch 4-shutterstock_137296133.jpg

In our previous post, The Budget-Savvy Bride…Part I: http://stpucchi.com/blog-1/2019/4/2/the-budget-savvy-bridepart-i we delved into Online Purchases and what to look out for.

Today we will talk about Samples and Clearance Sales:

Most bridal salons and designer websites have sample and clearance sales to make room for new merchandise as well as to get rid of discontinued styles due to lack of space and changing demands. This is your chance to purchase a fabulous gown sans the hefty price.

Since wedding dresses are sized differently compared to ready-to-wear clothing, make sure you know where you are on the size chart prior to purchasing your sale gown, as most sales are final.

In most cases, though, the store may not have the size or the color you need. Floor samples in stores are usually smaller in size and have been tried on by several brides-to-be, so expect some wear and tear.

A sale is only good if you are flexible and willing to settle for whatever you can get. Most stores do not disclose which styles and sizes they will be offering for sale. Also, don’t expect to find the current year and season’s models, as they would not be among the sale items.

Call the stores where you found some styles you liked to see if and when they will be having their sale. Plan in advance so you don’t get caught up in the mayhem, as it can get quite chaotic as other brides are also there searching for their dream gown at a bargain price. Some stores require an appointment, so do your homework.

Here are ten steps you can take to pick the right dress with minimum hassle:

1. Visit the bridal salons in advance to find out what choices are being offered. Try on several dresses and shortlist a few that you love.

2. Note the dress model numbers and sizes so that you reach them first on the day of the sale.

3. Get your friends to pitch in and help to scout out the potential gowns faster by showing them pictures of styles you are looking for.

4. Dressing rooms can be rushed and chaotic during sales, so don’t expect to spend too much time trying on one gown after another.

5. Be ready to make a quick decision and get ready to make your purchase there and then.

6. Expect that this is a final sale.

7. In the event that the dress is not in your size, ask the store if they offer alterations and the costs involved.

8. Make an appointment to bring the dress back for alterations and fittings.

9. If your sample gown is soiled from dirt and sweat from having been tried on, then you may need to get it cleaned. Ask the store for their recommendations.

10. Factor in alteration and cleaning costs and make sure you are within your budget.

Unfortunately, if you have only a single style in mind, then your chances are not so good and a sale is not the answer to finding the dress of your dreams.

*Above is an excerpt from the #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Below are a few of styles offered exclusively via our website www.stpucchi.com. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to style@stpucchi.com and our expert stylist will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For help and guidance with your wedding planning needs, pick up the #1 International Bestseller, written by award-winning designer Rani St. Pucchi based on her 30+ years in the Bridal industry and from having worked with more than 20,000+ brides: Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning couture Bridal Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk:Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books:Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams; and her newly released Gold in the Cracks: Move from Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light — are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani visit ranistpucchi.com

The Budget-Savvy Bride…Part I

April 02, 2019 in Wedding guide, Wedding Trends, Wedding Planning, Sample Sale, St. Pucchi News

Maybe the thought of spending more than two months’pay on a wedding dress never even occurred to you when you accepted the ring.

Just a few short years ago, finding a beautiful and elegant wedding dress would have required an all-hands-on-deck manhunt and a considerable amount of spare time and some change. Not so today. And seeing that time and money are very precious commodities, luxuries not everyone can afford, there are quite a few options for you to consider when looking for an incredibly memorable wedding dress.

Whether you’re looking for an unfussy gown for your beach wedding, trying to find a lace-adorned midi dress to wear to City Hall, or you’re going all out but still want something spectacular, there are so many options for you today to realize your dream.

In this first part of the series we will explore one of the three options that are available to you…

ONLINE PURCHASE:

Like the rest of the fashion industry, the bridal world, too, is experiencing change. Many reputable designers have adopted the digital trend and are now offering their designs online.

Can you really get a wedding gown delivered to your doorstep? Yes, absolutely.

For many brides, the ability to purchase designer gowns in this most effortless way is a dream come true. Often the prices offered online are considerably lower than the dresses sold in stores due to lower overhead costs to designers, which affords savings to you, the bride.

One thing to bear in mind is that some online bridal stores offer a try-on option, while others do not. If it is a brand that you are familiar with and which has a good reputation, then there should be no need to worry. Do your homework and check the seller’s policies and procedures.

Today, an ocean of choices has become available online, which can often overwhelm and cause confusion.

Here are ten steps you can take to make your choice easier:

1. Make a list of the features you wish for in a dress that would look good on your body type such as silhouette, neckline, sleeves, and fabric. Also list what you would like to avoid (I have laid this out clearly in my book, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams. Read Chapter 5: Lines That Flatter: Choosing a Style for Your Figure, and Chapter 6: Wedding Dress Silhouettes).

2. Filter by price to make sure you’re staying within your dress budget.

3. Pick out a number of gowns that fit the aforementioned criteria.

4. Pin these on your online inspiration board or print them out so you can lay them all out and compare them.

5. Eliminate the dresses that do not match your needs.

6. Pay attention to details on the chosen dresses: note the fabric, construction, and how it drapes on the model.

7. Get help from those whose opinion you trust and make your decision.

8. Check the manufacturer’s measurement chart and determine the optimal size.

9. Place your order.

10. Find a good seamstress who has experience working with complicated gowns. Once your dress arrives, you will more than likely need some alterations.

Here are just a few of the dresses from our St. Pucchi Collections made available directly from our design house to you, the bride, at a fraction of the cost…Visit www.stpucchi.com for all available styles.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, the Internet is flooded with websites selling cheap imitations and fake goods, some even bold enough to use other designers’ original images to lure you into believing that you are, in fact, receiving an authentic designer dress. So, beware of some sites that offer bargain dresses. Sometimes a cheap dress can just end up being a headache and cost more than you bargained for.

It is best to order directly from a designer’s website than from third-party vendors or those who pose as representatives. When a designer puts their name on a piece, it is a symbol of pride, and they are putting their reputation on the line.

Investing in a reputable designer’s piece ensures that you are receiving a well-made garment of the best quality, an heirloom that you can pass on to generations.

*Above is an excerpt from the #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For more information on Rani visit ranistpucchi.com

Sample Sale Gowns + Our Current Favorites!

January 18, 2019 in Sample Sale, St. Pucchi News, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends, Real Brides

We are kicking off 2019 in style with some brand new additions to our ongoing St. Pucchi sample sale!

This week we've rounded some of our current favorite St. Pucchi sample sale gowns. Through January 31st, 2019 take an extra 40% off already discounted wedding gowns! That means a total savings up to 87% off a gorgeous St. Pucchi wedding gown.

You can shop the St. Pucchi sample sale here. And, read on to see some of our favorite picks…

St. Pucchi Couture:

Avine Perucci by St. Pucchi:

Avine Perucci - Style 506 and Matching Veil

Sposa by St. Pucchi:

Our annual sale on sale will last thru January 31st. Since most dresses are one-of-a-kind make sure you get yours before it’s gone!

View more pieces from the St. Pucchi Sample Sale Collections here.

For help with your wedding planning needs pick up your copy of Rani’s #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For direct assistance and guidance from Rani St. Pucchi - for help in matching your vision to the wedding of your dreams forward your inquiries to Style@StPucchi.com

From picking a wedding date to planning your dream wedding, to divvying up your budget and sidestepping sticky social situation Rani St. Pucchi has you covered as she shares her expertise about all your wedding planning needs and more in Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Your Diamond…Your Personality…

December 28, 2018 in Real Brides, St. Pucchi News, Wedding guide, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

Chances are you said “YES” to the love of your life during these holidays…

If so, Congratulations!

Laughing, crying, grinning till your cheeks are sore, you’ve become that wonderful cliché: The Happiest Woman in the World.

If you were involved in deciding which type of ring you received, then you know the process was somewhat agonizing, yes? After all, a diamond is very personal and very precious.

Besides, your diamond is the longest style commitment you will ever make.

Did you know that each one of the seven most common diamond cuts reflects your personality?

So, what does your diamond say about you?

Here are a few as shared from award-winning designer Rani St. Pucchi’s #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Oval: One of the most popular diamond shapes and great for the bride who loves an elegant yet classic aesthetic.

Round: For the woman who wants a traditional look that will be timeless and classic and maximum sparkle, this is the diamond for you.

Marquise: For the bride who knows her mind and moves to the beat of her own drum, who wishes to create the illusion of elegant, long hands, this pear-shaped diamond is perfect.

Emerald: For the discerning bride who wishes to exude elegance and refinement, somewhat understated yet classic with an edge, the elongated shape and step-cut faceting of this diamond is perfect.

Want to learn about other diamond cuts? Pick up a copy of Rani’s #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For direct assistance and guidance from Rani St. Pucchi - for help in matching your vision to the wedding of your dreams forward your inquiries to Style@StPucchi.com

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning couture Bridal Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books: Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams; and her newly released Gold in the Cracks: Move from Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light – are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit ranistpucchi.com

Before You Go Dress Shopping…know these 10 most commonly used terms

December 09, 2018 in Real Brides, Wedding Planning, Wedding guide, St. Pucchi News

Let’s face it. Wedding dress shopping is not just another trip to a department store where you can pick a dress and take it home.

Shopping for a wedding dress is a full-on endeavor, an expedition, and a mission that will stay in your memory long after the day is over.

So, it’s a good idea to be well equipped and get your facts straight before you begin the search. For example, what is the difference between Guipure lace and Alençon lace?

How about a bustle and a modesty piece?

Aside from obvious silhouettes such as A-line, sheath, column, ballgown—some details can make any bride seriously confused and frustrated.

If you would like to be well-versed, and have some answers at your fingertips, here are ten most commonly used terms to know ahead of your biggest shopping trip.

1. Alençon lace: Originally produced by hand in Alençon, a town in Normandy, France, it is a light, airy needle lace made of linen thread. This is one of the most popular and traditional laces used on wedding dresses.

2. Boning: Plastic or metal sewn into the bodice of the dress, especially a corset on a strapless wedding gown, to ensure the fit is snug and the fabric does not droop.

3. Bustle: The art of pinning a train and securing it by using hidden hooks on the back of the dress so it does not drag around on the ground after the ceremony. There are several different ways to bustle. The French bustle is the most popular, whereby the train is tucked underneath and pinned or hooked to the fabric of the dress.

4. Chantilly lace: Delicate lace that originates from the city of Chantilly in France. This is one of the more popular laces used on wedding dresses. It comes in small, detailed patterns and look best when worn sheer over the arms, back, and neckline.

5. Court: Refers to a type of train that is short—generally three feet from the waist—and drags a few inches on the ground.

6. Crêpe: Thin, soft fabric with a slightly wrinkled surface, ideally used on a draped wedding gown or one that is form-fitting and clings to the body. Great for a beach wedding.

7. Dropped waist: A longer bodice attached to the skirt at the seam that falls below the natural waistline. Gives an illusion of a longer torso and looks best on taller women.

8. Guipure lace: French bobbin lace, used on the bodice, skirt, or train of a wedding dress. It is heavier than Chantilly lace.

9. Mermaid: One of the more popular skirt styles, where the bodice is fitted and then flares from under the hips in a mermaid-tail fashion.

10. Modesty piece: A piece of fabric that is sewn into the middle of the neckline, especially a V-neck, to make it less revealing.

Armed with this basic terminology you are now ready…

Shall we go shopping?

*Above is an excerpt from designer Rani St. Pucchi’s #1 International Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Want to learn more about planning the wedding of your dreams? From picking a wedding date, to what silhouette would flatter your body most, to divvying up your budget and sidestepping sticky social situations, Rani St. Pucchi has you covered as she shares her more than 3 decades of expertise about all these and more in her #1 International Bestselling book, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For direct assistance and guidance from Rani St. Pucchi - for help in matching your vision to the wedding of your dreams forward your inquiries to Style@StPucchi.com

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books: Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams; and her newly released Gold in the Cracks: Move from Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light – are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit ranistpucchi.com

Your Wedding Planning Timeline - Part V

November 24, 2018 in Real Brides, Wedding guide, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends, St. Pucchi News

Continued…

It’s time to put the final finishing touches to your plans.

While some things could go wrong on your wedding day, remember your attitude matters. Laughter, not tears, will make your day that much more memorable and unique.

Here is your final checklist that will take you to a smooth and well-planned day void of any last minute hiccups!

Mila Collection by St. Pucchi - style 702 and 703

ONE TO TWO MONTHS AHEAD:

___Mail the invitations

___Create hotel information cards

___Plan the rehearsal

___Send rehearsal dinner invitations

___Purchase wedding favors and attendants’ gifts

___Purchase a gift for your fiancé

___Buy guest book

___Have legal and other requirements in place

___Have your hair and makeup trial

___Finalize details with the photographer and videographer

___Confirm floral order

___Arrange for the getaway car

___Finalize all deliveries

___ Confirm delivery and pick-up times for all attendants’ attire.

___Make delivery arrangements for your wedding cake.

___Choose/write your wedding vows

___Finalize the details of your ceremony with your officiant

___Meet with ushers and assign them duties.

___Secure a dressing room for your bridesmaids for your wedding day.

___Finalize your honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations.

___Arrange for transportation to and from the airport (if flying) or car to your honeymoon destination.

___Write thank-you notes: It is best to do this as you receive or open your gifts.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS AHEAD:

___Have your final dress fitting.

___Arrange for pickup of the bridal ensemble.

___Update the registry.

___Research gown preservation companies

___Coordinate final fittings for the groom, groomsmen, and ushers

___Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and schedule your day-of-the-wedding appointment.

___Schedule a manicure/pedicure for the day before your wedding.

___Pick up your marriage license.

___Finalize and memorize your wedding vows.

___Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.

___Finalize arrangements with your catering manager and liquor representative, if needed.

___Submit a final shot list to your photographer and discuss positioning with your videographer.

___Send your final playlist to your DJ or band.

___Arrange for preparation, storage, and break areas for the musicians/DJ at the reception venue.

___Review RSVPs and contact guests who have yet to reply to your invitation.

___Finalize the list of reception guests.

___Confirm the final headcount with your caterer and review details, preferably in writing.

___Finalize the seating chart.

___Arrange for table cards to be set up at the reception venue.

___Determine the placement of programs at the ceremony venue.

___Give last-minute requests to the vendors.

___Prepare the fee or donation for the officiant and tips for the vendors in labeled envelopes

___Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements.

___Start packing for your honeymoon.

___Pick up your wedding dress (if you haven’t already).

___Break in the wedding shoes at home

___Prepare announcements to be mailed immediately after the wedding.

___Designate someone to look after your home while you are on your honeymoon.

___Find out where guests will be staying

Avine Perucci - style 506 with matching veil

THE DAY BEFORE:

___Finish packing for the wedding night and the honeymoon.

___Reconfirm transportation arrangements for the ceremony and reception.

___Do last-minute primping

___Rehearse the ceremony and attend the rehearsal dinner.

___Give gifts to the bridal party

ON THE DAY:

___Give wedding rings to the best man and maid or matron of honor to hold.

___See hairdresser and makeup artist: Beautify.

___Remember important items

___Load your luggage

___Give yourself plenty of time to get ready

___Bride should transfer her engagement ring to her right hand.

Relax and enjoy yourself!

Above are bullet points taken from the bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For more details and in-depth tasks pick up your copy here: goo.gl/FDNwbF

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for St. Pucchi couture collections to find your dream dress!

Due to the many differences between weddings, you may find some of the reminders listed don’t really apply to you. Or, perhaps a few particular details that are part of your special plans are excluded from this list. Modify the checklist as you go along until you’re satisfied it’s tailored to your needs.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Bridal Fashion Designer, Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, an Inspirational Speaker, and a Success Coach and Trainer. Her TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back? has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s#1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams; and Gold in the Cracks: Move from Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Your Wedding Planning Timeline - Part IV

November 17, 2018

As your wedding day gets closer, in addition to all the other pending items on your list, there are also some legal matters that need your attention - matters such as a Marriage License, a Prenuptial Agreement (if that is the desire of both you and your fiancé), decisions about your Name Change and what that would entail…

So, here’s a list drawn up for you, of tasks to accomplish during the few months leading to your wedding.

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS AHEAD

___Apply for a marriage license

___Order your wedding cake

___Plan your rehearsal dinner

___Plan your bachelorette party

___Plan your bridesmaids’ get-together

___Try on your wedding attire

___Confirm delivery of the bridesmaids’ dresses

___Secure wedding day transportation for guests

___Review and approve wedding announcements and printed program proofs

___Finalize choice of honeymoon destination and make reservations

___Prepare Honeymoon wardrobe

___Book a room for the wedding night

___Finalize details for post-wedding brunch

___Discuss the prenuptial agreement

Above are bullet points taken from the bestseller- Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For more details and in-depth tasks pick up your copy here: goo.gl/FDNwbF

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for St. Pucchi couture collections to find your dream dress!

In the following articles we will look at what tasks need your attention as you get closer to your wedding day:

a. 1-2 months prior

b. Final weeks and days

For direct personal assistance in all areas of planning your wedding, reach out to designer Rani St. Pucchi at style@stpucchi.com for more details.

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Your Wedding Planning Timeline - Part III

November 08, 2018

Continued from last week…

By now we hope you’ve placed orders for items listed in the previous post.

Here’s another checklist for you to follow, as detailed in the book Your Bridal Style, as you continue on your journey to planning the wedding of your dreams….

FIVE TO NINE MONTHS AHEAD

___Review details with consultant

___Finalize guest list

___Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

___Plan your honeymoon details

___Decide on your speakers

___Plan your ceremony

___Groom’s, groomsmen’s, and ushers’ attire

___Select attire for the flower girl and/or ring bearer

___Shop for wedding bands

___Decide on food and liquor

___Finalize musical selections

___Sign up for dance lessons

___Purchase bridal accessories

___Go to your first gown fitting

___Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings

___Place print orders

___Order confetti

.Above are bullet points taken from the bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For more in-depth details pick up your copy here: goo.gl/FDNwbF

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for St. Pucchi couture collections to find your dream dress!

In the following articles we will look at what tasks need your attention as you get closer to your wedding day:

a. 1-2 months prior

b. Final weeks and days

For direct personal assistance in all areas of planning your wedding, reach out to designer Rani St. Pucchi at style@stpucchi.com for more details.

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Your Wedding Planning Timeline - Part II

October 31, 2018

Continued from last week’s post….

As you move forward to planning your wedding, take a deep breath!

I’ve prepared a checklist for you and here’s the first one to follow….

NINE TO EIGHTEEN MONTHS AHEAD

___Announce your engagement

___Pick your wedding date

___Meet with your officiant

___Decide on your budget and who’s paying for what

___Hire a wedding planner

___Compile a guest list and organize addresses

___Choose a wedding theme and style

___Create wedding inspiration boards

___Book the ceremony site and reception venue

___Book the wedding photographer and videographer

___Reserve the musicians/DJ

___Hire a caterer

___Research and interview florists

___Hire a stationer if you’re going custom

___Determine your honeymoon location and budget

___Select the bridal party

___Look through bridal magazines and online for attire ideas

___Visit local bridal stores to browse through their selection of gowns

___ Order your gown and accessories, including veil and shoes.

___Register for gifts

___Pick out your wedding cake

___Send save-the-date cards

___Order bridesmaids’ dresses

Above is an excerpt from the bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

For more details and in-depth tasks pick up your copy here: goo.gl/96TnqT

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for St. Pucchi couture collections to find your dream dress!

In the following articles we will continue this conversation where I break down tasks that need to be accomplished as you plan ahead of your most important day:

a. 5-9 months prior

b. 1-2 months prior

c. Final weeks and days

For direct personal assistance in all areas of planning your wedding, reach out to Rani at style@stpucchi.com for more details.

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Your Wedding Planning Timeline - Part 1

October 25, 2018 in Real Brides, St. Pucchi News, Wedding guide, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends, Sample Sale

No secret here: Planning a wedding is intense.

There are so many crucial things to be done and decisions to be made immediately after you’re engaged and once you have your wedding date. Worse still, if you happen to be a perfectionist, the stress level alone can soar off the charts! You soon realize how long your to-do list is, from shopping for your wedding dress and accessories to setting up the guest list, planning the wedding theme, and finding the venue.

Very soon, you may find your own ideas slipping through the cracks as your well-meaning friends and relatives step in to “help” with their advice and recommendations. Isn’t it amazing how everyone wants to weigh in? Too many voices can cloud your vision. Eventually, it can take all the fun out of your wedding.

Take heart. You can manage it all. Yes, you can!

There are hundreds of truths you know about yourself, so start by writing down everything that you love, everything that gives you joy. Close your eyes, and what do you see?

What are your favorite colors, hues that you love?

Your favorite foods?

Flowers?

How about your favorite venue?

Do you see a castle with crystal chandeliers and red roses?

Do you see yourself in nature and dancing under the stars with your sweetheart?

Perhaps at the beach?

Listen to what your heart is saying, trust it, and know that it will not steer you wrong.

As the process unfolds and you have all your ideas, plans, and inspirations on paper, you will find that you feel calm, collected, and confident.

Now you know what you want and can start researching venues and vendors and planning your timelines.

Now you can split the tasks—those you will personally handle and those you will delegate—and assign dates to each one of them during the various stages of wedding planning.

Now you are better equipped to see the process through with great success and pride.

Have fun as you go on this journey so that you are not scattered and stressed out.

With all that you will be doing, make sure to pause and take care of yourself. Wedding planning is important, yes, but what is more important is to occasionally stop whatever you’re doing, smile, dance, laugh, and spend quality time with your fiancé.

Never allow the process to make you lose sight of the reason you’re doing this, nor the strength and depth of your love for each other. After all, you are creating memories. Make them good ones!”

**Above is an excerpt from designer Rani St. Pucchi’s bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for our couture collections to find your dream dress!

In the following weeks we will break down the tasks that need to be accomplished as you plan ahead for your most important day:

a. 9-18 months prior

b. 5-9 months prior

c. 1-2 months prior

d. Final weeks and days

Due to the many differences between weddings, you may find some of the reminders listed don’t really apply to you. Or perhaps a few particular details that are part of your special plans are excluded from this list. Modify the checklist as you go along until you’re satisfied it’s tailored to your needs.

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Congratulations! You're Engaged.

October 18, 2018

image-bridal proposal-shutterstock_366613448.jpg

How excited you must be as you start thinking of your upcoming wedding! So much to do, so many decisions to make . . .

Perhaps you are a little confused, somewhat overwhelmed. Fret not. I can help you get there. But first things first . . .

You will want to share the wonderful news with your most important family members and friends before the rest of the world finds out. People can be sensitive, especially if they find out secondhand about your big decision. This way, you’re showing them how much you care.

The days when everyone else discovered your big news via the announcement section in the Sunday edition of the local paper are behind us. Social media is most definitely the new platform. So, go ahead and share ring selfies and hashtags to communicate your new relationship status. Make sure to include your significant other when sharing your joy.

Next, you may want to plan an engagement party. This is not mandatory—many couples today don’t have one at all. If you do, then plan on having it soon after you get engaged—ideally, within three months. Hopefully, by then, you have set a wedding date, as this is the first question everyone will certainly pose to you. An engagement party is a great way to gather together to celebrate and is especially nice to have if your families don’t know each other well so they can get better acquainted.

Think of the engagement party as a kickoff to all the wedding events that will happen on your way to the altar. It can be as simple as having a cocktail party at your or someone’s home or as extravagant as renting a club or your favorite restaurant. The party is often hosted by one or both sets of parents, or if an aunt or a close friend wants to host the party, that’s fine too. Just don’t expect someone to host one for you. Engagement parties aren’t an obligation.

Usually only family and close friends are invited to the engagement party, so don’t feel like you have to invite a ton of people. It’s totally fine to keep it intimate. Just make sure not to invite anyone who won’t be on the wedding guest list.

You may want to have a small registry ready since guests might want to give you an engagement present. Remember, though, that people are not obligated to bring gifts, so don’t be upset if guests arrive empty-handed.

What you’ll wear depends on the formality of the event and the venue. If you are going formal, then an evening gown would be appropriate and help you stand out. Shorter dresses with interesting details, perhaps with lace trimmings, are a good choice for a casual outdoor affair.

From the St. Pucchi Short Story collection: Style Z350

Once the initial excitement has settled down, you’ll want to lay some groundwork for your wedding. If you’re like most women, while you may have envisioned the man you will eventually marry, you probably don’t have the vaguest idea of how to go about planning a wedding and where to start.

Above is an excerpt from my Bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for all our couture collections to find your dream dress!

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Prepare For A Wedding That Reflects Your Inner Beauty

October 08, 2018 in Real Brides, Wedding Trends, St. Pucchi News, Wedding guide

One of the foremost concerns on the mind of most brides as they prepare for their wedding are questions such as:

What do others expect of me?

How will I come across to my family and friends?

What will they say?

I find that a little sad, seeing that it is YOUR day.

What about YOUR dreams?

I’m sure you’ve waited for this day with anticipation and excitement. Should you not share with others what it is that you want? Involve your near and dear ones, those you’re closest to and who understand and support you, so that they share in your excitement and help you realize your vision for your day.

What is it that you would like?

Where would you like to get married?

Who would you like to invite?

What would you like to wear?

What décor, colors, music, …. have you envisioned for your day?

What exactly does YOUR heart desire?

If you’re like most brides you can get swayed by others’ opinions and get caught up trying to please everyone. More often than not this leads to some resentment after the fact, perhaps even leaving you with feelings of regret that you didn't go with what you had envisioned, what you always longed for, what would make you happy..

Planning a wedding should be fun!

Don't let anyone steal you of your moment, of the joy that is rightfully yours.

Bask in your love and love your journey.

In the next series of blogs I will share with you the different aspects of your wedding and the choices you have so you may pick what resonates most with you, and meets your heart’s greatest longing for your special day as you prepare to walk down the aisle to say “I Do”

After all, the walk down the aisle is the moment of a lifetime - a moment to be treasured forever.

For a complete guide to planning your wedding, pick up the international bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams.

Here’s the link: goo.gl/FDNwbF

Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/FEsuefkzIRs

And visit www.stpucchi.com for our couture collections to find your dream dress!

Until next week…

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

The Crowning Glory - Regal Long Veils

May 19, 2018 in Wedding Trends

“Painters have always been fascinated by the bridal veil… In my opinion no bridal ensemble is complete without the veil” ~ Rani St. Pucchi: Your Bridal Style: Everything you Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams

If we have learnt one thing from seeing Meghan Markle’s wedding ensemble as she walked down the aisle on the arms of her love, Prince Harry it is the importance of the bridal veil and how it enhances even the most minimalistic bridal style.

Ever since the very first collection in 1985, St. Pucchi has been well known for the unique, intricate and elaborately embroidered long veils and mantillas.

When brides think of wedding veils, a long pouf of tulle is what often comes to mind. But these stunning wedding veils are far from ordinary; their beauty lies in intricate and elaborate designs that are handmade and truly luxurious.

While a wedding veil can make a statement on its own, these wedding veils are designed to complement the wedding dress for a full head-to-toe look that’s absolutely wow-worthy. For the fashion-forward bride that’s looking for something unique, whether traditional or non-traditional, consider one of these wedding veil ideas.

St. Pucchi Couture style 9405When it comes to wedding veils, this handmade St. Pucchi veil screams drama. In this case, the gorgeous trim on the veil beautifully compliments the tulle ballgown. — St. Pucchi Couture style 9405
When it comes to wedding veils, this handmade St. Pucchi veil screams drama. In this case, the gorgeous trim on the veil beautifully compliments the tulle ballgown.

St. Pucchi Sposa style Z133

 

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How about this long, sheer veil attached to an intricately embroidered and beaded skull cap? Perfect for the bride who is daring and looking for something unique.

St. Pucchi style 506

 

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 &nbs… — St. Pucchi style 506
A custom made matching veil is a beautiful way to carry on the theme of our wedding dress. This dramatic cathedral length veil features the same floral appliqués as on the wedding gown.

St. Pucchi Sposa Z302Beautiful, hand embroidery adorns this wedding veil, which perfectly complements the lace and flowers featured on this ivory wedding dress.

 

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&nbsp… — St. Pucchi Sposa Z302
Beautiful, hand embroidery adorns this wedding veil, which perfectly complements the lace and flowers featured on this ivory wedding dress.

A gorgeous handmade wedding veil is the perfect complement to any wedding dress. Pick one that truly shines with one of these statement-making wedding veils.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

What Is A Bustle?

April 24, 2018

If you’re new to the bridal world, some of the terminology used for wedding gowns can be pretty confusing!

But if you’re a bride you are probably quite familiar by now of the different fabrics and silhouettes used to describe a bridal gown. Assuming you have chosen to wear a ball gown, or any style with a train, you will want to be able to move and dance after the ceremony, yes? If so you may consider having it bustled.

So what types of gowns need to be bustled? Here are a few examples that will give you a fairly good idea:

An excerpt below from Rani St. Pucchi’s book, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams offers clear information on the two most popular types of bustles to help you decide which one is right for you.

“A bustle is the name given to the art of drawing up the train so that the gown can become floor-length and allow the bride to move around after the ceremony with ease and avoid tripping. It also ensures that the gown does not drag around on the ground after the ceremony and get soiled. To accomplish this, the train can be pinned up and secured by hidden hooks on the back of the dress.

A bustle is useful when the bride chooses a dress with a train. Many brides love the formality of a wedding gown with a long train, but it can be cumbersome at the reception.

All dresses with trains from the smallest sweep to the grandest cathedral can benefit from a proper bustle. Depending on the length of the train, a dress can be bustled by lifting and tucking the extra fabric underneath or over the skirt. Larger trains may need to be folded up using a system of hooks.

A bustle is a unique and amazing creation that not only serves a practical purpose, but also adds tremendous style and interest to the bridal gown.

There are two basic types of bustles: the Traditional bustle, and the French bustle. Each look is a little different, but both serve the same purpose, and work well with all types of trains.

Traditional bustle: Also known as the over-bustle, this type of bustle is recommended for gowns with waistlines. It is created by gathering up the train and securing it with buttons or hooks and loop attachments at points on the waistline or elsewhere on the back of the gown for a cascading effect.

French bustle: Also known as the under-bustle, this is the most popular type of bustle and is appropriate for all types of gowns. It is more elaborate and can seem almost Victorian on many dresses. With the French bustle, the buttons and loops or ribbons are attached to the underside of the skirt and train so that the train is actually tucked underneath and pinned or hooked to the fabric of the dress that way.

For more ideas and advice on choosing the perfect dress for your body type, and on planning your dream wedding, pick up Rani’s #1 bestseller, Your Bridal Style, Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams.

All gowns shown are available for immediate purchase at www.stpucchi.com

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Indoor Wedding – What to Wear?

April 17, 2018

There are definitely many advantages to planning a wedding indoors.

Throwing your reception inside and it’s raining? Not a problem. Your guests will stay dry the whole time.

Worried about the cost of decorating? No need to fret about the rentals. The indoor venue will usually come fully stocked with tables and chairs. That way you can spend your money elsewhere-like say on an incredible live band or amazing flowers.

And unless there’s a power outage, you should be perfectly fine electricity wise. No need to supply electrical outlets.

Timing is everything. If you’re having a summer wedding, consider the heat if you have an outdoor reception. Likewise, if your reception will be during the cooler months, throwing your reception indoors is probably a safer bet.

Getting married in a ballroom, banquet hall, hotel, church, or another type of indoor event space? No worries! Below are some of our favorite picks of the best silhouettes when planning an indoor wedding.

1) At a Church or in a Placeof Worship: As the wedding is formal in nature, your dress can be lavish with a long, majestic train, and paired with traditional accessories like a veil to make a huge impact and stand out among the crowd. Ball gowns with layers of tulle are extremely popular for traditional church wedding, as are A-lines and mermaid styles. Details and beautiful embellishments such as intricate embroidery and beading are all suitable and bound to impress.

St. Pucchi Couture Style 9456 with Matching Veil

2) In the City Hall: There are no hard-and-fast rules if you will be saying “I do” at the City Hall. You can be as fashionable as you like, as modern or as traditional as you can get. Your dress should stand out and make you look and feel like the bride that you are. Your outfit can be smart but dressy, or smart and minimalist, preferably with a shorter or no train.

3) At a Castle: A castle can bring alive a fairy-tale vibe, characterized by magnificent old-world décor, perhaps with domed ceilings and courtyard entry and picture-perfect views. Typically formal, a castle wedding is characterized by magnificent décor. A traditional ball gown with classic details such as beaded or crystal embroidery adds plenty of sparkle and drama to an already grand and stately setting. So go all out in a fairy-tale inspired pure silk Duchess Satin gown that is très romantic with old-world elegance.

4)At Home: Your dream wedding can be held in your own backyard especially if you have the space and are on a budget while planning a wedding that is unique to you, one that has a warm and intimate feel. Transform your garden into a gorgeous gazebo-esque venue, or commission a leafy bower to be made as your backdrop which can be your focal point, an intimate spot to hold a blessing. A whimsical organza layered dress with Alençon lace details adds soft and feminine elements and looks fresh and romantic in the natural greenery. Your dress should be both practical and comfortable.

St. Pucchi Couture Style 9449 with Matching Veil

For more ideas and advice on planning your dream wedding pick up Rani’s #1 bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles. Her memoir, Unveiled: A Celebrity Fashion Designer’s Story will be released in 2019.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Destination Wedding – What to Wear?

April 10, 2018

Planning a destination wedding can be tricky, but finding the perfect destination wedding dress doesn't have to be! The key to a perfect wedding dress for your destination is to find something that fits the venue and is appropriate for the weather and time of year.

Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite destination wedding dresses that are perfect for your out-of-town wedding.

In the Country or at the Park: Whimsical…

2. At a Resort: Rich and shimmering…

3. In the Desert: Soft and flowing, with an organic feel...

4.On a Cruise: Soft French Chantilly lace with a touch of mint…

When choosing what to wear, always keep your location and climate in mind.

Your wedding dress and the venue are two mutually inclusive factors that affect your overall wedding theme. Once you have chosen your venue, you can focus on the style of your dress. Pick one that resonates with you most, one that you’ve always dreamt about, that suits your body type best.

For more destination ideas and to determine if a destination wedding is for you, pick up Rani’s new book, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles. Her memoir, Unveiled: A Celebrity Fashion Designer’s Story will be released in 2019.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Top Pantone Spring 2018 Wedding Colors

April 03, 2018

If you're still deciding on the color scheme for your wedding, take a cue from this palette of some of the top Pantone Spring 2018 colors.

This season’s gorgeous colors run the gamut from soft and feminine to bold choices, along with many classic colors as the mainstay of any bridal wardrobe, and the foundational core upon which you can start building your own personal bridal style.

The core classic shades play a critical role in any bridal wardrobe, and I want to highlight the nuance of these classic colors for the Spring 2018 season.

In an earlier post I talked about Pantone’s 2018 color of the year, Ultra Violet. Here’s another St. Pucchi dress that is the ultimate expression of this unique color, one that intrigues with its hybrid, mysterious nature, associated with the seventh chakra, where the human meets the divine.

Other colors I absolutely love from Pantone’s color palette for this Spring are:

Rapture rose: a full, princess-like, intense pink shade. Although a bit too intense of a color to be worn as a bridal gown, a softer version of this shade is what I prefer – it is feminine, romantic and absolutely perfect for Spring!

Sky blue: A fresh, calming color that evokes a serene sky.

Harbor Mist: A mid-tone dove gray. Perfect as an accent or even as a beautiful jacket such as this St. Pucchi masterpiece

Warm Sand: A comforting neutral shade very close to the color Butterscotch made popular by St. Pucchi.

Milk white: a full, warm hue. Nothing to do with optical white, cooler and cyber-like.

This shade suits almost every bride.

Tomato Red: a totally bold, entrancing hue. Indulge in bright red flowers in the hair, or go bold with a tomato red lipstick this spring.

For flowers and wedding décor, feel free to combine any of the above with the following top Pantone Spring 2018 colors:

Light green: Green is back for summer 2018, but this time with a delicate and fresh nuance.

Chocolate brown: Brown is back on the runway. Intense and enveloping, it will be impossible to resist this shade, just like it’s impossible to resist a chocolate praline. Use this as a sash or in your cake frosting. Or how about a chocolate cake?

Yellow: A vibrant, energizing tone, and a little wild too! Just think of paintings by Kandinsy or Matisse. Note that yellow’s comeback for 2018 is strictly connected to purple, its complementary color. Think yellow flowers such as Forsythia, Daffodil bulbs, double yellow Begonia.

Whatever your choices are, whatever colors suit your fancy, don't hesitate!

Be bold. Be you.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles. Her memoir, Unveiled: A Celebrity Fashion Designer’s Story will be released in 2019.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Protecting Yourself In Marriage

March 27, 2018

Many a starry-eyed couple goes into marriage with their blinders on.

They’re in love and caught in a whirlwind of romance. They are confident beyond any doubt that they have made the absolute right choice. After all they have found the love of their life, their life partner, their soul mate – one with whom they will spend the rest of their life with - for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do they part…

Some are indeed lucky to have found their forever love, and because they are committed their love withstands the test of time. Many, however, are not so fortunate.

Statistics show that 50% of first time marriages in the Western world ends in divorce. That percentage jumps to a staggering 70% for second and third time marriages.

Why is that so? Well, for one thing we live in a world of instant gratification. Blame it on technology too if you will, contributing to each person’s lack of focus and leading to short and scattered attention span. It is becoming rare to find a couple completely invested in, and consciously working at, their marriage especially during times when it needs their loving attention and participation.

So, what is a couple to do to protect themselves? If divorce does enter into the equation the heartache will potentially mend over time, but the pocketbook may not survive. Finances may be drained in the process and take forever to recover. How is one to protect one’s life savings, assets, life’s work, so they can survive a failed marriage if, unfortunately, that does happen?

‘Prevention is better than cure’ is not just an adage for the health of a person, but also the health of a marriage. It’s always better to protect what you have built over the years and step into a practical mode of thinking before tying the knot. Let the head rule over the heart before you embark on your journey just so you don't fall on hard times if divorce does enter into the equation down the road. Such is life, and such are the times we live in - sad but true.

A Prenuptial Agreement may feel like an insult and sound negative to an experience that should be one filled with love and bliss, suggesting that either partner is not sure that their marriage will last.

When one is in love, tending fences can be overlooked. However, since so many marriages
end in separation or divorce today, having a prenuptial agreement in place is wise. Having a prenup doesn’t mean that your marriage will fail or that you don’t love each other. It just helps each partner keep what was originally his or hers in individual, separate accounts. This saves you from being embroiled in any lawsuits or held accountable for your spouse’s previous debts so that you don’t risk having to split your premarital assets in a divorce.

A prenuptial agreement can also include provisions for division of property and spousal support in the event the marriage breaks up and ends in divorce, as well as further conditions of guardianship.

Consult with your lawyer and make sure your prenup is watertight and spans the length of your marriage. Both sides must have legal representation for a prenup to be valid.

Getting married involves legal expenses, ramification, and requirements. Those are the facts of life. So go into a marriage with an open mind along with a love-filled heart.

You will find a guide to some other legal practicalities that need to be in place before you tie the knot in Chapter 23 of Rani St. Pucchi’s #1 bestselling book, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams. Pick up your copy here: goo.gl/FDNwbF

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Wedding Gowns With Corset Backs…

March 20, 2018

As you start shopping for your wedding gown you will notice many options and offerings of styles with corset backs.

Bridal gowns with corset backs offer flexibility to the wearer in that they pretty much eliminate the alteration needs involved in having to adjust the size due to potential weight fluctuation from the time your gown is ordered to the time you’re ready to walk down the aisle.

Bear in mind that if you happen to fall in love with a one-of-a-kind gown that maybe too snug or smaller in size than what you need, don't let that stop you from purchasing it. An expert seamstress can easily fix that problem by creating a corset tied back for you so it fits your body perfectly.

Here’s an excerpt from Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams that explains the different types of corsets:

“Laced bodices resembling a corset are closed corsets that are laced up on the center back. The corset lace starts either at the bottom or at the top and is zigzagged through the staggered holes on each side in a series of crossings.

We have also created double corset ties, where one starts from the top and another from the bottom and both meet and tie in the middle. Sometimes the vertically set bones are visible all around, but in most cases, the pockets with inserted bones/metal are built underneath the outer shell so as not to be visible.

Open corsets are either laced up at the center front or fastened at the center front with a number of hooks and eyes, sometimes with as much as eighteen to twenty-four pairs.

A corset can be either fully boned or half-boned, depending on the style, with as much rigidity as the support the design calls for. Whalebone bodices with a different number of bones or stays are added around the sides of the corset. The direction of the bones is also important, as they help to shape the figure and narrow the waist.

Many brides tend to wear boned corsets or “stays,” also called girdles or long-line bras, as the foundation garment under their bridal gown since it is easier to fit the dress over a firm foundation, and it also contributes to an erect posture. For brides wearing figure-hugging slim silhouettes, the right form-fitting all-in-one foundation that offers smooth, supple control from the bust through the thighs can make all the difference for a smooth fit into sheath dresses.”

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

Gloves, or No Gloves?

March 13, 2018

One of the questions I am asked very often is whether gloves are in vogue or not, and when are they appropriate to wear.

Here’s an excerpt from Your Bridal Style:

“Gloves add an old-world elegance to wedding attire. The question is, what’s appropriate and what’s not?

Here are the general rules:

Long gloves: For a longer, more formal dress, gloves of either elbow or opera length (above the elbow) give an elegant look. They draw attention to your arms, especially if your shoulders are bare and you have on a sleeveless dress or one with spaghetti straps. Opera-length gloves also provide warmth and flair if you’re having a winter wedding.

Short gloves: These are great when wanting to create a subtler effect. For a summer garden wedding, short gloves lend a fresh and light flavor and give your gown a daintier, less formal look.

If you have heavy arms, gloves will call attention to them, rather than camouflage them. If you have short arms but love the look of a long glove, choose an elbow-length pair rather than opera-length. Stay away from gloves that cut your upper arm at its heaviest point.

Leather can be worn year-round, but save velvet gloves for winter.

When wearing a suit jacket with a skirt or pants, gloves should be classic and simple. Forget wide cuffs and embellished trim. Short, wide kid gloves look best with suits.

A fashion-forward bride can pair her gown with a colored glove, perhaps an ice blue or a lilac that coordinates with her bridesmaids’ dresses.”

For answers to your most pressing questions while you plan your wedding, or to learn about the best styles for your body type, the bridal fitting process, and the do’s and don’ts to help you with every stage of your dream wedding, pick up Rani St. Pucchi’s #1 bestseller, Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams.

Rani St. Pucchi is an award-winning Couture Fashion Designer, a Style & Image Consultant, and a Relationship Expert. She is a Bestselling Author, a Speaker, an Inspirational Coach and a Trainer. Her recent TEDx talk: Is Your Body Image Holding You Back has received worldwide acclaim. Rani’s #1 International Bestselling Books, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type ; The SoulMate Checklist: Keys to Finding Your Perfect Partner; and Your Bridal Style: Everything You Need to Know to Design the Wedding of Your Dreams are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles.

For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com