If you’re a Toronto-area bride and you haven’t visited MRS. Bridal Boutique yet, now is the perfect opportunity! This weekend only (September 23-25), the lovely ladies at MRS. are hosting a trunk show to end all trunk shows, featuring hard-to-find high-fashion bridal designers like Francesca Miranda, Johnna Ho and Ugo Zaldi. Not familiar with these names? Check out these gorgeous gowns to see why you need to get acquainted…STAT! Call 416-925-1674 to book your appointment today.

A beautiful Marchesa creation

Still on the hunt for a gorgeous gown? Then you’ll definitely want to pop in to White Toronto. Offering designer labels like Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, and Rivini, you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with one of the many fantastic creations in store. New additions to the store this year include Ivy & Aster, who Rosie just blogged about, and Sarah Seven, who creates very romantic, vintage-y gowns. This weekend — February 18th & 19th — Marchesa will be having a trunk show. For those of you who need an introduction to this label, Marchesa is designed by Georgina Chapman (wife to movie mogul Harvey Weinstein) and Keren Craig, two Brits who met while studying at the London College of Art & Design. The pair have been dressing celebrities with their couture creations since they hit the scene in 2004, and their gowns are a staple on the red carpets — we wouldn’t be surprised if we saw at least one Marchesa creation at upcoming Oscars. Moving into the bridal realm in 2008 after Chapman designed her own gown, other celebrities have also worn their wedding gowns, most recently Nicole Richie who wore three different Marchesa gowns to her nuptials to Joel Madden.

If you’re dreaming of a Marchesa creation, definitely plan to make an appointment at White this weekend.

Rivini Fall 2011

Have you ever been to a trunk show? In the fashion world trunk shows are a way to get up close and personal to a designer’s collection. Often there will be more pieces than what you’ll find in the boutique and you’ll also get a chance to speak with a representative or even the designer themselves! This Friday and Saturday at White Toronto, from 10a.m. – 6p.m. is a Rivini Trunk Show. The designer behind the collection, Rita Vinieris will also be there, so you’ll have the chance to chat with the designer herself. We absolutely love Rivini’s deisgns and last time she was in town, we actually had a chance to chat with her. Space is limited and an appointment is required, so if you’re looking for an elegant and romantic wedding dress, we suggest you check out Rivini.

See Rivini’s Fall 2011 collection.

A marvellous Monique Lhuillier gown at White, Toronto.

Imagine yourself here. In this exquisite dress. Standing in a beam of sunlight. Isn’t this the perfect image of bridal bliss? For obvious reasons, I just couldn’t resist taking some snaps on my iPhone when I stopped into the Monique Lhuillier trunk show at White, Toronto last week. If you’re obsessed with a particular designer, like Monique, you should definitely contact your local boutique for a trunk show schedule. For those of you that aren’t in the know, trunk shows are an awesome way to get up close and personal with a complete collection (more dresses than the boutique usually has in store) as well as a representative from the brand, or even the designer herself! For this event at White, the entire store was transformed into a Monique Lhuillier wonderland, and the very latest Spring 2011 samples were in the house. I only wish my pictures did them justice…

Monique Lhuillier 2011 samples on display.

Imagine how great this dress would look on you!

Have you ever attended a trunk show? What was your experience?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Photography courtesy Christina Gapic Photography.

At SmartBride Boutique, we’re all about helping you find designer names and fabulous style for your wedding, without paying those designer prices.  This week we are sharing five Save Tips to help you get the look you want (high style!) at the price you want.

1. Loose the Extras

Sometimes you try on the dress of your dreams, only to find out the deco belt around your waist, or the beautiful shoulder sash are extra!  A friend of mine, who is getting married next year, found her dream dress and was ready to purchase, and then discovered the price increased by another $1,200 because of extra trimmings. Be aware and avoid the extra costs.

2. Avoid custom alterations

It’s no question that unless you’re lucky enough to buy off the rack there will be alterations involved.  However, there are regular alterations and then there are custom.  If you want to add/alter a sleeve or change a neckline, you could be looking at significant cost additions. Perhaps you can find another dress that has the elements you want already included.

3. Look for simple silhouettes

Unless you’ve got your heart set on a princess gown, remember that the more fabric used in a dress, the more it will cost. Gowns with layers of tulle and organza will cost significantly more than a simple sheath in the same material.  Remain open to options and you just might surprise yourself!  I thought I wanted a flowing Grecian gown, but ended up in a curve hugging silhouette.

4. Shop Sample Sales, Trunk Shows and Evening Gowns

Sample sales at bridal shops generally happen in summer and winter as retailers look to clear out old inventory at reduced prices.  Remember to factor in the cost of alterations and/or dry cleaning because these dresses have often been tried on numerous times.  Bridal boutiques also hold Trunk Shows for specific designers throughout the year. During these events, savings abound.  If you live in Ontario and love Sophia Tolli, Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique is having a Sophia Tolli Trunk Show from November 5 to 15, 2009.  Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to look at evening gowns!  I ended up going to Holt Renfrew and found a white evening gown (pictured) for less than the cost of any of the wedding dresses I was trying on.

5. Go online!

This one certainly isn’t rocket science for all of you smart brides out there, but after you’ve found some favourites at the boutiques, it might be worthwhile to search online to find the dress at a reduced price.  As a note of caution, if you do find your dress online, it’s best to deal locally if at all possible.  This allows you to meet the seller to inspect and try on your dress before purchase and protects you from fraud.  We’ve put together some handy tips to help keep you protected while shopping online for your wedding.

Happy hunting!  Find more tips and resources to plan a smart and savvy wedding, plus local wedding classifieds, including gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes and accessories at SmartBride Boutique.