Bella Rosa Bridal

This week we are featuring “Angelica” from Bliss by Monique Lhuillier. Angelica is one our FAVORITE gowns, she is so sweet and darling. Angelica has a slight dip in the neckline with lace scalloping shyly peaking out. The bodice is covered in ruched lace, where it comes to the natural waistline. The waist has the sweetest horse-hair ribbon bow to accentuate the waist. This A-line dress flares out with a beautiful toole skirt. 

Angelica is definitely that “princess fairy tale” dress. 

We really wish you could see this dress in person, it is STUNNING. These pictures do not do not do her justice at all. This gorgeous dress, by Marisa, is named “Morgan.” 

Morgan is full lace with a fit and flare silhouette. The lace on Morgan is to DIE FOR. It is a embroidered alencon lace with scalloping on the sweet heart neckline and bottom hem. Morgan has the fit and shape Marisa is famous for. The back of Morgan is just as beautiful as the front. Down the back are buttons which cover the zipper. The back has a beautiful pleated pattern, almost acting as a mock bustle. The underlay train ends at the floor, but the lace beautifully flows past the underlay and follows elegantly behind. 

Today we are featuring our new “Piper” by Tara Keely. This season peplums are forecasted to be a new trend. Piper has a beautiful peplum skirt, which will add shape any silhouette. She has a sweetheart neckline with subtle lace scalloping. The entire bodice is lace with a satin ribbon sash to accentuate the waist. The skirt is fitted with a beautiful train that follows. 

If you think Piper is your girl, give us a call to try her on!  Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends! 

This week we are featuring “Lorraine” by Tara Keely. Lorraine is definitely the dress you want if you want that “wow factor.” She’s the kind of girl whose got some personality and will let you show off your curvaceous figure. Lorraine is categorized as a mermaid silhouette, most fitting for woman who want to show off their hour glass curves. 

The bodice of the dress is all lace with a sweetheart neckline and a keyhole back. The waist is accentuated by a champagne belt with a beautiful flower detail. The bottom flares out with multiple layers of tulle and crinoline. 

Lorraine is not for the faint of heart. But if you think you got what it takes, come on in and try her on today! 

Photography by Black Fin Photos

When and where was your wedding? 
We got married on September 28, 2012 at Celebrations, which is on the swift creek reservoir. 

How did you find your dress/ know it was “the one?”
I knew this dress was the one because (first my grandmother picked it and she has excellent taste) when I came out with it on no one spoke. When I said liked it, my sister, mother and grandmother all cried (they were hoping for that). It was the only one that made me feel like the bride I wanted to be. 

How would you describe your wedding style? 
Simple and timeless. I wanted to go with things that were elegant and organic but not trendy. I did not want too many details because I knew it would be overwhelming. A garden my the water was a perfect setting. 

OTR.. what in the world does that even mean?!

Off The Rack

This is what modern television has lead many to believe the meaning of “off the rack.” The infamous “Running of the Brides.” Brides (or sometimes just those knowing they will be a bride one day) waiting hours and hours just to try on a heavily discounted dress. 

Why wouldn’t you want an OTR dress?! Its a great way to get a designer couture dress that would have cost you thousands at a discount price. Its a great way for a bride to get her dream dress without breaking her budget

Where do OTR dresses come from?
OTR dresses are usually dresses that were once samples in a bridal salon, but have been discontinued. Because the dress can no longer be special ordered, the salon has no use for them anymore. Because of this, the dress is sold off the rack “as is.”

Other times, girls do not claim a dress after it comes in, they find another dress they like better, or in some unfortunate circumstances weddings are canceled. These dresses are never worn, but most designers will not take returns or cancel orders if they are already in production. These dresses are also sold OTR. 

Why should I get an OTR dress?
OTR dresses are heavily discounted. If you are sample size, or close to sample size, OTR dresses are a great alternative to an expensive designer dress. Get the same look, for a lot lower price. OTR dresses also do not have to be ordered, so if your wedding is very soon or you need a dress immediately: OTR is the way to go.

How do I get an OTR dress?
Bridal salons will usually advertise an “OTR Sale”/”Annual Sample Sale” or host a “Running of the brides.” But in fact, most salons will have OTR year round, you just have to ask. At Bella Rosa we keep all OTR wedding gowns in the back room, and you must ask to see them. But the appointment is no different from a regular appointment, and you are not treated any differently

What should I know before purchasing an OTR dress?
You have to understand most of these dresses were samples in the store, so they have been tried on by quite a few times, by quite a few girls. Beading and buttons may be missing, there might be a few make up spots, or stray thread strands. Bridal salons understand this, and this is the reason why they discount the dress. But many times a dress can be professionally dry cleaned or alterations can repair missing beading/lace/buttons/zippers. 

 Sample gowns are sizes 10/12 , but we really mean 6/8/10. This is because bridal sizes run quite small. Depending on the dress, a gown can usually be taken in 2 or 3 sizes and let out 1 size. Alterations will be more expensive with an OTR dress (unless you are a perfect sample size) because the dress must be altered more. 

If you like a dress, and know it is “the one,” BUY IT. Off the rack dresses are hot items because the prices are so great. OTR inventory moves quickly, so you need to too!

At Bella Rosa we just marked all of our OTR gowns down AGAIN. All dresses are now all under $2,000. Dresses are originally from $4,500. Prices starting at $199. 

Wedding gown Wednesday this week we are featuring a gown that just arrived at Bella Rosa today!  Siara is an all lace dress by WToo.  What a beautiful illusion bateau neckline!  The back has a pretty open key hole back that is low.  One other thing we love about the back of this dress is the simple sweep train, the lace extends past the lining which gives this dress another beautiful detail.  We love the silhouette of this skirt because it is a soft a-line not to filled or to full.  The natural waist is accented by a beautiful vintage inspired sash.   

If you love Siara as much as we do, give us a call and set up your appointment today!

We are continuing to feature Alyne for wedding gown wednesday since we have such beautiful dresses we do not always have.  We love how Alyne has multiple different beautiful necklines. This week we are featuring the gorgeous Catherine.  She is an all lace fit and flare.  The V-neckline is softened by the scalloped lace.  This gown has multiple layers to give the dress dimension, one of the layers is a very pale pink tulle and gives this ivory dress the slightest blush hue.  The back of this dress is one of our favorite things about this dress.  It has a low rounded back with buttons all the way to the hem.  The scalloped lace goes just slightly longer then the lining.  

We were so excited to received the Alyne samples for the Alyne trunkshow a week early.  So, we wanted to share one of the dresses we don’t normally have as a sample with you!

The reason we wanted to share Bridgette with you is because of her fantastic neckline.  The illusion bateau neckline is so classic and beautiful.  The subtle sweetheart under the illusion is perfect for the bride that prefers something with a little more modesty but loves the look of a strapless dress.  The banding at the waist accents the natural waist.  Box pleats give this gown a pretty fullness.  There is a small surprise in the back of this gown, there are sparkly little bows that take the place of buttons going down the back of the dress to the hem.  This gown is made of a beautiful silk organza.  

This gown will only be with us through the end of the month, so hurry in to try on “Bridgette” today!

Sneak peak at our Alyne trunk show on Oct. 26-27. Be there or be square!