It's all about the Mom: Social Occasion Gowns for the Big Day

It's been a busy wedding season over in Bonny Bridal land! We had a crazy month but, I am excited to get back to taking care of our blog and recapping the amazing things that have been going on since our last post...so let's jump right into it!

Mother's Day turned into Mother's Week! Bonny Bridal has a wonderful selection of gowns for the Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom in our Social Occasion Collection. One trend we have noticed is that more moms are opting for tea length gowns. Our gowns are designed to be altered and changing any floor length gown to a tea length is just a simple alteration. Style 7030 is probably one of our most popular styles - and has been for years! 

This tea length, Chiffon gown comes in 17 colors and has a suggested starting retail price of $159.00. This gown is popular with both moms and maids.

Style 7137 is also a top choice among moms. One thing to make this gown stand out is that it is available in 25 colors! This gown has a simple, straight edge hem (that easy alteration we talked about) and has a suggested starting retail price of $285.00. The back of this gown and the flutter sleeve are for sure points that make it a most-loved style.

There are so many gowns that are our customers top favorites! We would suggest that moms try on these gowns - you would be surprised how flattering they are. It's hard to pick our favorites for mom - there are so many that we love and get such positive feedback from. Here are a few that we would say are "Must Try":

Style 7039

Style 7811

As with all of our gowns we do have the option of using our Borrow a Bonny program - which will allow your local retail store to bring in any gown for you to see and try on if they do not already have it. Also, we need to mention the lead time - moms tend to wait till the last minute to order! Don't put it off! It takes about 4 months to special order your gown (3 months on a rush service for an additional fee). Special Occasion gowns, like bridal gowns, will usually need alterations for a perfect fit so, while your daughter, or soon-to-be daughter in law, is trying on gowns take a peek around to see what the store has to offer you. 

Get to know Bonny Bridal

We had a little Friday Funday Giveaway pop up on the blog today! We asked brides to answer a few simple questions about Bonny Bridal and now we wanted to share the answers with every one...and give a little bit more detail:


1. If your local Bonny retail salon doesn't have the dress you want in their store - how can you see the dress, try it on and fall in love with it - in person??
The Borrow a Bonny program! What is the Borrow a Bonny program? It's a unique way that we open up our ENTIRE inventory to our retail partners...and our brides! If we have it in stock, you can see it in person - BEFORE you buy! This is a great program (and it's been around for over 12 years!). Our retail partners can not carry every single gown we make (it would be nice but, simply not realistic). Each season we make "sample" sets of all our gowns. They are used in our catalog photo shoots, trunk shows at your local retail stores, etc. Our sample sizes are usually a size 6 or 8 and in our plus sizes 16w. Since every one doesn't fit our sample size, if there is a dress you really want to see and we have it in stock in your size and color choice we send it out to the store! You can buy the dress right then and there or...in the (rare) chance you don't like the gown, your local Bonny retailer can return it to us. Our most common question about this program is: Is there a fee? The answer is: Yes. Each store can determine how much they charge but, we do charge our stores a fee and our stores do have to pay shipping back and forth for the gowns to be sent to them. We do encourage our stores to credit you the fee or the shipping charges if you decide to buy the gown but, it's optional. We also encourage stores to provide the bride a store credit, should she decide not to purchase the gown. There are A LOT of items you are going to need for your wedding, which you will purchase from your local bridal salon so, it is a win-win we think! If you are a bride, make sure you discuss the Borrow program with your local Bonny retailer!

2. How far in advance should you order your Bonny Bridal gown?
Our standard shipping time is approximately 4 months...or 16 weeks. We do offer a rush service (for an additional fee) but, we would love to have brides order their dress at least 6 months in advance of their wedding date. The reason for this is because our ship dates are not exact! We can not predict delays in getting the gowns from our factory, weather delays in shipping from Fed Ex and a host of other things that might delay your gown getting to you. We have never missed a wedding date but, there have been a couple of nail biters during our almost 30 years in business! We think that if you give yourself 6 months to order your gown you are ensuring yourself a stress-free experience! Your gown will come in, you will have time to match up all your pretty accessories to it and have enough time to alter it for a perfect fit. We realize that sometimes girls plan a wedding in less than 6 months (oh how do you do it???) so we do carry stock in our most popular gowns for immediate delivery and we offer our rush shipping time to accommodate you!

3. If you see a Bonny Bridal gown on a website that offers you a super, duper unbelievably low price that seems to good to be true...should you order it?
No! No! No! We can not tell you how many times we get emails from brides AFTER they have ordered their wedding gown from these knock-off sites and they are so upset about the quality of the gown or not getting a gown AT ALL! We hate getting these emails! Please, do not buy from sites that claim to sell our gowns when, in fact, they have just stolen our pictures, pasted them up on a site and have you think that you are getting the gown you see on their webpage. We give you a list of our AUTHORIZED retail locations on our website, we tell you where NOT TO BUY FROM on our Facebook page and we always encourage you to contact us first, if you have questions. It's always better to be safe than sorry! Shop local! This is your special day...and it only happens once! Don't let these sites fool you and ruin it. Visit your local Bonny retailer...soak up the experience of being a bride and make sure you get the gown you really want!

4. Do we sell other dresses...besides wedding gowns? Could your mom and maids find dresses made from Bonny Bridal? How about your little sister who is going to Prom?
We sure do! We love all the dresses we make and we hope to share them all with you! We have our Special Occasion collection that has affordable dresses for your maids and moms, we have our Quinceanera Collection and we have our popular Mystique prom collection. We even have a Pageant Collection called the Crown Collection


5. Name our FOUR bridal collections
We offer 4 distinct bridal collections. They all have their own unique features but, the one thing they all have in common is that they are affordable, gorgeous and all made with our brides in mind! We get a lot of feedback from our brides and our retail stores about what their brides are looking for and when we design our gowns we take all that feedback into account! We love hearing from you and we love making gowns that you love:


Essence - this is our Couture Collection. Within this collection you will find special, unique fabrics not used in our other collections. You will find different beads and the style has a European feel to it. 
Bonny Classic - this is the collection that started our company almost 30 years ago! We remain true to it's name: Classic - traditional bridal gowns with a modern flair. 
Unforgettable - our plus size collection that starts at size 16w. This collection is our award winning collection because we have paid special details to what our curvy customers need: we have enhanced the bust line, brought up the arm holes and paid special attention to designs that flatter the plus size figure!
Bliss - our collection of modest gowns. With Bliss you will not give up style just because you want or need a modest gown. Bliss gowns can be modified (neckline and sleeve changes) to fit your needs. Young, fresh with just the right amount of coverage...that is Bliss!


Thank you for taking the time to learn about us - and what makes us unique. It's our brides, it's our retailers, it's what we are about...YOU! 

On The Road Again - Calling all Bridal Stores

Photo Credit: LemonLimeLlama

Our amazing sales team will be on the road again to show stores our Spring 2012 Collection! If you own a bridal store and you would like to see our new collection we would love to hear from you! We will be happy to pass on your contact information to the sales team who handles your area so they can make an appointment with you. Personal appointment times do fill up and each rep can only spend so much time in each location so, you know the saying, the sooner the better! We will also be showing our Prom Collection in Atlanta this month and all of our dress collections in Las Vegas and Chicago! 

If you are a bride and you have a favorite store you are working with and would love to see them carry our line of dresses - let us know! You are our eyes and ears out there and we love getting recommendations from our friends and fans!

Contact us today!

Bonny Bridal Launches New Website!

We've got some BIG news today!

Our new website has finally launched! Check it out and let us know what you think.

Our completely new and improved website is LIVE after months of preparation. The new site features many useful tools, such as an interactive chat feature, better search features: you can now search by:


SILHOUETTE
WAIST 
NECKLINE
BACK 
SLEEVES
FABRIC 

We have also changed the way you can view the dresses - you can view all on one page, there is a zoom feature and also we have added an interactive catalog! 

We invite our friends and fans to sign up for our promotions and contests! Be the first to know about what is going on! You will find a newsletter section, a re-designed "About Us" and so much more! 

For our retailers: We are still working on improvements to your area! We have listened to your feedback and we are making things a lot easier for you! Stay tuned for more information. 


This was a huge undertaking and we know there are bound to be some kinks to work out - so if you notice something please make sure you let us know...we value your feedback and have tried really hard to create the website you all have been asking for so, we hope you love it!

Check out the new and improved Bonny Bridal today!

 http://www.bonny.com

To our Canadian Brides and Stores: Happy Birthday!

Bridal Gown, Bridesmaid Dresses, Garland, Earrings, Poster

We are proud to honor our our friends in Canada today! As we embark on our own celebratory weekend, today, Canada celebrate's it's birthday! 

July 1st marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada (that's the technical explanation). Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Will and Kate to us "commoners") are beginning their 1st international tour as a royal couple to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday!

Bonny Bridal has always been popular in Canada - and we are very thankful to all our beautiful brides and retail partners there! So, today, we are thinking of you all and wishing you a wonderful celebration! 

Retire List: Effective June 30, 2011

Each season we need to retire dresses from our collections to make room for the new styles coming in! We have our retire list ready and we want to make sure everyone knows about it - just in case your favorite dress is scheduled to be retired! We get emails from brides all the time saying "I have had my eye on this dress for years and now I don't see it on your website" - we do what we can to locate retired dresses for brides through our network of retail stores but, it's always best to make sure you get the dress you love by ordering through your local retail store! So, effective June 30, 2011 the following gowns will be retired. Special orders will be honored up to July 15, 2011:

Essence: 8002, 8005, 8006, 8007, 8806, 8906, 8907, 8908

Bonny: 011, 014, 015, 018, 020, 024, 025, 028, 029, 030, 035, 039, 047, 048, 049, 050, 051, 638, 641, 703, 823, 911, 924, 936, 937, 943

Unforgettable: 1000, 1001, 1003, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1012, 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019, 1020, 1710, 1900, 1902, 1905, 1911, 1918

Bliss: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2022, 2718, 2803, 2915

Quinceanera: 5000, 5001, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5010, 5013, 5015, 5016, 5803, 5814, 5913, 5914

Special Occasions: 7000, 7001, 7003, 7005, 7009, 7012, 7013, 7015, 7016, 7018, 7019, 7020, 7021, 7022, 7024, 7025, 7027, 7028, 7036, 7038, 7042, 7725, 7810, 7906

A Little Something Special - Social Occasion Trunk Show

Calling all maids and mom's in the Pennsylvania area! There is a little something special going on in your area June 10 - 12th! A Social Occasion not to be missed! Bev's Bridal in Quarryville is hosting a Social Occasion trunk show. This is a great opportunity for you to see all our hot maids and mom's styles - in one location! Bride's ask if attending trunk shows are important and the answer is: YES! Not only do you get a special show price if you purchase your gown but, you get the opportunity to see all the dresses the store doesn't carry on hand. 


Bev's Bridal will have the following dresses at the show:

7139   7138   7132   7144   7129   7137   7030   7031   

7039   7002   7007   7016   7117   7121   7149

Red, White and Blue - Thank you!

Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  It is also a great time to say thank you to the veterans, active duty and reserve troops that continue to ensure our freedom and safety...take a moment this weekend to thank friends, neighbors, family or any military member you see! Freedom is not free. We appreciate everything that you do and we’re very proud of the great job that you have done and continue to do for us...THANK YOU!

Dresses in this set: style 7125, style 7106, style 7026 and style 7128

Las Vegas bridal inspiration: we are betting on love!

For Carli....thank you for your inspiration! 

We hope Vegas is a blast!

Dress style 7125, cake by Freed's Bakery in Las Vegas

The Fall 2011 Collection is HERE! Brand New Social Occasion Wear Dresses for all life's special moments!

Life is full of special occasions and those special occasions call for a special dress! We have a complete collection of special occasion gowns for your maids, moms or just for that night on the town! Special occasion dresses should be fun and always make you feel good when you put them on. We have amazing color options, luxurious fabrics and great prices! Our social occasion wear gowns are available in sizes 2 - 32. Get complete descriptions and color options are on our website at http://www.bonny.com

Style 7127

Style 7128

Style 7129

Style 7130

Style 7132

Style 7134

Style 7136

Style 7137

Style 7138

Style 7139

Style 7140

Style 7142

Style 7144

Style 7148

Style 7149

Style 7151

Style 7152

Style 7153

Reception Dresses: Hot trend for brides who want two dresses

This season we are introducing 3 dresses that we have affectionately dubbed "reception dresses". We love the concept of having 2 wedding gowns; your formal church gown that you get married in and do your professional portraits in and then the party dress for your reception and casual photos. You only get to have your "Big Day" once in a lifetime so, live it up! These dresses have an amazing, affordable price tag so...go ahead be a 2-dress bride!

Style 7124 - MSRP $255.00

A strapless short dress with pleating wrapping around the empire waist to the beaded bow accent.The pleating continues asymmetrically down to the rolling floral rosettes adorning the hem. It comes with detachable spaghetti straps. As well as coming in the standard white and ivory, this gown also comes in the following colors: Olive, Chocolate, Black, Midnight, Purple/Green, Green/Purple, Lilac, Amber, Plum, Wine, Silver, Seafoam, Red, Holly Berry, Hot Pink, Aqua, Sapphire, Lavender Pink, Orange, Cranberry, Pewter, Magenta and Blush Pink

Style 7125 - MSRP $215.00

A one shoulder strap dress that is highlighted with embroidered beadwork. Pleating drapes from the shoulder down the fitted bodice into pins and tucks along the short length hem. As well as coming in the standard white and ivory, this gown also comes in the following colors: Olive, Chocolate, Black, Midnight, Purple/Green, Green/Purple, Lilac, Amber, Plum, Wine, Silver, Seafoam, Red, Holly Berry, Hot Pink, Aqua, Sapphire, Lavender Pink, Orange, Cranberry, Pewter, Magenta and Blush Pink

 Style 7124 - MSRP $255.00

A strapless dress with a ruffled edge trimming the neckline. Bands of pleating wrap around the dropped waist fitted bodice with rhinestone and beaded appliques adorning the side. The short skirt is made up of layering ruffles. As well as coming in the standard white and ivory, this gown also comes in the following colors: Olive, Chocolate, Black, Midnight, Purple/Green, Green/Purple, Lilac, Amber, Plum, Wine, Silver, Seafoam, Red, Holly Berry, Hot Pink, Aqua, Sapphire, Lavender Pink, Orange, Cranberry, Pewter, Magenta and Blush Pink

A Sneak Peek at new Mother's Dresses for Fall 2011

We have some gorgeous dresses coming out for Mom's in our Fall 2011 season so, in honor of Mother's Day we decided to do a sneak peek at a few of the dresses you have to look forward to! Of course, if you see anything you love, make sure you contact your local Bonny Bridal retailer to let them know! We are currently showing this line to our retail stores - make sure your local store orders the dress you love!


First up, we have style 7139. This dress comes in our Iridescent Taffeta fabric. The neckline on this gown is so flattering to mom's! It is a modest style, which mom's seem to ask for more often. Another thing we get a lot of requests for from mom's is a three-quarter length sleeve - so here you go! The portrait collar band wraps around the shoulders and over the beaded modesty panel into the bow accent of the pleated bodice. The dress is complete by a simple A-line skirt. The suggested retail price (for our US customers, of course) is: $265.00

This gown is shown in Praline but is also available in all these gorgeous colors: Pink, Bubble Gum, Fuchsia, Claret,Wine,Watermelon, Tangerine,Yellow, Celadon, Apple, Cornflower,

Aqua, Sapphire, Copper, Grape, Purple, Black, White and Ivory

The second gown I want to give you a sneak peek of is style 7130. This is AMAZING!! Let's talk about the fabric: Iridescent Chiffon. Gorgeous, soft and super, duper flattering! This is one of our favorite dresses in the Social Occasion collection. Crisscross pleating drapes across the fitted bodice creating the V-shaped neckline - this pattern is so flattering on the body! We did the skirt in a circular cut  so it would create a full A-line shape. We can't decide if this is the best part of this dress (but it's right up there)....are you ready for this? The gown comes with this removable double layer necklace!! You don't even have to buy extra jewels!! Is it amazing, or what? It is made of embroidered cut tulle that is fully embellished with sparkling stones and beads. Awesome!!

The colors we chose for our catalog are Slate and Ivory (because wouldn't this gown also be perfect for a 2nd wedding or destination wedding?) but, it is available in all these gorgeous colors: White, Black, Ocean Blue, Silver, Bronze, Chocolate, Cranberry,Wine, Baby Pink, Bubble Gum, Aqua, Sky, Royal, Red, Lime and Tangerine. The suggested retail price (for our US customers) is $350.00

We hope you all love this sneak peek into our Fall 2011 Collection. Our retail stores are placing their sample orders now and these gowns will begin shipping in August/September to our stores. Make sure your local store has these dresses for you to see and try on! Also, we would like to extend a very special greeting to all our mom's out there! This is a special day to honor our mom's....and we love you!!!

Springtime Bridesmaid Gown - Purple

Oh how we love Spring! We have chosen style 7116 to help us celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday! A modest dress with softly pleated short sleeves and a modified square neckline. Beading outlines the empire waist with pleating draping across the dropped asymmetrical bodice. The A-line skirt has a soft drape falling from the beaded medallion. Today's gown is featured in Purple but, is available in all our Iridescent Taffeta colors: Pink, Bubble Gum, Fuchsia, Claret, Wine, Watermelon, Tangerine, Yellow, Celadon, Apple, Cornflower, Aqua, Sapphire, Copper, Grape, Black, Praline, White and Ivory

A Garden Wedding Gown for Spring!

Essence Collection style 8007 makes a perfect dress for a Spring wedding - don't you think? With its 3-dimensional flowers cascading along the skirt and semi-cathedral train it should be in a garden! Sharing the Spring love is style 7041. The soft, delicate Chiffon and fluttering leaf on one-shoulder just reminds us of the days of Spring!