Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Ritché Bridal
Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? At Ritché Bridal, we are pleased to be joining the Breast Cancer Society of Canada’s Dress For The Cause campaign to raise funds for breast cancer research. Throughout October Ritché staff will dress in pink to support of the campaign. We are really excited to be involved with such a great cause. For over sixty year we have helped women celebrate their special occasions and we know that breast cancer has touched the lives of many. We know together we can help defeat breast cancer!
PINK VEIL SALE!
From October 14-25, novelty pink bridal veils will be sold at Ritché Bridal for $20 each. All proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada; plus, for every veil purchased, we will match the amount with our own contribution (which means each veil sold will raise $40 for breast cancer research!) Our pink veils make the perfect gift for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Limited quantities; available in store only. If interested, please inquire with your bridal consultant. Special thanks to our friends at Bridal Classics for donating the veils.
If you’re looking to further support breast cancer awareness throughout your wedding celebration, why not make a charitable donation to breast cancer research in lieu of traditional wedding favours? A little note explaining this thoughtful gesture can be incorporated into your programs, menus or little cards tucked into each place setting.
Image via Weddingbee
Image via Look Love Send
Another subtle yet sentimental way to support breast cancer research throughout the festivities is using a “Kiss for the Cure” bucket. Encourage guests to forgo the traditional glass clanking and instead toss loose change into the bucket every time they want to the newlyweds to kiss. The funds can be donated at the end of the night to a breast cancer charity of your choice.
Whether you’re looking to make a big impact or small gesture, the means to incorporate awareness and support of breast cancer research in your wedding celebration are endless. We look forward to being a part of your special day.
Whether you’re looking to make a big impact or small gesture, the means to incorporate awareness and support of breast cancer research in your wedding celebration are endless. We look forward to being a part of your special day.
If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada please visit our Ritché Bridal Cancer Crushers fundraising page.
What to Do with Your Wedding Dress After the Big Day
For brides who grow up dreaming of their wedding dress, it may seem strange to begin planning what to do with it after the vows have been exchanged, the cake cut and guests departed. Even so, the fact remains that tossing it in your closet before you dash off on your honeymoon isn’t the most practical option. Having specialized in bridalwear for over 60 years, we thought we would share a few alternatives for you to consider…
Preserving the dress
For years we have been pleased to refer our brides to Courtesy Gown Preservation, which provides full wedding dress cleaning and preservation services to discerning clientele across the GTA. According to the Courtesy team, “Proper cleaning is essential because it affects the preservation process. Our objective is remove all beverage stains, soiled hems, perspiration, makeup and body oil.” Courtesy Gown Preservation also offers a wide range of protective storage options for wedding dresses, including custom made cotton bags, chests and museum-quality storage boxes. One perk about preserving your wedding dress is the instant heirloom you will create for future generations of brides in your family. What’s not to love about that?!
Trashing the dress
A particularly popular option with destination brides, trashing the dress is when a photographer captures the bride in her wedding gown, often against a backdrop such as the beach, ocean or tropical rainforest. The gown is often ruined in the process (hence the name “trash the dress”) but the resulting photographs are often magazine-worthy.
Brides considering this option should exercise extreme caution, especially if photographing near a body of water. The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada has rounded up a list of safety tips for trash the dress sessions.
Image by Jeff Cooke
Re-purposing the dress
Brides who have a bun in the oven may want to consider re-purposing their wedding dress for another milestone celebration, such as baby christening or naming ceremony. Another sentimental alteration could be making an heirloom quilt or ceremonial draping to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Image by Ideal Moment Photography
Re-wearing the dress
In Edith Wharton’s literary classic The Age of Innocence — as well as the 1993 film adaptation by Martin Scorsese starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder (pictured above) – New York society women of the late 1800′s often re-wore their wedding gowns to operas, galas and various other social occasions during their first year of marriage. More recently, we’ve met brides who decided to slip back into their dress for a special anniversary dinner or brunch. Who says mimosas and Mikado silk don’t mix?
Creating a unique piece of art
Image via Adrienne Maloof
Adrienne Maloof from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills had her wedding dress framed and displayed in her bedroom — how’s that for a statement piece?!
Donating to charity
Brides looking to pay it forward have the option of donating their wedding dress to charity. The Bride’s Project in Toronto is a non-profit organization which accepts donations of used wedding dresses to sell – 100% of the proceeds are directed towards various cancer charities. Ritché will be joining the fight to “crush” cancer next month with our Cancer Crushers campaign — stayed tuned for more details coming soon!
What are you planning to do with your wedding dress after the Big Day? Tweet to us @RitcheBridal or let us know on Facebook!
Celebrity Bridal Style: Angelina Jolie, Ashlee Simpson, Gabrielle Union & Jenny McCarthy
Though fall is officially upon us, we thought we’d take one final look at this summer’s slew of celebrity weddings, including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross, Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg, and Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade. Since we’ve continually witnessed Hollywood’s ability to inspire fashion-forward brides, we thought we’d round up some of our favourite Ritché gowns for anyone itching to channel some serious celebrity style for their walk down the aisle.
Angelina Jolie in Versace
Every detail of Brangelina’s nuptials was infused with sentimentality, wedding dress included. “It means so much to my kids,” Brad told THR, who finally popped the question at the urging of the couple’s famously sizeable brood. Unsurprisingly, their children (ages 6-13) were heavily involved with the August 23rd wedding at Chateau Miraval, the Jolie-Pitt’s 1,200 acre estate in Correns, France. Angelina was escorted down the aisle of the Chateau’s non-denominational chapel by eldest sons Maddox and Pax, while daughters Zahara and Vivienne tossed flower petals gathered from the garden and daughter Shiloh and son Knox served as ring bearers. The beloved family bulldog Jacques Jolie-Pitt joined 20 odd guests in witnessing one of the world’s most famous couple exchange vows (co-penned by their children, of course). Pax and his friends even baked the wedding cake.
While these charming touches ensured that family remained the focus — Brad notably had a stone in the chapel engraved with a tribute to Angelina’s late mother, Marcheline Bertrand – nothing turned more heads than Angelina’s wedding dress. Designed by Donatella Versace, the silk-satin gown featured bold embroidery of colourful drawings by the pair’s children. “I wanted the kids to be a part of everything, including the dress, because that’s our family. That represents the way we live our life together,” Angelina told Hello! magazine. While the etchings rendered Angelina’s dress a one-of-a-kind creation, the silhouette is surprisingly traditional, with cinching at the natural waist, a full skirt and elongated train. In fact, it reminded us of one of our own beautiful ball gowns:
L4920 at Ritché Bridal
This sumptuous satin ball gown at Ritché Bridal features a scoop neck, charming cap sleeves and a deep plunging v-back with crisscrossed crystal straps. While it’s notably missing Angie’s whimsical doodle embroidery, the silhouette, neckline and clean lines make it a solid match for brides looking to channel the Jolie-Pitt nuptials. All you need is a French chateau and you’re good to go!
Ashlee Simpson in Houghton
Ashlee Simpson married Evan Ross — son of Diana Ross — at the famed Motown singer’s estate in Greenwich, Connecticut on August 31st. The former Supreme not only officiated the ceremony, but serenaded the couple with her 1981 hit “Endless Love”. A choir was also on hand to bust out another Diana Ross classic, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Produced by celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss, the Simpson-Ross nuptials incorporated Ashlee’s Bohemian style throughout the festivities, from the fashion to the décor (which included a big white tent festooned with vintage fabrics and dream catchers).
Ashlee wore a custom ivory ball gown by Houghton Bride, with beautiful lace sleeves reminiscent of the Royal Wedding. That may have not been the only cue Ashlee took from Kate Middleton; her bridesmaids, including sister Jessica Simpson, all wore flowing white gowns, just like Pippa Middleton. Ashlee, meanwhile, stuck to ivory, like many of the brides who come to Ritché to find their perfect dress. While the material, shade and silhouette of Ashlee’s Houghton creation embraced a more traditional bridal aesthetic, it also incorporated avant garde details – such as a crop top and high-low hemline — to reflect her edgy, modern style. We hit the racks at Ritché in search of gowns that invoked Ashlee’s romantic, lacey look.
L4317
This frothy A-Line dress at Ritché Bridal is just as ethereal as Ashlee’s. It’s slightly more traditional without a crop top or high-low hem, but the dramatic sweetheart neckline keeps things fresh and contemporary, and the lace adorned tulle sleeves are the stuff that dreams are made of. It’s a phenomenal choice for a garden soiree, whether or not you’re future mother-in-law is a Motown legend.
Gabrielle Union in Dennis Basso
Gabrielle Union’s custom Dennis Basso dress was surprisingly simple for her reported $5 million wedding to NBA star Dwayne Wade. The two tied the knot at Chateau Artisan in Miami Beach, Florida on August 31st. No detail or expense was spared, including a helicopter entrance, custom chairs swathed with alligator skin and even live chickens brought in to meander the grounds of the estate. Guests reportedly received opera glasses to better enjoy the ceremony, and were also provided flip-flops and bow-ties. The bride and groom enjoyed their reception from two large thrones.
Per request of the couple, every guest dressed according to their colour palette, with the men wearing black, and women white. Although wedding fashion is often designated as the bride’s domain, Dwayne Wade took a strong interest in his own attire, donning three custom suits by DSquared. Gabrielle Union worked with Dennis Basso to create two dresses, a classic ball gown and glamourous pearl-flecked sheath, the later of which she changed into during the reception. In spite of the over-the-top celebration, Gabrielle’s gown evoked a simple, timeless elegance expressed with clean lines, a ruched bodice and full skirt. It instantly reminded us of our one of our favourite classic ball gowns at Ritché:
W1704 at Ritché Bridal
This Italian satin ball gown features exceptional ruching, a full, pleated skirt and beaded pearl and crystal waist band. It’s enhanced with a tulle illusion neckline, further emphasizing the timeless aesthetic. Want to look more Gabrielle Union and less Grace Kelly? Our in-house alterations department can remove the illusion neckline as they customize your dress for your unique size, shape and style.
Jenny McCarthy in Ines di Santo
Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg topped off the Labour Day celebrity weddings with an intimate celebration outside Chicago. Just 90 guests joined them at the Hotel Baker, which had been lavishly decorated with thousands of red roses for the occasion. Jenny, who donned a custom silk gown with bold rosette details by Ines di Santo, was escorted down the aisle by her son Evan. Jenny’s affection for flowers was further evident at the reception, where guests dined at banquet tables bursting with blooms. The comedian and her hubby paid tribute to their Windy City wedding venue (and Jenny’s hometown) with a late-night delivery of deep dish pizza, adding a fun twist to the formal affair.
97888 at Ritché Bridal
With handmade flowers nestled in the bustles, this Bordeaux taffeta A-Line gown at Ritché Bridal is perfect for a flower-focused bride who isn’t afraid of some big ballroom drama. The dress features a sweetheart neckline adorned with beaded lace as well as asymmetrical draping, an embellished lace skirt and romantic lace-up back. The dress is also available with cap sleeves and a jacket.
Ready to find your own dream dress? Book an appointment for a private bridal consultation at Ritché Bridal to try on the dresses featured above, as well as hundreds of other styles. We can’t wait to meet you!
Staff Picks: Angelina Jolie’s Wedding Dress
It’s been just hours since news broke of Hollywood super couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt secretly tying the knot in France last Saturday, and our team is dying for details. While the location has already been revealed — the duo reportedly made it official at Chateau Miraval, their $60 million chateau in Provence — what we really want to know is what the bride wore down the aisle! There has been no word yet on Angelina’s dress — the style, silhouette and even designer are all still a mystery — so we decided to round up a few of our girls to share their favourite picks, if Ms. Jolie (or is it Mrs. Pitt?!) decided to browse the Ritché racks before the Big Day.
Anna and Cat
Angelina Jolie has mastered the balancing act of simple and glamourous, prompting not one but two of our consultants to select this sleek silk sheath for the superstar. It’s elegant and classic, but not fussy, while the elaborate beading can hold its own in even the swankiest of chateaus.
Style L2763
Rachel
The ink-happy actress has several tattoos, including a Bengal tiger at the base of her back and elaborate Sanskrit text scrawled across her shoulder blades. The plunging back on this fitted lace gown would enable Angelina to not only show off her figure but extensive body art, which she has been collecting for decades.
Style L8614
Shayla
Since Angelina Jolie is also known for her sexy silhouettes, Shayla picked this fitted silk gown with standout back detailing.
Style T4336
Sam
With a brood of six children, a post in the U.N., and a red hot Hollywood career to boot, Angelia is anything but ordinary. Sam opted for an equally original mermaid gown with blue floral details.
Style T0761
What do you think Angelina Jolie wore on her Big Day? We can’t wait to see!
Real Ritché Bride: Michelle Dubé
We’re thrilled to share these beautiful pictures of Ritché bride Michelle Dubé, who you may recognize from CTV News! Michelle married her now-husband Mark Ferguson at St. Anne’s Church, followed by a reception at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, both in Ancaster. “We wanted to throw a great party for all of our loved ones… to provide wonderful food, drinks, music and fun for our guests,” the couple revealed to The Wedding Ring, who featured an extensive profile of the milestone event. Michelle also landed in the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Today’s Bride.
Prior to the Big Day, Michelle visited us at Ritché Bridal to view our extensive selection of world-class bridal gowns. She ultimately selected a breathtaking fit and flare organza gown by Allure Couture, featuring a fitted bodice adorned with embroidery and Swarovski crystals. Congratulations to Michelle and Mark. We are thrilled to have contributed to your special day and wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
Images by Mark O’Neill and Alex Urosevic via The Wedding Ring
Favourite Bridal Updos
Bridal updos complement a wide range of wedding dresses, from formal to casual, and everything in between. Here are a few of our favourite hairstyles for you to consider for your walk down the aisle:
How are you planning to wear your hair on your Big Day? Are you a fan of updos or more partial to long and flowy locks? Tell us on Facebook or send us a tweet @RitcheBridal!
Images by Christian Oth Studio, Elizabeth Messina, Gia Canali, Jose Villa, Julie Parker, Matt Edge, Melissa Fuller and Red Fly Studio
Prepping for Your First Bridal Appointment
If it’s your first time trying on wedding dresses, you may or may not know what to expect when you arrive at Ritché. We thought it might be helpful to break down a typical bridal consultation to help our new brides prepare.
Get a sense of your wedding vision
This may seem like an overwhelming task, but pinpointing your wedding vision will help you (and your consultant) determine which dresses to consider. You may be partial to bling, for example, but if you and your partner are planning an intimate backyard BBQ wedding, a head-to-toe beaded gown might feel out of place. Pinterest is always a great place to start (don’t forget to follow Ritché for tons of great wedding day ideas). We also suggest hitting the bridal blogs; some of our favourites, where Ritché brides are regularly featured, include Style Me Pretty, Weddingbells and WedLuxe. Don’t worry so much about smaller details like colours or theme; getting a sense of your wedding day “vibe” will help you narrow down the right style gown.
Give yourself enough time
We recommend brides place their order 8-10 months in advance. This generally leaves enough time for dress production as well as alterations, which are offered in-house by our team of exceptional seamstresses to ensure each and every dress fits perfectly. Beginning the tentative search 10-12 months ahead of time will ensure you’re able to take your time, consider all your options and enjoy the process. If your wedding is quickly approaching, however, don’t fret. We do offer a selection of styles which can be rush ordered and occasionally sell our sample dresses off-the-rack.
Narrow down your entourage
Searching for a wedding dress is an important female milestone in many cultures and communities, so it is only natural to want to include family and friends in the process. However, large entourages can make it difficult for brides to gage their own reactions to each wedding dress, because they are too distracted by the opinions of other people. We typically suggest narrowing down your party to three or four members, or coming solo to your initial consultation and then bringing your family and friends along later once you’ve narrowed down your vision to one or two options.
Choose the right attire
Wear comfort, loose fitting clothes that are easy to change in and out of.
Bring pictures
It’s always helpful for your bridal consultant to view your favourite images on Pinterest or Instagram to get a sense of what you’re looking for.
Take pictures
Many bridal salons forbid taking pictures, but at Ritché, we want you to feel confident in your decision, especially since it can be difficult to remember earlier contenders once you’ve tried on a significant number of dresses. If you’re heading to your appointment solo, one of our consultants will be pleased to snap a few shots for you. At Ritché, we are confident in the exceptional quality of our dresses and the relationships we have built with our vendors over our decades in business. We trust that photos taken during your consultation will be a useful tool in selecting the final dress, and look forward to working with you to find it!
Instagramming your appointment? Be sure to tag us @RitcheBridal!
Use your imagination
At Ritché, we typically only have one sample of each bridal gown in the store. Our samples tend to range from size 8-14 (we also have a plus size section). This means that dresses may not be an exact fit, but with the use of clamps, our skilled consultants are usually able to give brides a sense of how each dress would look if it were ordered in the proper size. Unless you are buying off the rack, your measurements will be taken prior to your dress purchase, so we can select the most accommodating size. Dresses are customized further upon arrival by our dedicated alterations department.
Keep an open mind
Our team of expert bridal consultants sit down with each bride individually to get a clear picture of her style and vision before presenting possible dress options. Many brides come in with a clear picture of what they’re looking for, only to discover their dream dress is an entirely different style they hadn’t considered before!
Make a day of it
Our neighbourhood is filled with cute cafés and restaurants to grab a bite after your appointment! Check out our handy dandy neighbourhood guide here.
Ready to give it a go?
Our private consultation rooms and friendly, experienced consultants await! Booking is a cinch — just click here to access our online form or give us a ring at 416-789-4378. We look forward to meeting you and working together to find your dream dress.
Image © Universal Pictures
Real Ritché bride in Punta Cana
Brides travel from across Canada to shop at Ritché, and many travel even further to tie the knot in beautiful destination weddings. We especially loved Rizza and Ray’s celebration at the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican, captured to perfection by Renaissance Studios. The bride had these sweet words to say about her shopping experience at Ritché: “Such beautiful selections of dresses and friendly staff. I absolutely love my dress so much that I might just put it on from time to time (lol).”
Congratulations Rizza and Ray! We are so happy we got to play a role in your special day!
Images by Renaissance Studios.
Not Just for Ceremonies: Veils Can Make a Mesmerizing Addition to Your Wedding Photos
When it comes to sentimental accessories, few hold a candle to the bridal veil. At Ritché, we have spent decades outfitting our stylish brides with veils of every variety, so we have witnessed the transformative power of this wedding day staple firsthand. The right veil, however, not only makes a breathtaking addition to a bride’s ensemble, but wedding photos as well. Here are just a few of our favourites…
Image by Taylor Lord
Image by Michael + Anna Costa
Image by Studio 1208
Image by Elizabeth Messina
Image by Aneta MAK
Image by Bryce Covey
Image by Elizabeth Messina
Image by Emily Steffen
Image by Justin & Mary
Image by Katie Slater
Image by KT Merry
Image by Jose Villa
Image by Elizabeth Messina
Image by Elizabeth Messina
Image by Caroline Yoon
Are you planning on wearing your veil in your wedding pictures? Tweet @RitcheBridal!
Ritché bride Ashley featured on Style Me Pretty
We’re always excited to see our brides featured on a major wedding blog like Style Me Pretty, along with their impeccable dresses! Ritché bride Ashley selected a breathtaking Lyon lace gown by Marisa with a fitted bodice, trumpet skirt and sweetheart neckline. It was a perfect fit for her vintage-inspired nuptials to university sweetheart Daniel at Knollwood Golf Club in Ancaster, Ontario. Photographed by Amsis Photography, Ashley and Daniel’s wedding day was filled to the brim with charming, delightful details. We couldn’t help but share!
Congratulations Ashley and Daniel! Thank you for including Ritché in your spectacular celebration!
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1662 Avenue Road
Toronto, Ontario
M5M 3Y1
Tel. 416.789.4378
Fax. 416.781.0381
[email protected]
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