Christine's

Prom Dresses for 2011

2011-01-28T14:14:00.001-08:00

These are just a few of our Prom dresses, and we have so many more styles in the store! Please check with us to find the perfect dress for your prom or special event!

CLEARANCE

2010-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

We have some amazing gowns on clearance! You can view a small selection of what is offered on our facebook fan page by clicking this link:

SALE

Call us today at 662-324-8488 to schedule your appointment

Convertible Wedding Dresses

2010-08-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

We know you want to look like a princess on your wedding day, but carrying a big train around all night is tres difficult. So here are some chic styles that will take you from formal to fun in a snap!

Would you want to wear one of these styles?

Visit us on Facebook for more convertible dress options!

Destination Wedding Gowns

2010-07-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

We have got sandy beaches on our minds! So we decided to show off some of our most beautiful destination wedding gowns. These are perfect for a beach wedding. Become our fan on Facebook and let us know which one is your favorite!

Prom 2010

2009-11-12T12:39:00.001-08:00

We're so excited about Prom 2010. The gowns that we have on the way are AMAZING, and we've compiled a slideshow of some of them just to give you a taste. Our Prom 2010 Red Carpet event is scheduled for January 30, 2010. Check back with us in January for the details. We can't wait!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Designer

2009-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the Wedding Channel Couture Show in New York City, and we had an absolute blast! I loved seeing all of the newest trends, and selecting all of our new gowns for Spring 2010.

We added a new designer, Justin Alexander, to our collection, and we're happy to know that the gowns will be coming in shortly! Made of the most luxurious fabrics, including Italian silks, and featuring beautiful embroidery, we can't wait to dress our brides in these fabulous gowns. The best part about them is that they aren't found in every bridal store, and we're one of just a couple stores in Mississippi featuring them. Here are just a few pictures.

Me with the designer

For an appointment with us, please call 662-324-8488 or email info@christinescouture.com.

Please visit us on the web! (click)

Champagne Appointments

2009-07-23T11:58:00.001-07:00

At Christine's Couture, we know that most brides want to be treated like celebrities while shopping for the wedding dress of their dreams. This is why we have decided to open our doors for prearranged "Champagne Appointments" outside of our regular business hours. If a bride decides to schedule one of our champagne appointments, she will have the whole store to herself without any distractions or other customers.

The pros of a private appointment, besides having the store to yourself, are that you will get our undivided attention while we help you select your bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses. We will also serve complimentary champagne and/or sparkling apple cider along with light snacks. The bride is also treated to a Christine's Couture logo tote bag filled with all the necessary items to start planning her wedding and a $100 gift certificate*.

There is a $150 booking fee to schedule your private champagne appointment, and this includes a *$100 gift certificate that can be applied towards any bridal gown or four or more bridesmaids dresses.

Appointment times:
Monday thru Friday 6 p.m.
Saturday 4:30 p.m.

To schedule a champagne appointment for yourself or for a loved one (they make a GREAT gift!), simply call us today at 662-324-8488.

Independence Day

2009-07-03T09:49:00.001-07:00

Since the 4th lies on a Saturday this year, I'm sure a lot of weddings will be themed in red, white, and blue.

In honor of our nation's day of independence, we've dressed the windows in style. Enjoy!

CLEARANCE! OUR FIRST SAMPLE SALE

2009-06-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Okay Ladies....it's time for our first annual sample sale, and the prices are going to be amazing! We need to make room for new inventory, so we are marking everything down for ONE DAY ONLY.

Wedding gowns will be marked up to 75% off, prices starting at just $99!!!

When: Saturday, June 20, 2009.

Where: 201 E. Main Street, Starkville, MS

Some of the designer gowns that we are blowing out are: Casablanca, Winnie Couture, Ella Bridals, Essense of Australia, Sonia Cholette, WToo, and many more.

We're also putting veils, tiaras, prom, flower girl, and mothers' dresses on clearance.

If you're on a budget and searching for your dream dress, you definitely won't want to miss this one day only event.

Due to the expected high volume of customers, we are not taking appointments during the sample sale. We will be selling gowns on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 9am, so get here early and be prepared to find "the one".

Any questions, call us at 662-324-8488

New Additions

2009-05-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

With the Fall '09 season approaching, we have added a few new wedding gown designers to our repitoire. Among the selection are Allure Bridals, Emerald Bridals, and Impressions. The new dresses have already started arriving and they are absolutely gorgeous! We will be getting new arrivals now through August, and we can't wait to show them off and help you find the perfect gown for your big day. Remember, it is never too early to start shopping for your wedding gown!

Of course we still have Casablanca Bridals, Alyce Designs, Ella Bridals, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, and Winnie Couture.

Please call us today to schedule your appointment at 662-324-8488.

New Clearance Dresses

2009-05-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is right around the corner, and there are lots of brides right now who are searching for a great deal.

So we have added a new addition to the store...a clearance room! With wedding gowns starting at only $99, every bride is sure to find something that fits her personality and her budget.

Call us today or schedule an appointment to view these spectacular clearance gowns.

http://www.christinescouture.com/

662-324-8488

You know you want a piece.

2009-02-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Our trunk show starts today, and this morning, we received our cake from Jamie Tollison of Starkville. And it is beautiful!!!!

So come down and see us. Try on some beautiful Martina Liana, Essense of Australia, and Ella Bridals wedding gowns and get a piece of this beautifully delicious cake.

To schedule your appointment, call us at 324-8488 or schedule one via our website, http://www.christinescouture.com/.

Project Wedding Day Recap

2009-01-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

Project Wedding Day, which is put on by Premiere Bride Mississippi magazine, was yesterday in Tupelo, MS. The show was a great success, and we really enjoyed meeting so many new people!

Did you miss it? Don't worry! We will be at the WCBI Bridal Showcase this Saturday the 24th in
Columbus, MS. Please come visit us there! 662-324-8488

Visit our Website! (click)

Above, a picture of our fabulous booth, taken by Bob Boisseau from Sherewood Photography of Tupelo. Thanks Bob!

Find a good deal online? Think again!

2009-01-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

My thoughts about buying your wedding gown online...

It seems that I've been hearing so many horror stories lately from brides who thought they were getting their dream dress at a fraction of the price, only to find out later that it is a cheap imposter knock off of the original. Obviously, they are devastated and have to spend even more money replacing the gown.

To find out if what you are ordering is legitimate, go to the gown designer's website and click on store locater or authorized retailers. Only shop at a store that is listed on the designer's webiste, or you will probably not be happy with what you receive.

Some problems that occur if you buy your gown online are:

Gown fitting improperly
Not the right color
Made of cheap fabric that feels like paper
beading and lace glued onto fabric instead of being sewn on
Dress falling apart
No return policies or huge restocking fees
Not receiving the gown on time. Or not receiving it at all!

Why would anybody risk their perfect wedding day just to save a few bucks? It's just not worth it. Period.

Trunk Show

2009-01-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

February 6 & 7, we are hosting a trunk show featuring:

Martina Liana

Essense of Australia

and Ella Bridals.

During the show, all brides will receive a FREE veil with their wedding gown purchase!

A representative will be here on behalf of the designer to assist you and answer questions.

Appointments are Required, so call us to schedule one. 662-324-8488

I found this article on http://www.insideweddings.com/ that I thought summed up a trunk show perfectly.

A bridal trunk show is a special, in-store event that normally spans one to three days. With the beginning of each bridal season, fall and spring, the designer's collection goes straight from the runway or showroom to a series of trunk shows at retailers across the country. These events give brides the opportunity to preview the entire collection of gowns and to place orders on these styles months before they hit the stores. Additionally, brides may have the opportunity to meet the designer, or representative of the company, who will provide valuable advice and insight during each appointment.

While the name itself conjures up a glamorous, Old World style fashion event, most brides are not familiar with the workings of a bridal designer trunk show. Attending a trunk show is a wonderful opportunity for brides to view a wide selection of gowns from the featured designer. Since bridal salons typically carry only a few select styles from a designer's collection each season, there are many additional styles that brides would only be able to see during the trunk show dates.

Upcoming Bridal Fairs!!!

2009-01-09T14:27:00.001-08:00

It's finally that time of year! Bridal Expo time, and we are exhibiting at two of them this month.

One is hosted by Premier Bride Magazine, and it is in Tupelo on Sunday, January 18th Click here for more information.

The other is hosted by WCBI and it is in Columbus at the Trotter Center on Saturday January 24. Click Here for more details about this show.

Both expos will have fashion shows featuring wedding attire, and we can't wait to see our gowns grace the runway!

You don't want to miss this great opportunity to meet and greet with us and other wedding professionals in North Mississippi.

We can't wait to see you there!

Store Pictures

2009-01-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope that a lot of Mississippi girls got engaged over the holidays, and you will start shopping for your wedding gown very soon! Here are a few store pictures to get you excited about shopping at Christine's Couture!

http://www.christinescouture.com/

Seating area for guests of the bride

Inside the dressing room

The viewing stage

Case for jewelry and a few of our veils

The tuxedo table

The bridal party area for bridesmaids, mothers, and flower girls

One view of the bridal gowns

Close up view of some wedding gowns

Some prom gowns

More Prom

Be Prepared

2008-12-16T11:23:00.001-08:00

The Dress. This is something you've probably been dreaming of since childhood, and it is finally time to start the shopping experience. Of course you want it to be as stress free as possible! We know that Bridezilla is an entertaining show, but you definitely do not want to be one of those women as you embark on one of the most exciting times of your life.

So where do you begin?

First you want to find a store with an impecable selection of gowns and a staff that appreciates you and wants you to be totally stress-free. It is always a great idea to call ahead of time and schedule an appointment so that you have the one-on-one attention that you deserve. You also want to schedule an appointment to ensure that you have a dressing room reserved. Many brides skip this step, and you will feel totally prepared if you have made the appointment.

Make sure that you allow plenty of time. Most wedding gowns take from 3 to 5 months to arrive, so you want to allow ample time for the ordering process. You might also need alterations, so there should be enough time for that. If you look in the planning checklist of your favorite bridal magazine, they will recommend that you have selected your gown one year ahead of your wedding. Another reason to shop early is because the wedding dress sets the tone of your wedding. You can't select the bridesmaids, cake, table cloths, etc until your gown is selected.

The big day! Well, the big shopping day, that is. You should come to your bridal appointment totally prepared with 3 very important things.

First, you should be wearing the proper undergarments. It will make a huge difference when you are trying on the gown.

Second, you will need 1 to 3 of your most trusted loved ones. Your maid of honor, mother, sister, grandmother, or best friend could be among these trusted people, but be careful not to invite too many. If you have a trillion opinions flying at you, you might get confused. And it is your dress and your decision, so you need to be sure that you bring people who understand that.

Third, you need to bring an open mind. It is great to have pictures of some of your favorite styles and ideas about what you want. But it is amazing the number of times a bride will fall in love with a style that is totally different than what she first imagined.

What not to do:

Wear a lot of makeup or tanning lotions. You don't want to worry that you are smudging the beautiful white fabric, so wearing minimal makeup will trying on a lot easier.

Cameras: most bridal stores won't allow them.

Small children: although we all love the tots, bridal stores are definitely not the place to bring them. There are many small objects and delicate things that will be totally off limits. Besides, you don't want the little ones taking away all the attention. The only exception to this is if they are part of the bridal party and are being fitted at the time.

You've found it! Congratulations. Just like finding your soul mate, finding your dress will feel amazing. First you can decide on color choices and customization options. Then, you will be measured and fitted into the designer's size chart. Remember that if you fall in between sizes, it's better to order the larger of the two. It's a lot easier to alter a dress down than the gown arriving too small.

Most importantly, have fun and don't take it too seriously. You definitely want to look and feel amazing, so stressing out isn't going to get you there. At Christine's Couture in Starkville, you can expect to find a warm, friendly environment and tons of hand selected designer dresses that you will fall in love with!

Our selection of bridal gowns include: Casablanca Bridal, Essense of Australia, Ella Bridals, WToo, Aurora D'Paradiso, Winnie Couture, and our newest couture designer, Martina Liana.

662-324-8488/www.christinescouture.com

Holiday Fashion Show

2008-11-20T09:48:00.001-08:00

Last night, MSU's Fashion Board hosted their Holiday Fashion Show. We were happy to loan them some gowns to showcase in their Holiday Cocktail segment. Other Starkville vendors participated including Fashion Accent, Mint Consignment, The Fancy Frock, and House of Tux. There were also segments highlighting clothing from The Salvation Army and Palmer Home Thrift store. Overall the show was a big hit! Here are some of the gowns from Christine's Couture that were featured in the show.

Mr. and Mrs. President

2008-11-05T13:18:00.001-08:00

America has made its decision...Barack Obama is our new president! So I thought I would track down some of his wedding pictures. May I just say that Michelle is so gorgeous! She truly has such a classic style. (Also, when are long sleeves coming back in? I love them!)

Michelle and Barack with their mothers

This is such a sweet picture! Were her sleeves detachable?

"Happy Hallowedding!"

2008-10-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

With Halloween right around the corner, I'm thinking about how to have a "Boooo-tiful" Halloween themed wedding.

When I was about 6 years old, I was a flower girl in a wedding that was held on Halloween, and I can still remember feeling a little upset that I wouldn't get to go trick-or-treating! However, I had so much fun at the wedding, I forgot all about it.

Since October 31, 2009 will be on a Saturday, I'm sure there will be a more than a handful of great Halloween themed weddings nest year--which can range from tasteful to downright spooky! Here are some ideas to get us in the mood for the holiday.

These 2 cakes are so much fun!

This one is much more traditional and VERY beautiful!

Caramel apples are another way to incorporate Halloween into your wedding day!

How cute are these Spooky-tinis?

Even if you don't want to get decked out in orange and black, this garter is a great way to show your holiday spirit!

White Pumpkins are a gorgeous and natural way to incorporate the season into your Halloween Wedding

These decorations are totally creepy, but they're also really elegant and fun!

Trash the Dress!

2008-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

One of the newest trends to hit the bridal industry is a "trash the dress" photo session after the wedding has taken place. During the shoot, the bride puts on her dress and gets down and dirty...wearing her gown through water, dirt, mud, and other places one would definitely stay away from during the big day. how fun does that sound? It does make for some really fun pictures, but come on girls...isn't this just another excuse for us to put our wedding dress back on? :-)

"A Happy Bridesmaid Makes a Happy Bride" Alfred, Lord Tennyson

2008-09-12T15:43:00.001-07:00

Here's a really interesting video on bridesmaid traditions. I learned a lot of things that I didn't know about bridesmaids and how they became customary. Just thought I'd share...

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Dessy.com: style="font-size: 9pt; color: #456d67"
href="http://www.dessy.com" target="_new">Bridesmaid Dresses
| href="http://www.dessy.com/wedding-dresses/"
target="_new">Wedding Dresses | target="_new">Flower Girl Dresses

Vegas Baby!

2008-09-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Vegas and the new season is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

I just can't wait to get the new styles in the store. The new gowns are going to be perfect for prom, sorority formal, pageant, and cocktail parties. We will be getting in everything from uber-beaded pageant gowns to sassy short cocktail dresses.

Opening in December will be our new division, Red Carpet Couture. It will be located in the back of the existing store (which is on Main Street in Starkville, MS), but it will be specifically catering to our younger clientelle in search for the perfect party dress or pageant gown.

For more information, contact us at 662-324-8488, or visit us on the web at http://www.christinescouture.com/

Free Gift with Purchase

2008-08-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

We love to pamper our customers! So, with any purchase, everyone will receive one of our new lip balms! We have 5 different flavors to choose from including vanilla, iced pear, tropical, and mint. We also have a pink shimmer and bronze shimmer for those of us who want a little bit of color. They are also SPF 15.

Starting on August 30, any purchase will come with one of these sweet little treats. Available while supplies last.

Prom Preview!

2008-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I made my way to the fabulous ATL, and started ordering gowns for prom 2009!

The new trends include ombre fabrics, funky prints, low cut backs, bright colors, and animal prints. I can't wait to get the dresses in the store! In September, I am traveling to Las Vegas for The Market at the wonderful Venetian Hotel! One of my very fashionable friends will be attending with me, and I'm sure that we will make some great decisions on other new additions to the store.

Prom 2009 is going to be AMAZING, and I hope to dress all of Northeast Mississippi in couture prom (of course in prices that we can afford)!!!

Check with us in late December/early January to see the new styles in person!

Penguin style

2008-08-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Not only does Christine's Couture cater to brides, but we also have some really great options for the man of the day and his groomsmen! One new trend to hit tuxedos is chocolate brown. I find this amusing because my cousin wore a chocolate brown tux to his senior prom that he bought in a thrift store (pictured to the left)...so NOT modern or cool! However, the new chocolate tuxedos are very chic.

Currently, I am working on a bridal party with 18 groomsmen, all wearing ivory tuxedos.

Let's hope they don't spill.

Classic Calvin Klein tux. (Modeled by Halle Berry's amazingly gorgeous man!)

New breed of chocolate brown tuxedo.

All of the tuxedos in this post (with the exception of the ruffly brown velvet one)

are available at Christine's Couture.

Trend Setters

2008-08-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

As I embark upon this new journey of owning a bridal store, I'm really starting to get a grasp on what brides are wanting these days...or at least the brides in my area. And I'm actually quite shocked! It seems as if the traditional strapless A-line is making its way OUT, and brides are wanting gowns that are a bit different in terms of silhouette and sleeve options. Now, I'm not shocked to see the new trends in the bridal industry, but I am extremely happy to find that the brides in this area of the country are picking up on the new trends so fabulously! Usually, it takes us a little while longer than the rest of the country.

I am going to Atlanta this weekend to find new and exciting styles for the store, and next month I make my way to Las Vegas for market. It's really great to know that us Southern Belles are welcoming the new trends, and I can't wait to update with all of my new additions to the store.

Here are a couple of my favorite styles that are proving to be popular so far.

Mermaid gown with dramatic layered train by Winnie Couture

Italian Metallic trumpet silhouette gown by Essense Couture

Lace gown adorned with Swarovski crystals and pleats. Shown with matching bolero jacket (also by Essense Couture)

Of course the "Cinderella" gown is timeless and will always remain in style. This is for the girls who have been dreaming of their wedding gowns since they were still in diapers (such as myself...I actually used to get my mother to buy me bridal magazines when I was a toddler--I prefered them to childrens' books).

Gorgeous two-toned ballgown by Casablanca Bridal.

All of the styles mentioned in this post are available at Christine's Couture. Now, you can schedule appointments online!

New Arrivals!

2008-08-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

As the fall season approaches, we are getting in new arrivals daily. Here are a few just to get you excited! Come visit the store to see more or try on a few!

Welcome!

2008-08-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Christine's Couture official blog. Here you can find wedding tips, trends, and fun facts to jumpstart your wedding planning. As you may know, planning a wedding can be a bit stressful, but with the right information, you will find that it can also be a really fun once in a lifetime experience!

I'll try to use my knowledge of the wedding industry (especially the wedding gown industry) to help you plan what might be the most important day of your life.

So check back with us often, and please come visit me in the store.