White Tie Vs Black Tie Wedding Event by Sam Saboura

Black Tie vs White Tie Events

Black Tie vs White Tie Events

Hello Sunday! Sunday is always one of my favorite days because it is typically spent at home relaxing and enjoying time with my family. I like to get up a little later than normal, (8:30am, yep that’s sleeping in for me!), have a lovely breakfast, walk the dog, sit and relax. Oh, and  sometimes I stay in my pajamas until noon. Yep, its a pretty casual day. But today, we get a bit formal.  Sunday just got elegant and lovely.  It is all about the white tie and black tie event.  Ever been curious of the difference? I know I have. So, that is why I asked fashion stylist and TLC star, Sam Saboura to break it down, and describe the differences between these two formal events.

Here is what Sam Saboura shared with me: 

White Tie events are the most formal of all events and pretty serious stuff. They are reserved for evening and are only really “white tie” if they take place after dark. If the event is this formal but happens during the day, then morning coats are required of men—think the royal wedding or as the name implies, men wear white ties and white vests with black or midnight blue tailcoats and pants. The shirt collar should be wing tip. Women wear long gowns and are normally required to wear white opera length gloves as well. Cocktail dresses and tea-length gowns are frowned upon and gloves stay on at all times except during dinner.

Black Tie events are considered semi-formal by comparison, but for most Americans this is as about as dressed up as we get. Again, these events are technically reserved for after 6pm and formal dress is required.

Men should wear a black or midnight blue tuxedo suit, white shirt, black vest or cummerbund and a black bow tie. A modern black tie event will allow for a man to wear a classic black necktie. Black tie is not to be confused with creative black tie or the like. This is a formal event and the dress code is pretty strict.

Women have more room these days for black tie events. The dress should be formal and long, though cocktail dresses are totally apropos these days. Back in the day most dresses women wore to black tie affairs showed their shoulders, so some kind of wrap was always encouraged. Evening shoes were and are a must and gloves are optional–but not out of the ordinary.

 

Thank you Sam! I know what to wear now, the next time I go to a white tie or black tie event!

Top Ten Tips on How to Shop for Your Bridal Gown by Sam Saboura

Today it is a very “special” day here in United States. It is Tax Day!  April 15th is not the most exciting date of the year, however we are not going to allow this day to bore us. We have a very special day of our own.  We may not have any tax day tips to provide to you, however we have some other fabulous wedding tips which we think you will love.  We had the pleasure of hearing Sam Saboura speak at a local wedding event and share amazing bridal trends. He also shared some pretty good shopping tips for wedding dresses. Sam Saboura is a top stylist and fashion expert, as well as a published author and television personality. He stars in TLC’s hit show, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. Sam really “wowed” us with his shopping tips, and raised a few eyebrows. We were so amazed by the tips that he shared, we had to feature it.  If you have not started looking for your wedding dress, then it is the perfect time to get ready for an awesome shopping experience.   Shopping for your wedding gown should be a fun, and memorable time. So why not make it better by learning a few pointers on how to shop for that perfect wedding gown! We hope your tax day is looking a little brighter for you already.

See what Sam shared with us on the top ten tips on how to shop for your bridal gown:

  • Bring Images and Inspiration: Have an idea in mind and some images of dresses you love but always be open to trying something outside of your vision.
  • Plan in Advance: You should start shopping for your dress one year out from your wedding date. 18 months is not unheard of since sometimes it takes up to 9 months to have a dress made. 9 months out is cutting is close unless you are looking to purchase a sample dress.
  • Research Before Purchasing: Get as much information about the dress you love that you can. Then go home and Google it. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you learn.
  • Bring Undergarments and Shoes: If you plan on wearing a certain type of undergarment on your wedding day, by all means bring them along on your shopping trips. You should also have an idea of shoe height and bring a similar shoe from your closet for dress appointments.
  • Always Try on a Dress That is Totally Not You: If a dress catches your eye for any reason try it on–even if this dress is not your style and even if it doesn’t fit your vision or venue. Sometimes you need to know what you don’t want to know exactly what you do. And sometimes the perfect dress will find you when you least expect it, so always be open.
  • Allow the Consultants to Help: Bridal consultants work with these dresses all day long and see them on dozens of different women and body types. The good ones know more about the dresses you’re trying than you do—I promise. Let them guide you and help you. You’ll be happy you did.
  • Always (try to) Stick to Your Budget: This is a classic conundrum and one I have lots of experience with so listen up! There are many beautiful gowns out there that will be out of your price range. And yes, they will all be gorgeous. You should know that they are expensive for a reason; the fit, quality, construction, styling and details may all surpass dresses in your price range. So here’s my advice: don’t go there. If you do, be prepared to fall in love and possibly be disappointed, or be prepared to pony up for the dress of your dreams!
  • There’s No Harm in Asking: You should always ask questions when shopping for your wedding dress. You may be able to obtain a discount, buy the sample of the dress you love or work out some kind of deal for alterations. I recently found a hidden sample rooms full of designer dresses with only slight damage that were a fraction of the price! You never know until you ask, so go for it!
  • When in Doubt… : When in doubt, sleep on it! This is the most important dress you will ever wear, so your decision should not be hasty or rushed. The old adage is actually true: when you know, you know.  So if you don’t—then walk away and get some perspective. The dress will still be there in the morning and your vision will be much clearer.
  • To Entourage or Not to Entourage, That is the Question: The right entourage can make or break your shopping trip so choose your helpers wisely and keep your group small. You’ll want friends and family members who have your best interest in mind and not their own. Listen to your entourage, but at the end of the day listen to yourself. It’s your wedding and your dress, so ultimately you should make the call.

Thank you Sam for these amazing shopping tips!

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: Season One Finale

Do you know what I love? Weekends! What a better way to start the weekend then with a sneak peek for tonight’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”.  Tonight is the season one finale, so you must watch!  If you have missed any episodes, you are in luck, because you will be able to catch up on the re-runs.  Why should you watch this show if you haven’t already?  This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a tough one!

 

DSCF4421Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a classy, simple, and elegant dress for her rustic wedding. She has a super close relationship with her mother, so her mother really wants her to wear the dress she wore on her wedding day. It would be so special if she did. However, the bride is not a big fan of the 1980s dress. Puffy sleeves and all.

The bride is looking for a more up to date dress to compliment her upcoming wedding.  Kelly will use her stylish expertise  to transform this 1980s dress into a fabulous and fashionable gown fit for the 21st century.  Will Sam find a modren dress which will make this bride feel and look beautiful and gorgeous on her wedding day?  Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will she walk down the aisle in the dress her mother once wore?  Or will she fall in love with something new and personal to her? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! It is the finale, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Unveiled Orange County: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

Happy Monday lovelies! It probably comes to no surprise that I am obsessed with all things wedding. I mean, I get to write about pretty wedding things all the time. Oh, how I love my job! Things really got better around here this weekend. I attended a fabulous wedding event right in my hometown of Orange County, California. Unveiled  stopped by the South Coast Plaza Village on Sunday April 7, 2013, showing off the best of what Orange County offers for brides and their grooms. So when I laid eyes on the incredible collection of Orange County’s finest wedding products, my obsession went into overdrive.  If that was not enough, the day got even better when a couple of fabulous TV stars stopped by. By this time, I could not stop smiling.  I am literally smiling from cheek to cheek.   Kelly Nishimoto and Sam Saboura from TLC’s hit show, “Something Borrowed, Something New” shared bridal trends with us. I was so impressed with what they were sharing, that many times I said to myself, “oh, I never knew that”, or “wow, that’s a really good idea!”. Stay tuned, because we will be sharing some of these bridal trends with you soon! So, now it is time to pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get real comfortable, and get ready to be inspired!

The highlight of my day was meeting Kelly and Sam!  It has been so much fun covering their show on Bridal Hot List, and seeing these two find or create amazing bridal gowns for brides. To finally meet in person, was such a lovely touch, the cherry on top, and the icing on the cake. Every Friday we share a sneak peek of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”, and this week is the finale, so make sure to check to tune in.IMG_4209

By the way, they are super sweet and such a delight to be around. Sam is easy going, and sweet. Kelly is real and honest, and so darn cute! I loved meeting them!
IMG_4190The Q/A session where they shared Bridal Trends. I was definitely inspired by what they shared. Thanks Kelly and Sam!
IMG_4145Gorgeous and stunning design! This was a “wow” factor for sure.  (Allure Events Atelier) Do you see the paper flowers on the wall behind the chair? Oh my, simply amazing! (Paper Flowers from Revelry Designs)
IMG_4142Imagine this look for your escort card table. What a beautiful way to draw you in. You see the lovely laced covered vases? Every detail is just gorgeous. (Flowers and Vases from Celios Design)
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I loved all the golds, white, and stunning mirrors. Elegant, whimsical, and romantic.
IMG_4157I love how there are different styled chairs around the farmer table. This look is perfect for a garden or rustic style wedding reception. (Classic Party Rentals)
IMG_4158I was really intrigued by these extraordinary boutonnieres. Succulents are the hot trend right now in wedding florals. (Briana Maxson Floral Design)
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IMG_4159Cute idea! Hanging photos off a rustic cart. This is a great touch for a vintage romantic wedding.
IMG_4152Gorgeous bridal gowns (The White Dress). 
IMG_4153Do you see that stunning headpiece? I love the intricate details. Beautiful!
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IMG_4167Sexy and romantic all in one. Did you know that the train can be taken off, and transformed into a fabulous party dress? So, when the reception gets started, you can change into a fun dress and dance the night away!
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IMG_4177Coppers, pinks, and peaches. What a fabulous combo for a sweet and romantic style wedding. (Megan Ondercin Event Design)
IMG_4163Gorgeous Cake (Christopher Garrens Cakes)
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Look at the details on this cake, I love it!
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Stopped off by the (Happy Photos) booth to see my friend, owner and photographer, Xuong. He is an incredible photographer!
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Thank you Unveiled, for an incredible wedding inspired experience.  I love weddings, and I love what I get to do everyday!
Stay tuned for more from some of these amazing wedding vendors right here on Bridal Hot List.

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: April 5th

It is Friday, and what a better way to start the weekend than with a new episode TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”.  We have the sneak peek right here! Have you been watching? It definitely a show to have marked as recording on your DVR! It is a fun show about a bride and her bridal gown. What can be better that this?  If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

DSC01671Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a dress which is romantic and classy for her modern vintage wedding. She has one request: A dress with sleeves! Her mother in-law to be has joined her in search of something new, but really like her to wear the gown she wore on her day. Yes, this bride and mother in-law to be, have a very loving and beautiful relationship.  Very rare! But how wonderful is that?

The bride fell in love with the gown that her mother in-law to be wore on her big day, but there are some details she is not so crazy about. Kelly also loves this 1970s dress, and will redesign and create a dress which has all the elements that the bride is looking for. Will Sam find a dress which has sleeves for this bride? Sam always finds something fabulous! Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be the dress that her groom’s mother wore on her wedding day? Or will she fall in love with a new dress which has everything she is looking for? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: March 29th

Happy Friday! A happy one indeed. We have a sneak peek for tonight’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. Have you been watching? It definitely a show to have marked as recording on your DVR! It is a fun show about a bride and her bridal gown. What can be better that this?  If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

Courtney Still 4Courtney Still 15Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a dress which is fit and flare, and shows off her figure. Her grandmother wants her to wear the dress which makes her feel the happiest.  However, the bride’s mother has her heart set on something with tradition and all the sentimental elements.

What about her grandmother’s bridal gown that her mother wore on her wedding day?  As a little girl, the bride really liked her mother’s dress and thought to wear it on her wedding day. However today, the dress does not have what she is looking for. So, Kelly will have to do some of her magic and transform this not so “hot” dress into something fresh and fabulous for the bride.  Will Sam find a modren dress which will make this bride look and feel amazing?  Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be something borrowed, or something new? Will she fall back in love with her grandmother’s dress? Or will she walk down the aisle in a new dress which is personal to her? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: March 22nd

Spring is here and we are in love. We are also in love with Fridays. We are excited for this week’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. Have you been watching? It is such a fun and amazing show. If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

DSCF5080Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for that perfect dress which is classic and traditional, without showing too much. This bride wants a more modest look, but her mother wants her to show off some skin.

What about her mother’s second bridal gown that she wore on her wedding day? The simple dress does not have the all that the bride is looking for to compliment her classic vintage wedding. However, can Kelly transform this sentimental dress into something modest yet fabulous for the bride?  Will Sam find a dress which covers the bride up?  Or will the bride go with something that shows off her skin? Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be something borrowed, or something new? Will it be as modest as she imagined ir would be? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

An Interview with TLC Star Sam Saboura

Bridal Hot List is thrilled to have our first ever interview guest, TLC’s Sam Saboura. Day in and day out Bridal Hot List is immersed with all things wedding, and that makes us smile from cheek to cheek. Yes, we smile so much in fact, our cheeks hurt. But this week I think our smiles are going to get even bigger. We had the opportunity to interview Sam Saboura, a top stylist and fashion expert, as well as a published author and television personality. He is staring in a new show on TLC’s BrideDay lineup, “Something Borrowed, Something New”, which premieres tonight at 10/9c.  You can find out more about this show by checking out our sneak peek post. Sam took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions.

Bridal Hot List: Welcome to Bridal Hot List, Sam! For our readers that aren’t familiar with you, could you tell me about yourself and what you do?

Sam Saboura: Thanks for having me! I work as a Stylist, Personal Shopper and TV Style Expert in LA and NY. I’ve designed my own lines for on-air shopping networks and wrote a book on dressing your body type. I’m currently living, working and shopping in LA and I could not be more thrilled to be a part of Something Borrowed Something New! The show is so much fun and TLC is the perfect home for it. I’m obsessed with weddings and all things bridal and spent hours as a kid sketching wedding dresses, so working on this show is a huge treat for me and working with brides is second nature for me.

Bridal Hot List: Sam, you’re a top fashion stylist now but we all got our start somewhere. Where did you start and how did you get into fashion?

Sam Saboura: Since I was very young, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love and an eye for fashion and style. I expressed that by working with others like friends and family, helping them get dressed for special events or bossing them around about what they should and should not be wearing…LOL. I started working in retail at a young age and I loved that I got the chance to work with so many people and help them with their style.

When I moved to LA, I started working at Fred Segal on Melrose. It was a very special place back then and major stars from around the globe would pass thru on a daily basis. I learned about high fashion there and really cut my teeth style wise. I was basically playing dress up with the biggest celebrities in the world.  You name them I worked with them, it was an incredible time and a huge learning experience. I became the personal shopper there, had a who’s who clientele, and eventually moved on to freelance styling and then TV. It was a whirlwind seven years there and some of the best times of my life!

Bridal Hot List: We’ve heard time and again that highly successful people say that their success comes from having a passion for what they do. For you, where does your motivation come from? At what points in your career did it help fuel you to stick with it and find eventual success?

Sam Saboura: This is a great question. I do what I do because it makes me happy and fulfills something in me. I’m a super generous person and I love to give and help. When I learned that people liked and trusted my taste it made me feel good and validated something that I loved to do anyway. It was a win win for me. I get to have my fingers in so many different pies. I get to style, be on TV, shop, help people feel better about themselves and I love what I do everyday because it’s never one static thing. I’m grateful to be able to say that, and lucky to be in this line of work.

I am a workaholic and I’m totally type A. I love to see a project or task thru to completion and I’m driven to grow, evolve and succeed. I also have a very strong business head. I think what drives me the most is being able to be creative and run my own business at the same time. It’s all about balance for me between those two different parts of my personality, but the creative side is definitely wins out more.

Bridal Hot List: Fashion is a constantly evolving form of art. How do top stylists and experts stay with what’s current and be able to move in the right direction for what’s coming next?

Sam Saboura: I think it’s really about knowing your client and making sure you don’t get too comfortable. You have to keep it fresh for yourself and stay challenged in your work and your pulls. You have to also try and evolve your client’s look and style, even if only a bit at a time. Fashion is always changing but people are not. Change is a wonderful thing but it’s also uncomfortable for most people. So you have to know when to really push your opinion and when to simple lead the horse to water, so to speak.

I get very excited when I see new collections, colors, shapes and trends that are unexpected and fresh, so I always try and introduce something new every time I work with a regular client. I also like work with assistants that have different tastes and ideas than I do. It keeps my eyes open and keeps my work fresh and constantly challenged.

Bridal Hot List: When you are styling a subject, what details do you focus on the most, and why?

Sam Saboura: Fit, proportion and comfort. These are the things that make someone shine in their best light. The fit and tailoring need to be exceptional. The proportions need to be balanced because this can completely change the way your body is perceived visually, and the client has to be comfortable and look like the best version of themselves no matter what they are wearing. You can always tell when someone is comfortable in their look and something always seems to be off when they’re not. These three things have to be in place and the rest are just details—and good taste.

Bridal Hot List: We’ve learned that you are going to be starring on a new show on TLC called “Something Borrowed, Something New”. For viewers, what will be the most exciting and fresh elements they should tune in to see?

Sam Saboura: This is show is fun for so many reasons, but one of the best parts for us is that we never know what the bride is going to chose! You get all the fun wedding dress shopping plus the interest of seeing an old dress evolve into something fresh and modern. It’s also kind of fun to guess and see what the bride will chose so there’s a play along element to the show. It’s short and sweet and full of emotion. We so many great brides and families and they have tons of personality. Also, all the budgets are real and very normal. We are not working with $6000 dresses here so tons of brides will relate and be inspired! I keep telling my friends it’s like a really delicious midnight snack, a totally satisfying, 30 min, guilty pleasure.

Bridal Hot List: For a fashion trendsetter like yourself, what kind of opportunity does starring in a TLC show represent?

Sam Saboura: TLC is every bride’s destination channel and they have really done a wonderful job opening the doors to the wedding world and letting everyone in to just fall in love and have fun. I think I’ve seen every episode of Say Yes To The Dress about ten times each and it never get’s old. I’m thrilled to be back on the network and playing in a world I love completely. Weddings are my thing, they have always been special to me, and it makes me so happy to help all these awesome ladies get ready for their special day!

Bridal Hot List: By the end of your first season of the show, what goals are you hoping to accomplish?

Sam Saboura: My head is already ready for Season 2 and all the things I want to do to make the show even bigger and better. I want the show to resonate and inspire future brides. I would love to work on my own bridal line. That would be full circle for me since it harkens back to my childhood. That would be a great accomplishment and something I’d be really passionate about.

Bridal Hot List:  Certainly, every bride is different, but what are some best practices you can give brides-to-be when they are shopping for that special dress?

Sam Saboura:

  • Have an open mind and be open to the right dress. The right dress may not be the dress you thought you would wear. Don’t put yourself in a box.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you may not find your dream dress on the first shopping trip. Sometimes the dress finds you when the time is right and it may happen when you least expect it.
  • Most of the time the cliché is totally true, you know when you know. Trust your gut and chose the dress that speaks to you, one most likely will.
  • Trust your salesperson. They work with these dresses all day long and chances are they have seen them on many different body types. If you don’t have an expert, find one at a bridal salon you love. They can make your dress shopping smooth and enjoyable.
  • Listen to your entourage, but at the end of the day listen to yourself. It’s your wedding and your dress so ultimately you should be the one choosing.
  • Stay on budget! The kiss of death is trying a dress that way outside your budget. If you can’t manage the price that’s on the tag without stressing your budget, that’s not the dress for you—no matter how gorgeous.
  • Narrow it down. Trying on dresses that are not in line with your body type can be incredibly frustrating—like trying on a million pairs of jeans. Know your body and styles that work best for it before you start shopping and use that as a jumping off point when shopping.
  • Always try one that one dress that is the opposite of what you think you want. You may be pleasantly surprised by the result.
  • Try a veil! Trust me on this one, NOTHING can seal the deal on a dress when you’re on the fence like the addition of a veil.  It’s like magic and when a bride truly sees herself as a bride.
  • When in doubt, sleep on it! Getting some perspective and time away from a dress will always help you make the right choice.

Bridal Hot List: What are some of the best tips you can give fashion conscious brides aiming to not just look their best, but wow their guests?

Sam Saboura: If you’re a bride who loves fashion and loves to take risks I say go for it. I do think there should be somewhat of a timeless element to your dress because these pictures do last a lifetime and you don’t want to look back and be too trendy or of the moment, but this is your time to shine, your red carpet moment! I think statement accessories are always the key and what set you apart from every other bride. They can be the best way for a bride to inexpensively personalize her look and express her sense of style.

Even the most spectacular dress can be taken to the next level with the right accessories, so spend some time and research your options. There are so many wonderful sites online that can inspire a forward thinking bride. Accessories are the icing on the wedding cake and can transform average into amazing with just a little bit of effort.

Bridal Hot List: What do you think are some of the biggest fashion mistakes you see brides make? Do you see any common No-Nos that make you roll your eyes?

Sam Saboura: I think they need to trust their gut and chose a dress that speaks to them and that they love. Listening to family and friends’ input is wonderful but the choice should always be the brides and her’s alone. They should also  be 100% open to something totally outside their vision and comfort zone. Some of the best moments on the show are when a bride tries on a dress that they thought they didn’t want or would never pick. More often than not that’s what they ended up choosing. Have a plan but don’t follow it too closely or you may miss the perfect dress.

Bridal Hot List: There are a lot of TLC fans excited for the new show, what message would you like to give them as “Something Borrowed, Something New” premieres?

Sam Saboura: I hope the fans love what they see and embrace the show! We had lots of fun making it and the whole crew felt like were all working on something really special. Hopefully that comes across. Oh, and make sure you have some tissues on hand too…

 

Bridal Hot List would like to extend our gratitude to Sam and the TLC staff that helped make this interview possible.