PROM SAFETY

Mr. Burch understands that prom is one of the highlights of the high school experience. Whether you're going solo or with a date or group, trying new or different activities, or staying out late, being responsible is key for a safe and healthy prom night.

Let's take a look at a few tips for enjoying a healthy and safe prom.

Getting Ready:

• Get in shape slowly and wisely. Eat healthy and be active.
• Protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays. Avoid indoor and outdoor tanning, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Test all cosmetics and hair dyes before using them. Follow the directions and read any cautions and warnings on labels carefully.
• Be stylish and safe by wearing comfortable shoes and attire to prevent injury.
• Watch your budget. Have fun without spending a lot of money and causing unneeded stress. (Mr. Burch can help with this one!)

Getting Around:

Getting Down to the Fun

• Make sure an adult will be home throughout the party and that no alcohol or other drugs will be permitted.
• Parents need to stay visible during the party.
• Contact the adults to verify the occasion and the time of the party.
• Have the address and phone number of the party.
• Arrange transportation beforehand. Assure your teen that you or a specified neighbor or friend can be called if a ride home is needed. 
• Agree on times before the party starts.
• Be awake when your teen gets home. It is not only a sure way of checking the time, it also gives your teen a chance to talk about the party.

These are just a few safety tips and suggestions to make sure your most memorable night is memorable for the right reason.  Have fun and stay safe!

PLAN THE PERFECT PROM IN 2013

The following is a guest post from JAMM Entertainment.

It’s hard to believe that not only is 2013 less that 2 weeks away, but that its time to plan for Prom. Yes, already. The dates have been set, the venues are booked, and although dresses may not have been bought yet, its definitely time to reserve entertainers.

Whether, your Prom has a specific theme or you just want to set yourself apart by being the best party in town, the following 3 things will start you in the right direction: Professional Entertainers, Unique Lighting, and Awesome Extras.

Professional Entertainers will serve as upbeat hosts of your Prom, accepting student requests that keep the party going while making sure their playlists are edited to comply with school rules. Professional DJ’s and Emcees know how to set your Prom apart from last year’s with personalized extras like scripted prom court intros and song selections that may be special to certain student and faculty groups.

Unique Lighting is the key ingredient to creating your Prom’s desired atmosphere. Lighting effects like Intelligent Lighting and Hazers will set your dance floor space apart from the other party areas. Custom GOBOs can be used to enhance a theme and/or personalize the event.

The use of awesome entertainment extra items give students alternative activities to participate in when not on the dancefloor. Gaming stations, Photo Booths, and other interactive areas like our Grafitti Wall keep students at the Prom longer by breaking up the evening.

If you need help planning your prom this year, please call our experienced staff at 205-856-5266.  Happy Planning!

PROM FASHION FOR GUYS 2013

Prom season is here and every where you look there is prom fashion....for her.  What about the guy? Mr. Burch Formal Wear is here to help out. Take a look below for some of our prom tips just for him.

1.  Make sure it fits

Make sure your tux fits like it should. This means the shoulder seams should hit at the actual shoulder (and not halfway down your deltoid), the sleeves don't come past your thumbs, and you can't fit more than a fist in between the fastened jacket and your chest. As for the pants, a little break is okay; a lot of break is unacceptable.

2.  Color can be good
You're used to the classic pairing of getting a jacket and pants together, but why not try something a little different?  Adding color with your tie or socks can really add some personality and still keep that polished formal look.

3.  Don't skip the details
Is your bow tie going to have classic tapered ends, or a more modern square shape? Think about which option will look best with your lapels, and in proportion with your overall outfit.  The finishing touches matter most during formal occasions, when they're the only things separating you from the rest of the penguin pack.

4.  Should you suit up?
If you happen to have a more open-ended dress code, you might skip the formal trend and go for a suit that shows a bit more personality but is equally appropriate for the big night.

5.  Groomed the right way
You're going to have to shave.  If you want to keep some scruff, keep it cleaned up. Plan your haircut at the right time. About one week before the big day is enough lead to allow your sharply shorn 'do to settle in. You don't want to pose for pics looking like you just got out of the chair.

6.  Less is always more
Going heavy on the cologne isn't going to help you look any better, and certainly won't be fun for those closest to you all night (i.e. your date). A night like prom can be an occasion to break away from your usual scent and try something new. 

7.  Different can be good
A guy who gets his date a rose corsage is like the guy who goes to a great Italian restaurant and orders spaghetti and marinara; there's nothing wrong with it, but so many more exciting options are out there! Try an orchid or calla lily that will look unique amongst the parade of roses on the big night. Same goes for your boutonniere.

8.  Always be a gentleman
Step up to the plate and impress her by opening car doors, helping her to her seat, and standing when she gets up to go to the bathroom with six other girls. Remember that her parents and friends are going to hear a recap of every single detail about the whole evening.  What will she say about you?

Need some help with your suit or tuxedo?  Come see us at Mr. Burch and let us help.

TIPS FOR THE BEST PROM EVER 2013

Here at Mr. Burch Formal Wear, we've seen a few proms. Prom season is one of our favorite times of the year.  We stay busy keeping up with the latest fashions and really enjoy seeing new faces. After being in business almost 80 years, you pick up a few things. We'd like to share some of our favorite tips for prom.

Plan Ahead

Once you are certain you're attending prom, plan ahead. Be sure and reserve your tuxedo early. Try to get in to see us and get measured at least 2 weeks in advance. Every prom is scheduled between March and May. We serve a lot of high schools. You don't want to get caught at the last minute without the size or color you need. Planning isn't just for the tuxedo. There are almost 1,000 kids in the Junior and Senior class at Hoover High School. That's a lot of dinners for 40 square miles. Be sure and make your dinner reservation in advance as well.

Ask Your Date

"Gentlemen, be sure and ask your date what type of corsage she would like," says Greg from our Mountain Brook Store. Some ladies will prefer a wrist corsage because of a strapless dress. Instead of guessing, just ask her. If possible, you want to get a swatch of her dress as well. This will help you with trying to match your accessories.  "Cell phone photos can be very misleading. If you're trying to match, a swatch of material is best," says Greg.

Tuxedo Tips

Most young men don't normally wear a tuxedo so there are few things to keep in mind.  "Make sure you try everything on before you're ready to head to prom," advises Barbara at our Hoover location.  You already know to reserve early but be aware of hidden fees.  Don't get caught paying a rush fee because you didn't come in early or weren't paying attention.  Barbara says, "Your tuxedo coat is worn open so your vest and tie can show."  You'll be glad you got a swatch of your date's dress.  Also, remember to keep up with your coat.  With all the excitement and dancing, it's normal to remove your coat during the prom.  Just be sure to keep up with it so you can return it later. And most importantly, never pay full price for your rental.  Use the coupon below for $50 off or ask one of our employees about the referral program so you can get your tuxedo for free.

PROM TRENDS FOR 2013

Mr. Burch Formal Wear has been around for a few years and seen a few prom seasons.  Let's take a look at Prom trends for 2013.

Chiffon:  Chiffon made a return to Formal Fashion Week for 2013.  This elegant material brings formal prom dresses to life.  A romantic look and feel for any girl especially with the material flowing as she moves on the dance floor. 


Ruffles:  Ruffles are huge for prom 2013.  Adding a feminine look to any gown, ruffles are a major fashion trend.  They add flirty flair to the already romantic look.  Throw in some sparkle and a ruffle accented gown could be on the hottest looks for prom.

Sweetheart neckline:  There is no better neckline for a strapless dress than a sweetheart neckline dress. It is without a doubt the most flattering of styles and it is sure to make unforgettable memories for years to come.


Metallic/Sequins:  Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, metallic dresses and sparkly sequins will be all the rage this prom season.  Not sure which style you prefer?  Come by and visit the Mr. Burch Trussville location and speak with one of our customer service specialists.  We want you to look and feel your best for your big night. 



We don't want the guys to be left out!  Come see us at any of the Mr. Burch locations to redeem the $50 off tuxedo rental coupon below.   Whether you're looking for something classic or trendy, we're happy to help.

HOW TO PIN ON AND SELECT A BOUTONNIERE

A boutonniere is a collection of one or two small flowers pinned to the left lapel of a tuxedo or suit.  There are men who will dismiss the boutonniere as feminine.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Great noblemen, warriors, and poets have worn flowers for over a thousand years. Soldiers headed to war have proudly worn flowers on their chests. In the United States every January, two of college football’s best teams square off wearing roses on their uniforms. The winners of our greatest athletic events are congratulated with bouquets of flowers. We even honor our fallen with poppies and other blooms.

Most men will only wear a boutonniere on special occasions like prom, anniversaries or a wedding. It is normally worn on the left lapel of a suit, sport jacket, blazer or overcoat. The boutonniere is always attached above a man’s heart, and it should be worn in the lapel’s button-hole. 

Color choice of the boutonniere is important. Flowers should match the general color scheme of the wedding. Traditionally for proms, the woman purchases the boutonniere for her date. This allows her to select colors appropriate to her dress. When in doubt, a boutonniere made with a white rose, can usually go with virtually any other color, or any tuxedo style the man chooses.

Start with putting the boutonniere below the lapel. If it is a bigger boutonniere, place it a little lower on the lapel so it isn’t in his face. Place the boutonniere on the lapel and then fold the lapel over.

Step 1: place the boutonniere on the lapel and then fold the lapel over

Stick the pin thru the bottom up.

Step 2: stick pin through the bottom.

Doing the same thing with the second pin, make an X with the pins.

Step 3: make an X with the pins.

And there you go. A  perfect, lay-flat, no-flop, boutonniere!

Step 4: the perfect boutonniere!

Photos courtesy of Chelan Bride.

When wearing a boutonniere you should also consider:

Have no fear: Do not be afraid to be an individual. Wear a boutonniere because you want to.

Size Matters: If you’re a small man, wear small flowers. If you’re a large man, consider something that is more befitting your size.

Ladies First: A boutonniere is a single flower or a small collection of tiny blooms; never wear something unwieldy.

THE RIGHT WAY TO WEAR A CUMMBERBUND

Research the occasion. Formal dinner parties have different dress requirements than weddings, and the rules of fashion tend to change around major holidays. Certain colors of cummerbunds are reserved for Christmas. Also, consider the time of day. If you're attending a function before five p.m., you may be required to wear morning dress. In this case, you would forgo the cummerbund for a waistcoat.

 

1. Wear a cummberbund that matches your tie. It is a style faux pas to wear a mismatching cummberbund and tie. Choose an appropriate-color cummerbund. Simple, solid colors are the most elegant and safest bet. For weddings, you can choose a color that complements your tie or handkerchief. A good rule of thumb is to wear black if you're unsure.

  

2. Wear a single-breasted jacket with your cummberbund. Single-breasted jackets are always worn with either a vest or a cummberbund, but not both. The jackets are most often worn open to show the cummberbund. Do not wear a belt if you are wearing a cummberbund.

 

 

3. Wear trousers with a high waist that will be completely covered by the cummerbund. The cummerbund provides a transition between shirt and waist. It is considered tacky to have an exposed waistband while wearing a cummerbund.

 

4. Attach the cummerbund snugly around your middle with the pleats facing up. This gives a somewhat slimming effect. The reason the pleats face up is a hold-over from late Victorian England, when gentlemen would tuck theater ticket stubs into the pleats of their cummerbunds.

 

 

 

Always remember that any of the amazing customer service specialists at all of our locations are happy to help you in any way. Just contact Mr. Burch with any questions you might have. Use the coupon above for a $50 discount on your tuxedo for prom.

WEDDING ETIQUETTE SERIES: TO EMAIL OR NOT

Not to Email

Wedding invitations

Thank you notes

Personal Issues

No Surprises

To Email

Save-the-Date

Wedding invitation replies

Wedding announcements

Invitations to parties

Information on lodging, etc.

THE DIY WEDDING MYTH

I was on Pinterest recently (okay, I was on it again for the third time today) and I came across an infographic about the expense of weddings, Weddings Are Freaking Expensive. The statistics are a little dated but much of the factual information on the top of the graphic is correct like the cost of the average wedding, average number of guests and location of ceremony.

Weddings Are Expensive

Then things took a downward turn.  There is a section titled, Bring Your Wedding Costs Down.  This section details the cost of hiring a professional versus DIY (doing-it-yourself).  Some of the information found in this area is so far from accurate I thought it was time to set the record straight.  Let's take a look at 3 of the cost saving examples.

Videographer

This post suggests that you purchase a camcorder and stand to save money. While you can set up your own equipment, who will operate it?  If you leave the camera stationary, anything can happen. What if it isn't focused correctly?  A guest bumps into it during seating and changes what gets recorded. Plus, nowadays it isn't uncommon for guests to stand during the ceremony to get their own photos. You might end up with a recording of your Uncle Joe's back instead of your wedding vows. By hiring a professional, you guarantee that you'll get those moments you just can't capture from a tri-pod: the first kiss, the first dance and the look on the groom's face when he sees the bride for the first time. Not to mention an amazing finished product that has been edited by a professional.

Photographer

This post suggest that guests use their own digital cameras and upload the photos to a group Facebook page.  Seriously?  You're going to trust your friends and family to get each and every one of those special must-have shots?  Not to mention waiting and hoping that the images will be upoladed.  I have a friend who still hasn't downloaded her son's first birthday photos and he graduates this year.  A professional photographer will take the shots you know you want and those you never knew you couldn't live without.  While there are some amazing digital cameras, the person operating the camera makes a huge difference.  A professional will get the right lighting, focus and feeling.  Are you sure you want to trust Uncle Joe and a disposable camera to record the most important day of your life?

Professional vs Amateur photographer

Music

This post suggest that you use Rhapsody.com as your musical entertainment instead of a DJ.  However, the post never addresses who will play the music and on what equipment. Do you have the sound equipment necessary to play an ipod and can you set it up at your venue? A professional DJ is licensed and bonded and will come with all the necessary equipment. He will introduce your wedding party with specific details about the bridesmaids and groomsmen. He will announce the big moments and direct the crowds attention to the cake cutting, father-daughter dance or honeymoon exit. Most importantly, he will read your crowd and play the music that gets the best response. 

iPod vs DJ

There are ways to save money on your wedding, just make sure you think it through and pick the best options for you.  Talk to the wedding professionals.  These folks have been doing this for years and can give you tips and suggestions you haven't even considered. Mr. Burch has options for discounted tuxedos including getting the groom's tuxedo free.  All you have to do is ask.  At the end of the day, you'll be married.  Let's try to make it a joyful occasion full of happy memories instead of an exhausting day of trying to do everything yourself.

MR BURCH WEDDING TUXEDO BOOK

Wedding season is upon us yet again and we want to make sure the groom and groomsmen in your party are taken care of.  Mr Burch offers hundreds of different colors and styles of suits and tuxedos.  Take a look at some of the latest options in our Wedding Tuxedo Book.  Also available to view on line. 

Tuxdeo Book Cover

Do you have groomsmen across the country?  No problem!  You can select from hundreds of convenient locations nation wide for the measurements to be taken and select your desired pick up destination.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1.  Find a store near you. 

2.  Submit your measurements

3.  Convenient pick-up

Out of Town

You can also say "YES" to tuxedo savings.  Save $50 off every tux in your wedding PLUS get the groom's tux FREE!  Just print the coupon below.

Thank you for letting Mr. Burch Formal Wear be part of your big day.  Please take a look at the rest of our Wedding Tuxedo Book for more fashion options.  Contact us (205) 252-3600 if you have questions or if we can be of assistance.