WEDDING ETIQUETTE SERIES

Mr Burch Formal Wear wants to be your partner for you big day and help make your event special.  Please join us as we explore the world of wedding etiquette.  There is so much to consider from the engagement to the honeymoon, we’re going to take a close look at each step in this on-going series.

Celebrating The Engagement

Announcing the news
It’s important to consider strategy when announcing your big news.  If either of you have children already, they should be the first to know.  It might also be a good idea to tell the kids without your future spouse so they can have a chance to react privately with you first. For the rest of the family, timing is key.  You might announce the news at a family party so you can let everyone know at the same time.  If the spotlight isn’t your style, then your closest family should hear the news first. Ask them to keep it to themselves for a few days. Others may be hurt if they hear the news from someone else. 

Jim Little Photography 1

Selecting a date and guests
Parents of the bride, then groom are usually the first to be given the option of hosting an engagement party. Normally, both don’t unless they live very far from each other. The idea is that the party happens closer to the engagement than to the wedding.   Everyone invited to any pre-wedding celebration like a shower, engagement or bachelorette party, must also be invited to the wedding.   Choose wisely.  You can always invite more people to the wedding.

Having a great time
Engagement parties are one of the few events the couple doesn’t have a common American tradition to look to. They are common in some places, and unheard of in others. The good news is you have the chance to create your own style of event that will be meaningful to you. Many different styles and settings are acceptable for an engagement party like a catered dinner, casual brunch, or picnic in the park.   Just choose the type of celebration you’d most enjoy. The party itself has no requirements.  However, an announcement and toast are usually given by the father of the bride. Guests may or may not bring presents.  If you’re unsure, check with your host.  Engagement gifts are usually small, like two champagne flutes and a bottle of champagne. The goal is to celebrate your joy with a party that reflects your style.

 JIm Little Photography 2

Please contact Mr. Burch Formal Wear at (205) 252-3600 if we can assist.  You plan the party and we’ll bring the fashion.

MEN'S FASHION TRENDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2012

The Holiday Season is upon us.  How many parties will you attend this year.  Neighborhood?  Office? Charitable Fundraiser?  New Year's Eve plans?  What are the trends for men's fashion this holiday season?

Neighborhood: Neutral colors are best here. He can't go wrong in his best dark work suit as the key is to blend in with the crowd at this party. Let someone else get chided for their goofy snowman sweater tomorrow.

Holiday Fashion

Office: If he dresses in layers, he can start the day out more formal and as he gets more comfortable, he can shed a layer or two for a more casual look. A chunky cardigan over a button-down and tie, topped off with a blazer will do the trick.

Fundraiser/New Year's Eve: He likes the bowtie, but can never wear one to work? This is the perfect time to break it out. It's cool to play mix-and-match: no need to stick to strictly black and white when anything goes. Try brown and black for the modern spin on a classic tux.

Contact Mr. Burch (205) 252-3600 for your formal wear needs during the holidays this year.  Our experienced and professional staff would love to help you look your best.  Happy Holidays!

'TIS THE SEASON FOR BRIDAL SHOWS

Planning your wedding can be one of the most challenging and overwhelming projects that you tackle.  There are so many details to take care of.  You have to pick a venue, entertainment, lighting, caterer, dress and that’s only the beginning.  How are you supposed to know everything you need?  Where can you go for help?

Planning A Wedding

Bridal shows play an important role for engaged couples.  They give you the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, see gorgeous venues and network with professional vendors who know their stuff.  There are many reasons to attend but let’s look at the top three.

Great Ideas
You can network with other couples and professional vendors.  This is a great way to gather information and get some fresh ideas.  You might find an excellent referral from another bride.  You can tour some amazing venues like the Southern Bridal Show at the BJCC January 13, 2013.  A bridal showcase gives you the opportunity to surround yourself with people who are looking for the same answers you are.

Meet Vendors

Most bridal shows have vendor sponsors with multiple industries represented.  Not sure about your location?  Attend the venue’s bridal show.  Need help deciding what kind of entertainment to offer?  Speak to one the  experienced professional entertainment experts.  Most bridal showcase  vendors have been in the business for years, and are willing to share their knowledge with you.  They have seen the good, the bad and the ugly.  Bridal shows are an excellent way to benefit from the professional’s years of experience.

Freebies!

Bridal shows are notorious for having AMAZING give-aways.  You can win all kinds of interesting and wedding related things just by going to the shows and learning more about your upcoming event.  Like the upcoming Southern Bridal Show, registered brides will also receive a FREE one year subscription to Brides Magazine and will be eligible to win a deluxe, all-inclusive honeymoon trip!.  You can’t take advantage of the give-away opportunities if you don’t go to the shows.

Brides have enough to do without trying to do it all alone.  Come to a bridal show and see what you’re missing. You can always stop by our booth and speak to our experienced staff.  We can't wait to see you.

Stay tuned for a complete bridal show schedule.

PROM FASHION FOR 2013

More prom fashion has arrived at the Trussville Mr Burch Formal Wear.  Be sure to stop by and see Geneva for more information and newer options.  Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted on the latest prom fashion for 2013.

Sherri Hill

Mori Lee

If you need more information about formal wear for your event, please contact us at (205) 661-3330.  We want to help with your tuxedo, suit or dress.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR ATTENDING A BRIDAL SHOW

Bridal Show season is around the corner.  For those who are getting married, it can be an exciting and confusing time.  There are lots of shows to attend and so much to see.  How do you handle it all?

Bridal Show Tips 

Just like the wedding, the bridal shows will go much smoother with a little planning.  Be prepared before you attend to get the most out of each and every minute.

Top 10 tips for attending a bridal show

1. THREE IS NOT A CROWD:  Bring your fiance, parents, bridesmaids, friends and long lost relatives.  They can help you cover twice the ground and offer opinions about the choices of wedding merchants. (Note: About 30% of fiancés attend, in spite of what yours may say! Last time I checked, men liked cake samples too.)
2. GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE:  Plan to spend at least 2 hours so you can visit all the wedding vendors and see at least one fashion preview. You will regret it if you don't.  No where else will you accomplish so much in so little time.
3. STICK IT TO WIN:  Bring pre-printed address labels for prizes and giveaways.  Many vendors hold drawings for trips, prizes, and discounts.  Your labels save you from repeatedly writing your name and address.  This saves time and ink.  You can even print some of your own and include your email address.
4. DON'T FORGET YOUR WALLET:  Bring your checkbook in case you might want to book services or hold dates with a deposit. The top photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs book up quickly.
5. BRING YOUR CALENDAR:  With so much talent in one location, you are sure to find vendors you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with. 
6. HAVE A PLAN:  Know what you are looking for and have questions in mind. You will save time and see everything that’s important to you.
7. COMFORT MATTERS:  Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be doing a lot of walking and it's hard to concentrate on what you're doing with aching feet.
8. HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN:  If you're out of town, send a substiute to to collect information on services you need and register you for prizes. 
9. HAVE NO FEAR:  Ask questions!  The vendors are there to help you. You are under no pressure to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.  Most of the vendors have years of experience and can give you great and practical information.
10. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS:  There are lots of shows scheduled from January - April each year.  Know what's available.  Some vendors and venues even host their own private shows.  Check it out and make a schedule.  That way you won't miss a thing.

Want to meet and greet with Mr. Burch Formal Wear?  Check out the shows where we will be this season.

●   January 6 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm – SHELBY LIVING BRIDAL SHOW
●   January 6 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm – BRIDAL MARKET by PWG
●   January 13 from 12:00- 5:00 pm – SOUTHERN BRIDAL SHOW
●   February 24 – A BRIDAL AFFAIR
●   February 24 from 1:00 - 4:00pm - WEDDINGS 101, TRAVEL PLANNERS
●   August 11 from 1:00 - 4:00pm – TRUSSVILLE CHAMBER BRIDAL SHOW

Tiffany Comes to Trussville Mr Burch Formal Wear

Mr. Burch Formal Wear in Trussville has just gotten in the new Tiffany line for Prom 2013.  The Trussville location might be the only Mr. Burch store that carries dresses and accessories, but Tiffany isn't the only line they carry.  You can also find a complete selection of prom dresses from Faviana,Mori Lee, Sherri Hill, Night Moves, Crush and Dave and Johnny.

It might seem a little early for prom but the season will kick into high gear in January.  Looking for wedding formal wear?  Trussville also has bridesmaid dress selections in Mori Lee, Forever Yours andAllure.

Trussville might be celebrating its first birthday in the new location, but the staff is far from begginners.  Store Manager, Geneva, has been with Mr. Burch for 25 years and has vast knowledge and experience with formal wear.  "I love helping customers and picking out what makes them smile."  We hope Geneva will helping our customers smile for many more years to come.

You can visit the new location and meet the staff at 5954 Chalkville Mountain Road, Birmingham , AL 35235.  Have questions?  Call Geneva at (205) 661-3330 or email attrussville@mrburchformalwear.com.

We aren't the only formal wear in Birmingaham, but we want to be your choice for tuxedos and formal wear.

THE DEBUTANTE BALL

The Debutante ball is a high society event that allows families to introduce and present their daughters to their own community. They are very formal rite of passage in high society circles.  Most debutante balls will have a specific name and serves the same purpose for the high society people organizing them.  It is the formal presentation of their unmarried daughters to their society peers. The debutante ball may have different looks depending upon location, season and tradition.  However, they all traditionally have unvaried components including, formal dress, escorts, introduction and presentation of the debutante.

Debutante Balls are formal affairs and therefore require formal attire.  Please dress accordingly.  The traditional interpretation of "formal" is floor length for women and tuxedo for men. That being said, your invitation might include specifics and should be consulted. 

The tradition of the debutante ball has been around for a long time and is more prevalent in the south. While most people have little exposure to the debutante ball, many are aware that they exist. And while many may know of their existence, few are able to partake in the events.  The debutante ball is an exclusive, invitation-only event. In some cases, invitations are limited to specific numbers.

Greg at Mr. Burch in Mountain Brook has tremendous experience working with and guiding debutante ball attendees.  Please contact Greg for assistance (205) 871-3589.

Heritage Ball - Friday, November 23, 2012
Genteel Beau Ball - Saturday, December 15, 2012
Redstone Ball - Saturday, December 22, 2012
Imperial Ball - Thursday, December 27, 2012
Poinsettia Ball - Saturday, December 29, 2012
Service Guild Gala - TBA, usually in Feb or March 2013
Heart Ball - TBA, February 2013
Ball of Roses - Saturday, June 1, 2013

Welcome to the Mr. Burch Blog

Mr. Burch Formal Wear was started in 1934 by tailors in the Burch family committed to quality merchandise and service. That commitment has culminated into the top retailer in Birmingham and wholesaler in the Southeast. We carry the finest selection of quality, name brand tuxedos and accessories, coupled with exceptional customer service at reasonable prices. Our retail stores are located in Historic Downtown Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover at the Hoover Commons Shopping Center, Western Hills Mall, Inverness Corners, Homewood in the Publix Shopping Center and in Trussville. Our wholesale division supports a network of quality men's stores, bridal shops and specialty shops located throughout the Southeast.

 

Our well-trained and experienced staff is dedicated to the company commitment of taking care of our customers.
No matter what the occasion: wedding, prom, cruise or other formal special event, you will always look your best when you rent or buy your tuxedo from Mr. Burch Formal Wear or one of our fine authorized dealers.

 

 

Mr. Burch has developed and maintained its place at the top of Birmingham's formal wear industry by providing excellent customer service all of the time.  This blog will keep clients past, present and future informed of all tips, trends, and ideas this exciting industry has to offer.  Stay tuned!