This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on October 23rd, 2013 with Randy Fenoli from @RandyFenoli. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different. 

Randy Fenoli

Today as the star of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”, “Big Bliss”, “Randy Knows  Best”, and “Randy to the Rescue”, Randy is seen by millions of viewers each  week. On Randy to the Rescue, Fenoli travels the country with a semi truck  filled with wedding gowns and accessories helping brides find their dream  wedding dress at his ultimate pop up bridal salon. Randy selects three lucky  brides who have said “Yes” to their dress and then, with the help of a hairstylist  and makeup artist, transforms these brides from “head to hem” and presents  each with a “bridal blueprint” for her wedding day. With a philosophy that no  matter what her size, age or shape, EVERY woman is beautiful, Randy seems  able to overcome any challenge.

Randy has appeared as a guest on many television shows, including, Good  Morning America, The Today Show, The View, Rachel Ray, Extra, Get Married,  and The Martha Stewart Show. He has also co-hosted on Toronto’s number one  rated talk show The Marilyn Denis Show and served as main correspondent  during TLC’s Royal Wedding live broadcast and event from Times Square.  Stepping outside of the bridal arena, Randy served as a fashion commentator for The Associated Press on the red carpet of the 2010 Academy Awards.

Randy Fenoli’s appeal reaches far beyond bridal. His natural charm and enthusiasm is infectious, making everyone who comes in contact with him feel “Beautiful”. For more information check out Randy’s website www.randyfenoli.com. Randy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/randyfenoli and on Twitter @randyfenoli.

 

Q1:   Now you starting getting involved with fashion when you created making dresses for your Mom?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli: Yes, with no instruction. I sewed a dress for my mom one day, which she wore to work the next day.

 

Q2:  How did you get involved with Bridal? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I entered a bridal competition while I was studying fashion at F.I.T.

Q3:   Now Before You Obtained The Job At Kleinfield you were going to open up a Bridal Salon in New Orleans? 

Answer:

Randy Fenoli: Yes, I had chosen the space, got my finances in order, had customers lined up, and then Hurricane Katrina hit!

Q4:   How did the show “Say Yes To The Dress” come about?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  Enjoy & hire a wedding planner. having someone help you through everything will make the process stress free!

 

Q5:   What was your favorite highlights from NYC Bridal Fashion Week ?
Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  Seeing all the stunning collections & attending all the glittering parties!  @Lazaro_bridal celebrated 20 years w/ @JLMcouture and 30 years in the bridal industry.

 

Q6 :   What do you see as the coming trends in Bridal this year?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  Yokes, sleeves, straps, low backs, slimmer silhouettes, shorter trains, tons of lace & tulle. Basically there are gowns for every bride! Whether you’re Bohemian, traditional, or princesses: there’s a gown for you!

 

Q7:   For those that have never attended Bridal Fashion Week can you explain what it’s like?Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  It’s like watching a never-ending parade of thousands of dresses made of white confection from hundreds of designers!

 

Q8:   What tips do you offer brides in finding that perfect dress?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  Set a budget! Prepare for appointment by gathering dresses that inspire you. Narrow down your look and silhouette. Keep an open mind!  Always buy the dress that makes you FEEL the MOST beautiful. You will wear it more confidently!

 

Q9:   Do you think it’s okay for each bridesmaid to wear something different? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:   Yes, but I do believe they should be in the same color palate to give a cohesive look.

 

Q10:    What colors that are acceptable for brides to wear besides white? 

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:   Off white, ivory champagne, and VERY PALE pastel colors. Unless wearing a color is a religious tradition.

 

Q11:  How Did You Get The Idea For the TLC series “Randy To The Rescue” ?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:   I used to be a makeup artist and hair stylist and I wanted the audience to see the complete ‘’Head to Hem” look.   I also wanted to travel the country to reach brides that didn’t have it in their budget to fly to NY. I also wanted to help legitimate bridal salons compete in this tough market.

Q12:   What should we see for the new season of “Say Yes To The Dress”?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  More drama, touching stories and even some celebrity sightings.

Q13:   Can you tell me a little bit about your upcoming projects or events?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  They are “Top Secret” – stay tuned!

 

Q14:   Can you tell me about your book “All About The Dress” ?
Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  It features only REAL brides in their 20’s-60’s. Size 2-22. I believe w/right dress,hair,makeup, all women r beautiful!

 

Q15:   What dresses would you recommend for a Green Bride?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  I would concentrate on keeping the wedding green. There r few, it’s hard 2 find truly green wedding dresses.

 

Q16:   What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  I always like to follow my 3 E’s Educate, Elevate and empower! Education is the basis of our society. If we know a little more, we would judge a little less. Elevate a women’s self-confidence. No matter what size, shape, age or ethnicity. We are all beautiful. Empower a person 2 feel good walking down the aisle & also to go thru life feeling good about the choices they make.

 

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @ChicagoCollen Are opera length gloves making a comeback?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:   I’m not a huge fan of gloves. They have to be removed to place the ring on. It can be quite clunky.

 

2. @Wed_Developer With the influx of coloured wedding dresses, do you think we are losing the tradition of the “white dress”?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I hope not! We will then be calling it “Eveningwear”!

 

3. @PPEvents  Since you never got to open your own shop, is that something you still want to accomplish?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli: Not really, My interests have moved forward to other things.

 

4. @Wed_Developer What do you consider to be some of the hottest trends for weddings in 2014?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Everything old is new again.  Quiet elegance.

 

4A: @Wed_Developer ‏ How do you manage a brides desire for an expensive dress and a limited budget? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:   I think there should be a wedding budget, and within that budget, what’s most important should come first!

 

4B: @Wed_Developer  What was the most craziest dress you ever sold to a bride? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Probably Pnina Tornai’s high-low silver lame’ gown.

 

5. @ChiStyleWed  What (and who) should a bride bring with to an appointment?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  People who really care about her and what she want for her wedding! She needs to set rules beforehand!

 

6. @ChicagoCollen How do U remain so cool when brides entourage pull gowns outside her budget yet keep their purse strings tight? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  That is the one thing that does bother me. If it’s not in your budget, you should NOT be trying it on!

 

7. @StarFishTravel How do you help destination wedding brides choose the perfect gown for their I-Do’s? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Having a destination wedding is no different from a regular wedding, except you have to consider the elements.

 

8.  @WeddingMoons How do you help destination wedding brides choose the perfect gown for their I-Do’s?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  A bride should ALWAYS wear a dress that makes her feel beautiful. If u can’t carry it, it should pack well!

 

9: @StCroixWeddings How the the wedding dress makers accommodate the larger size brides? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  If parents are paying, budget belongs to them and décor and mood to my Bride and Groom. Clarity with budget.

 

10: @TaylorWed Is the high-low trend very popular for Brides? Bridesmaids?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli: I see it on the runways, but have very few brides actually asking for it.

 

11: @MDreamCrusher Would you ever go back to designing?  

Answer:

Randy Fenoli:  I never say never to anything, but I also try to always look forward, not back. :  )

 

12. @ChiWedStyle  What do you think is the most popular embellishment for 2014 – lace, crystals, embroidery, beadwork, etc.? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I would say lace! I saw it in Chantilly, re-embroidered, & Venise. And I saw them combined together!

 

13. @Wed_Developer Which celebrity would you love to dress? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Angelina Jolie or Oprah. More because who they are and what they represent!

 

14. @BluIvoryBridal How do you deal with an awkward in-decisive bride?Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I always ask her to choose the gown that makes her feel the most beautiful.

 

15. @BridalBalance  How do you help brides take the stress out of finding the perfect dress?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Remind them that trying on wedding dresses is FUN! If you’re not having fun, go to city hall!   LOL!

 

16: @Abonasawwa ‏ I bought my dress and love it but I’m still obsessed with looking at wed dresses online, is this typical? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I tell my brides, Finding gown is like finding the guy! Once you’ve found the guy, you don’t go to singles bar!

 

17: @Wed_Developer Do you think there is an opportunity for groomswear to take off the same way bridalwear has? 

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I say the groom should dress as hot & sexy as the bride! It’s his wedding too! He will also be in the photos!

 

18.  @ChiStyleWed Do you think @Pinterest has caused brides to get unrealistic budget expectations? Or has it honed DIY skills?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:   Good question! Sometimes they see photos, but they don’t have designer or price listed. This can cause trouble!

 

19. @TheGivingBride  I think technology gives brides more ideas about what’s out there for better or worse ?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Sometimes, however, these photos can be from years past, or designers that don’t exist anymore.

 

20. @WeddingMoons What do you think about brides doing a dress change at their reception? Especially after hectic gown shopping?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  If there’s time and reason. They shouldn’t spend too much time away from their guests! It’s not a fashion show!

21. @GraceBridal2 Where do you see the bridal magazine business going now that most of brides use internet and digital base?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli: I sure hope Bridal Mags stay around!  I happen to like flipping through a magazine!

 

22: @SimplyPerkfect How do you look for brides when your 2 years in the wedding industry?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  Be the best! And word will get around!

 

23: @DurandBridal How long does a bride usually spend with you trying on gowns before choosing one?

Answer:

Randy Fenoli: Appointments are generally an hour and a half. Sometimes it takes more than one appt.

 

24: @KristaNuss Any advice for a plus-sized bride who lacks self-confidence?

Answer: 

Randy Fenoli:  I suggest u pick up my book, It’s All About The Dress!  It features brides of all sizes & will help ur confidence.