Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Spring 2007 showcases three distinct bridal themes that address a variety of personalities and wedding types. Whether traditional, looking for a princess ball gown; destination, with an easy-going feel; or modern with avant-garde styles and lines; finding the perfect look has never been easier, says Aquanetta Dawson of David’s Bridal.

The new season also highlights the latest trends in coordination, allowing the bride to unify her wedding with color, Aquanetta explains. Whether through a sash on the bridal gown that coordinates with the bridesmaid’s dresses or a ribbon around the bouquet that matches the invitations; brides are finding a way to tie the wedding together with a variety of hues providing a truly cohesive look. On the forefront of these trends is David’s Bridal, the only national bridal retailer with more than 270 stores across the country.

Simply Charming
Bridal - Reminiscent of Gone With the Wind, brides-to-be looking for a dramatic wedding gown will find a variety of styles to suit their wishes. The looks from this theme include romantic detailing such as pick-up skirts with elegant tucks and folds, subtle asymmetrical draping, corset bodices, feminine ruffles, lace up backs and light, lofty fabrics including taffeta, organza and lace. With color no longer limited to bridal party attire, many bridal gowns boast the flattering allure of an allover color-wash in champagne, latte or light gold. Exuding a nostalgic antebellum feel, these gowns are perfectly suited for a gracious wedding with a grand reception or in the cooling shade of a weeping willow tree. Best captured in a David’s Bridal strapless satin, pick-up ball gown with a pink satin ribbon accent at the waist (#T9167, $399), this style is for a bold, yet traditional bride.

Bridal Party
In harmony with the bridal styles, the bridal party also speaks to the grandness of the era. Bridesmaids can echo the bride’s look with soft tulle pick up skirts, stylish ball gowns and sheaths and fluid short dresses. The color palette speaks to the time of the ceremony, with shades reflective of the afternoon light in hues such as hazelnut, titanium and champagne as well as soft pastels like lilac, pink and banana.

Accessories
Accessories inspired by the Simply Charming theme complement the feminine, southern inspired look. Silk flowers combined with a pick-up veil soften the face while jewelry is represented by floral statement pieces from necklaces to earrings. The overall look is delicate, using a mixture of crystals and pearls. Traditional, ladylike shoes with a peep or open-toe also lend themselves to the outdoor, afternoon affair.

Coastal Delight
Bridal - A perfect fit for the destination bride, this look evokes the feel of a daytime wedding set in Cape Cod, Nantucket or New York’s own Hamptons. Drawing from the clean, classic elegance of a coastal setting, brides wanting to capture this feel can select a tea-length gown or a simple long satin dress, which are both appropriate in this “anything goes” atmosphere. Slimmer silhouettes, flared trumpet skirts and color accents, through ribbons and sashes, play an important role, while deep v-necks, low or split back detailing and minimal embellishment keep things simple and sophisticated. A pleated chiffon tank dress from Galina demonstrates this trend perfectly, with a beaded empire waist, criss-cross tie in back and chiffon sheath overlay (style #VW9146; $399).

Bridal Party
Bridesmaid gowns inspired by this trend feature similar silhouettes to their bridal counterparts, represented by short dresses with smooth lines in either crisp or soft fabrications. Truly functional dresses, they can easily be worn again. Inspired by the sea and coastline, the color palette is one of brights, such as clover and wild orchid, along with nautical hues such as pool, cornflower and marine paired against crisp white, with occasional floral patterns.

Accessories
Key accessories for this trend incorporate the casual, destination feel of the event. Pleated veils, minimally adorned hair combs and fabric headbands incorporate the nautical theme, while a simple satin clutch, understated, pearl jewelry and whimsical strappy sandals and wedges keep the overall attitude simple and elegant.

Hollywood Romance
Bridal - Brides-to-be wanting the glamour of “old Hollywood” need to look no further, as sensational styles to fit the bill abound this season. Suggestive of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, this trend captures the feel of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, giving every bride the chance to be Sylvia. Women who appreciate this look may gravitate toward sexier fabrics such as satin, chiffon and taffeta that exudes luxury. The theme suggests an elegant city wedding with a touch of retro mode inspiration; think sleek and strikingly simple silhouettes adorned with crystals and beaded accents. While strapless gowns maintain their place at the forefront of bridal fashion, other necklines also play an important role this season. A variety of beautiful coverage options celebrate the return of glamour, including vintage-inspired halters and romantic sweetheart necklines. ‘Hollywood Romance’ is perhaps best seen in a sensual and smooth a-line gown with a split front halter and modern details (#T9218; $599).

Bridal Party
The bridal party of this sophisticated, paparazzi-era would look lovely in luxurious charmeuse gowns, short, full-skirted taffeta styles or sleek soft satin ensemble pieces. To contribute to the juxtaposition of simple and ornate, some of the season’s new styles are adorned with modern beading details. A classic color palette of cherry, marine, black and honey, as well as jewel tones and mid-tones such as hyacinth, olivine, berry, burnt orange and regency, allow for room to explore in this glamorous theme.

Accessories
As a perfect complement to the luxe look of ‘Hollywood Romance,’ accessories are the definition of modern retro. Bolero jackets and vintage-inspired gloves are worn to and from the wedding. Geometric jewelry, embellished shoes and bubble veils lend themselves to the overall elegance of this nighttime gathering. Topped off with a minaudière handbag, the bride and her attendants truly look like they have stepped off the set of a Fellini film.

T9218: A satin A- line halter gown with a split front, beaded lace detailing and a removable modesty panel, is a nice example of the Hollywood Romance trend, fusing classic lines with elegant detail. Price: $599.00. Shown in Ivory/Champagne. Bust form .

CT221: A satin strapless ball gown with a pick up skirt and beaded metallic embroidery on the bodice, flawlessly displaying the Southern Charm trend. An Oleg Cassini gown, exclusively for David’s Bridal. Price: $950.00. Shown in White. Bust form.

VW9146: A chiffon sheath dress with pleated bust, empire waist and tie back, a beautiful example of the Swept Away trend. This laid back yet elegant style is perfect for any type of affair. A Galina gown, exclusively for David’s. Price: $399.00. Shown in Ivory. Bust form .

T9309: A satin strapless, pick-up ball gown with a clover satin ribbon accent at the waist and a sweep train, this style is bold, yet traditional, a perfect example of the Simply Charming collection. In addition, the colored sash allows brides to coordinate with their entire wedding party. Price: $399.00. Shown in White. Bust form.

F12284: A strapless, short chiffon dress with ruched bust and uneven hem. This style showcases one of the new “hot” colors for spring for bridal parties. It is also a great example of a style you could absolutely, wear again. Price: $130.00. Shown in clover. Model: Ilda.

You need to pay just a little more for a designer dress by this wedding planner.

From the minute you’re engaged to the moment you say “I do”, any bride-to-be will face the daunting task of planning for that big day.

Needless to say, you’ll want the wedding to be perfect and, most importantly, you’ll also want to look beautiful on this special day.

Fortunately, a wedding planner can be enlisted to help you in making a success of your big day.

Looking gorgeous on your wedding day starts with choosing the most appropriate (or affordable) bridal gown that flatters your body and personality. A wedding gown can be rented or bought off the rack from bridal shops, but nothing is more pleasurable than having the most important dress in your life specially custom-made by a fashion designer.

Admittedly, it’ll pile on a little on your wedding budget but you will soon find out that it’s worth spending that extra ringgit for the undivided attention and splendid results that this entails.

There’s a handful of local fashion designers to choose from, but one top designer who has excelled in bridal wear for many years is Eric Choong.

A graduate of the Hong Kong Institute of Fashion Design, this boyish designer has been at it for 18 years, developing a reputation for a romantic and understated elegance in his work.

His trademark use of luxurious fabric, intricate detailing and modern interpretation of classic designs with an exquisite cut have garnered much praise from the fashion elite and celebrity customers like Paula Malai, Sheila Majid, former Miss Malaysia Tan Su Wei and Hong Kong actress Foong Po Po.

Focusing on structure and fit, Choong’s wedding gowns are feminine and boast everything luxurious from intricate French lace appliqué on pure silk fabrics and elegant beading.

Here’s an insight into the makings of a couture wedding gown from Eric Choong Brides – one of five shops of Eric Choong Kuala Lumpur.

First appointment
You meet with the sales manager to discuss your personal thoughts about your wedding gown, your special needs, the wedding date and, of course, the budget.

A portfolio of the designer’s creations will be available for your perusal at this stage. A good selection of sample pieces is also available for you to get a feel of how an Choong creation looks on you.

Try on a few silhouettes to find the ones that suit you best and in which you feel most comfortable. This will, in turn, help you to decide on the right silhouette and style or even inspire you with more ideas of how you want your wedding gown to look like.

It will also provide a clearer indication of the different costs of each style of gown and its impact on your budget.

A proper quotation on the cost of the gown and a timing schedule (based on your wedding date) will be provided shortly after you make clear your requirements.

Confirmation
Upon confirmation of your order and appointment for Choong to design and make your wedding gown, the first face-to-face meeting with the designer himself will be scheduled. This will normally happen within the week.

Based on feedback from your first meeting with the sales manager, only two sketches of the gown are proposed with the recommended fabric, colour and samples of the embellishments.

“Today, wedding gowns are no longer just pure white, but ivory, off white and pearl white. It’s so much more gentler on our skin tone as compared to the starkness of pure white,” pointed out Choong.

Choose from an extensive range of quality silks, French lace, hand embroidery and elegant beading.

of the wedding gown is discussed with you such as finding the right chiffon that is light enough to drape beautifully, but can support the intricacy of the lacework and the Swarovski crystals.

If necessary, try on the sample gown again to make sure you are comfortable with the design’s silhouette and seek advice from Choong as you look into the finer details carefully before making the final decision. Ultimately, it’s not how you look in the gown, it’s more of how you feel.

Once all is agreed, a proper measurement of your body shape is carried out and the wedding gown is ready to be cut and tailored for a first fitting.

Source: NSTonline