Gorgeous Gowns

As times have changed, gowns are no longer ‘one style fits all.’ Top designers are interpreting high fashion looks for weddings, letting brides shine!

From ballroom to beach, eclectic to elegant, today’s bridal gown is a reflection of your unforgettable style. Modern fashion is all about movement, softness, and a splash of color. San Diego Bride & Groom spoke with some experts to find out how you can get some ‘wow’ in your wedding gown.



Color Me Happy
Tim Arande of Bridal & Tuxedo Galleria says that the trend right now is towards sophisticated elegance with a touch of romantic nostalgia. “Skirts with double bottoms and pick ups are on fire. All over lace and ribbon accents, especially with contrasting color, are very popular.”
Kimberly Minor of David’s Bridal agrees: “Color is very hot. Once upon a time, if there was any color, it was champagne or silver. Today, our number one color accent in bridal gowns is apple green, coordinated with the bridesmaids’ and flower girls’ dresses. Our customers are really excited about coordinating everything. Even the more traditional brides who might choose a white lace dress will use a colored ribbon as an accent for herself and her bridesmaids, tying the color in with the invitations, linens, and flowers.”

Shapely Lace
Soft, sophisticated European style laces are a leading trend. “Gowns are being designed with more detail again and we are seeing the return of Alencon and Chantilly laces, hand beading and trims and many delicate embroideries. Designers are also listening to their brides and have adapted their traditional ball gowns, creating elongated bodices with inverted pleats in the skirt, giving the bride the fullness they desire with a much more flattering cut. Modified a-line styles are also quite popular and are complimentary to the majority of the brides,” says Frannie LaRussa of Here Comes the Bride.“We’re offering lace shrugs to match the gowns for brides who want a little more coverage,” says Minor. “Our plus size customers want to embrace their curves and we offer as much breadth of assortment for women as missy sizes.”

Let There Be Light
The consensus is that the stiff, formal gowns resembling cake toppers are a thing of the past. Says Minor, “Today’s gowns are in soft fabrications and silhouettes, even the ball gowns are soft. Light tulle and layers of organza give lots of movement.” Arande agrees: “Silk shantung and silk organza create light elegant looks and soft draping or ruching. Petite embroidery and soft hand painting on fabrics all very feminine and romantic.” LaRussa adds, “For the Southern California Bride who wants a glamorous, Hollywood look, beautiful gowns by Amy Michelson and Amy Kuschel are made of light flowing silk crepes and delicate chiffons, and are designed to enhance and complement the bride's figure.”
“The beach, a castle, a hotel in Las Vegas… as the opportunities to go to different locations increase, the style offerings increase. Our destination brides tend to be more expressive. They want interesting interpretations of high fashion. Soft charmeuse fabrications in sexier silhouettes with plunging necklines are very popular,” says Minor.



Amazing Accessories
Today’s best accessories complement the bridal gown and complete the ensemble. Although most brides are still interested in wearing a traditional veil for the ceremony, many want the option to have some adornment in their hair throughout the entire evening. “Hair pins that are garnished with Swarovski crystals and fresh water pearls are a fun alternative to the already popular tiaras and brides like the option of wearing the pins after the wedding. Beautiful silk flowers and fun feather hair pins are also making a strong presence,” says LaRussa. “Tiaras are very important. We’re seeing them with colored stones and painted enamels from very traditional to very contemporary. Shoulder length and beaded veils are reflecting the fashion forward styling,” points out Minor.


The Latin Bride
Sonia of My Bridal Gown says that Latin brides tend to be more conservative. Strapless is still the top choice, with the new softer laces coming into play. “Brides are looking for simple but elegant dresses versus the beaded and elaborate gowns. Duchesse satin and silk satins are hot, as are form-fitted chiffon dresses, particularly for second weddings.” She’s seeing an increase in popularity of ivory and gold dresses, as well as the traditional white. For accessories, “Our brides are choosing tiaras with Swarovski crystal. The look isn’t overstated. It brings the focus back to the bride, not her accessories.”



Dress for Success
Sonia advises brides to order early, at least six months before the wedding. The gown can always be altered closer to the wedding. “Part of our mission is to educate our brides so they can be informed, happy customers.”LaRussa says, “It’s helpful when a bride brings pictures with her so that the consultant has an idea of the styles she likes. Most brides are sophisticated professionals who know and appreciate quality.”
Ultimately, she says, “Brides are looking for the perfect "wow" dress. They may not always know which dress that is or how to explain the style but they do know the way they want to feel when they put the perfect dress on!” We couldn’t agree more.