It’s your special day, so choose a bridal look that matches your personality. Even the white wedding dress comes from a break in tradition. In 1840, Queen Victoria wanted to wear white instead of the then-popular red. Celebrate your way, and you may inspire other brides to follow their own styles.
Spectacular Sleeves.
Showcase your shoulders with this knee-length dress from Alberto Makali. “It is the perfect dress for the intrepid bride,” says Susan Golembiski, owner of Frock. This dress features a sweetheart neckline and long organza-embellished sleeves. The clean lines of the sophisticated sheath save all the decoration for the sleeves. Three-dimensional flowers offer an ideal pairing for a minimal bouquet — or leave your hands free with no bouquet at all.
“This dress would suit a nontraditional bride or a second-time bride,” says Susan. Add a sparkly necklace and earrings to accentuate the neckline. A daring slit to mid-thigh shows off your legs and showcases your footwear. Pair it with some designer heels for a chic look. Or go eco-friendly by picking your favorite pair from your collection. Continue the theme by holding the gathering outdoors in a local park or as a backyard garden party. The shorter hemline and streamlined silhouette are perfect for dancing to your favorite tunes and spending time laughing and greeting your guests.
“This dress tells attendees that she's more interested in being elegant, comfortable and having fun,” Golembiski explains. Weddings are all about being with the people you love and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Frock
Alberto Makali Bridal Off-Shoulder Dress, $429, Frock, 612 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.372.9935. frockonpenn.com
Blushing Bride.
“It’s a very fun, flirty dress,” says Elizabeth Kemp, owner of Sweethearts Bridal and Formalwear, of this gown. This blush-tinted dress features just a hint of pink. “This dress is technically a ball-gown,” Elizabeth explains, which is an “A-line with a bit more flare.” Fitted at the waist, A-line dresses flare out to a wider skirt, offering universal appeal. “The dress would be a great fit for any shape of bride.”
The billowing skirt is fantastic for sashaying down the aisle and spinning on the dance floor. “It’s a very traditional shape with a twist. The dress is tulle with horsehair trim.” This stiff material adds shape and movement to the gown. “Because that trim is so difficult to hem, the designer will make the gown in a 4-inch-shorter version or custom length.” Make the most of this amazing skirt with an East Coast-style reception. Start the dancing immediately and alternate with meal courses for a perfect party mix.
Elizabeth adds, “With the right accessories, it would be formal enough for a very sophisticated wedding and venue, but alternatively, it could easily be worn for a more casual event, such as the all-popular barn wedding (it would look awesome with cowboy boots or sneakers) or a garden wedding.”
Sweethearts Bridal & Formalwear
Allure Romance Ball Gown, approx. $1,100 -$1,400, Sweethearts Bridal & Formalwear, 4239 Penn Avenue, Ste. 1, Sinking Spring, 610.985.0547. sweetheartsbridalshop.com
Creative Energy.
Go for a dress that’s truly unique: something one-of-a-kind that was created just for you. Jeannie Edfort, owner/designer of Glory by Jeannie Lee, creates custom-made bridal gowns and accessories. “This gown was created for a beautiful art teacher,” Jeannie says. “She has a ‘colorful’ personality and wants to stand out.” The dress is crafted from sunshine yellow silk dupioni, ivory silk organza, and imported hand-beaded Alencon lace. Buttons down the back of the dress were added from the bride’s mother’s wedding gown.
A unique gown provides the perfect opportunity to pair the look with all kinds of footwear. This bride rocked hers with blue Converse All Stars. These classic, comfortable canvas sneakers are great for strutting down the aisle and dancing all night long.
“My client had a very clear vision of what she wanted, and I worked with her to refine her vision into a very elegant, but unique, gown,” says Edfort. The bride and Jeannie worked together over a period of six months to create this spectacular dress.
Start with the dress and build the celebration from there. Consider what’s important and special about you both, and highlight those details.
Glory by Jeannie Lee
Custom gown by Jeannie Lee, $3,000-$4,000, Glory by Jeannie Lee, 15 Seven Spring Drive, Reading, 610.790.7370. etsy.com/shop/glorybyjeannielee
Rock the Retro.
Flip the script or turn it sideways. Give yourself the freedom to do something a little different. Tea length gowns are a shorter length that fall below the knee and above the ankle, offering plenty of freedom to move. Michele Beilhart, owner of Victorian Bridal Salon, describes this gown as a great choice for brides who are “unconventional and free-spirited.” This style is ideal for weddings in hotter weather, whether it’s a summer ceremony here in PA or a destination wedding.
Ivory with a sand-colored lining, “this tea length dress would be appropriate for any fun-loving bride.” The gown is all organza and channels a retro mid-century vibe. An embroidered sash offers lovely detail and accentuates the waist. The shorter length is perfect for dancing and showing off your favorite footwear. Pair the dress with dynamic heels or colorful ballet flats, or splurge on a designer choice. The strapless bodice is perfect for adding an eye-catching necklace or a vintage piece with family history. Style your hair in a fabulous updo or a soft beehive and add your favorite
earrings. Continue the theme by celebrating with some retro tunes and classic cars (maybe even your own parade)!
Victorian Bridal Salon
Justin Alexander gown, $800, Victorian Bridal Salon, 943 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing, 610.396.9126. facebook.com/Victorian-Bridal-Salon-151089934946099
