Bridal Tips
Amanda’s favorite things for Spring and Summer brides:
- Go vintage with Lanvin Lace and modern twist with layered pearl & bronze necklaces!!
- I’m loving the juxtaposition of structured and soft with ornate head pieces.
- Nothing is as sexy this summer, as this plunging charmeuse gown with criss cross back to show off a women’s curves and lace fascinator delicately adding romance to the occasion!
- For a beautiful summer day, this washed tulle one shoulder Lanvin gown is one of my personal favorites! Its dreamy fabric with fresh draping, would be perfectly topped with soft braided hair adorned with fresh flowers.
- Blush is the new Ivory!!! Blush all around or subtle underlays! Pair this fabulous J.Mendel organza gown with a fabulous accoutrement ~ Damask pattern crystal Minaudiere by Judith Leiber.
- Nothing says spring like Valentino’s hand-painted poudre layered gown (short or long) with sheer sleeves. Add the leather belt to show off that feminine waist!
- Point d’espirit is to summer, like Jacquard is to winter! Guests jaws will drop when they see this Romona Keveza bride in her corseted strapped gown, beautifully accented with a sheer cascading veil.
- For the bride who has to have it all, look no further than this hand beaded & embroidered $16,000 Romona Keveza trumpet gown to stun your guests! Add earrings, enough said.
- Float down the aisle of your Garden wedding in this Chantilly graduated peplum one-shoulder gown. Dangling a Paris bracelet from your wrist.
The secret to finding your gown is a simple 3 step process:
1) Look at pictures before you shop to see what you are drawn to. Make sure that your favorites represent the character and personality you want to portray on your wedding day. Remember this is your “rite of passage.” So make it represent the extraordinary you that you are! (This may not be the style you wear every day, so put thought into this.)
2) Now that you have an idea of style, go try on shapes that flatter you the most. This may be a different shape than you expected! Be prepared to be surprised. At Belle Vie Bridal Couture and Vera Wang Chicago we are nationally known as the experts in finding the perfect silhouette to flatter your figure, no matter what your shape! After you nail down your shape, we will be sure to find a gown that pulls out that personality and style that represents the true you! After all, pictures of you in your gown is the only thing from your wedding (besides your husband) that lasts a lifetime. It will sit on your mantel for 50-60 years! Your gown is the most critical piece of your wedding!
3) Lastly, you MUST bring that one, most important person with you to your appointment. When you try on “ the gown” that is the one, you are going to want to show that person!
Do’s: ask yourself questions!
1) Do I feel beautiful in it & is it the most flattering fit for my figure?
2) Does this gown represent how I want to be viewed on my wedding day & represent all parts of my personality?
3) Do I really want the opinion of each of the guests I’m bringing with me to try on gowns? If you don’t want their opinion, bring them back to show them the dress AFTER you have ordered it.
4) Will I want to look at it on my mantle for the next 60 years?
5) Do try on the dress you are drawn to the most first and compare every gown you try on to your favorite gown.
Don’t
1) Think you know what shape looks best on you until you try on a variety and actually see what fit is best. I promise you will be surprised
2) Don’t pick your 2nd favorite dress just because it’s in your budget if the 1st choice truly represents you and your vision. You will end up going back and buying your favorite with a rush fee right before the wedding and having to try to sell your other gown on eBay!
3) Take more than 1-2 people max with you to your appointment! You need to focus on what YOU like, not them. This is the biggest mistake many brides make.
4) Don’t think twice about increasing your budget for your gown! Pictures of you in your gown are the only thing that you will have for a lifetime! This dress is NOT just for one day! You will be looking at it for the next 60 years
5) Do NOT try on a ton of dresses, stick to those you are really drawn to!