BRIDE MAIL

BrideMail@Bridechic.com
My fiance wants me in a traditional gown with the long train and veil. While I like the idea of going all out traditional, the problem is I’m short-waisted and most every big dress I’ve tried on has some kind of waist issue that leaves me looking boxy. I know that perfect gown is out there, I just haven’t found it.

Sounds like you have the classic undefined, boy waistline. Boy waists aka short waists are common and can be worked. Focus on styles bringing all eyes up to the face, shoulders and bust line while minimizing or hiding your waist. Opt for styles like A-line and princess seams that elongate. Madonna is a fine example of someone who has done well at camouflaging this tricky boy midriff (I’m thinking Evita here not Truth or Dare). Check out her gown in Evita when she does a death waltz with Antonio Banderas—a white A-line shift with a V-neck. Stunning! ·

GO FOR: ·
Empire waists. They look great on you. This style hides the natural waist and focuses on the bust and neck area. An empire can have slim or full skirts, take your pick. ·
Sweetheart or V-necklines. They lengthen your bodice and extend your neck. ·
High necklines like jewel and turtlenecks. They extend the bodice. ·
Vertical lace patterns and prints. Make sure the pattern travels upward. ·
A-line and princess styles. They flatter for the reason there is no defined waist. Fitted through the bodice, these styles taper down to a full skirt. ·
A trapeze or tent style. ·
A suit if the idea appeals to you. Make sure the jacket fits below your bottom.

PASS UP:
*Any detail that points to the waistline such as, wearing a gown that has a natural waist, a veil that ends there or any gloves or sleeves that are three-quarter length.
*Any lacy, ruffled or tiered designs.

The gown pictured below is ideal for a short waist as it is both an empire waist and a modified A-line.

The gown below works because it has a jewel neckline.

Top photo by ejones photography

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum

THE EVENING GOWN BRIDE

Only within the last twenty years has the evening gown silhouette become so popular for brides. Once upon a time bridal gown meant traditional. Traditional as in Tricia Nixon/Lucy Baines Johnson’s Priscilla designed gowns. Though both gowns were top of the line even by today’s standards, there was little variation on the concept of formal from 1960-1982. If you married in anything different than peau-de-soie or satin, wore your dress shorter, or say a suit, it was considered informal and you belonged at city hall.

The popularity of the evening gown silhouette was clinched when Carolyn Besette wore that clingy crepe-back satin for her wedding to JFK Jr. in the nineties. Before that the evening gown was around and accepted but more as an alternative in bridal wear; something you donned if you were an outside the box bride getting married in a garden or restaurant. Churches still had issues with clergy starring down into cleavage and guests feasting on bare backs and shoulders during nuptials. After Carolyn’s photos hit the media, designers brought out their own versions of the evening gown from Jean Harlow classics to sheath designs in more structured fabrics like faille. The evening gown silhouette has been one of the most beautiful additions to bridal wear.

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

HEAD CHIC

Photos by Ron Greystar Photography
Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum

Whether you opt for a veil, wreath or hat, whatever you put on your head is one factor that will pull your whole look together. From the high drama of a picture hat to the ethereal sprinkle of tiny florals in your hair, there's a choice for every bride out there who wants to look unique.





The lace mantilla. Tulle and a wide border of Chantilly lace add a bit of romance to this strapless A-line.

Want a more sophisticated look? Picture yourself in this summer hat all decked out with a dozen hand-rolled cabbage roses. Versatile, wide brims work with a suit, an A-line, evening gown silhouettes; even a ball gown.




The net pouf is a choice for brides wanting a hybrid between headpiece and veil. Wide netting attached to florals make this look a cross between romantic and chic.

Want to look like Giselle? The floral wreath is ultra-romantic inspired by images of sylphs and ballerinas. This wreath of dried silk roses and baby's breath is the perfect compliment for tulle and floral ball gown.

Go elegant. Simple gown, simple compliment. Three hand-rolled organza roses secured into a chignon.

Thanks to Ron Greystar for making this such a gorgeous and memorable shoot. Look for him at http://www.rongreystar.com/

These are two of my favorite photos of all time. I adore seeing kids included in the bridal party. They really do add oodles of fun to a wedding despite some of them acting out and throwing hissy fits (usually when the reception is winding down). The top photo is by Amy Perl who has a special gift and passion for photographing kids (She's a great portrait and wedding photographer too).

The angels directly above were photographed by Hope Stewart who has retired but is fondly remembered by all of us in the Northern California wedding industry. These kids loved dressing up for the day. The great part of it was--the wedding was real and not make believe. They had an actual role in the festivities. For these little princesses, photographs like these will be cherished for years to come.

411 ON BODY TYPES

Knowing your figure liabilities as well as best features empowers you to formulate fashion decisions in the right direction. In your search, always keep in mind those gowns that make you linger and look a little longer than the rest—the ones that really grip your attention. Do you love that dropped waist because the model in the editorial looks great in it? Or do you go for the dropped waist because you instinctively know it would look great on you? My best advise here is this: learn to really accept and cherish the body you have then train your eye and thinking to embrace styles that compliment your particular assets. Pass up any looks you could wear if only you were taller, bustier, lost twenty pounds, etc.? Target your flaws then minimize or camouflage them; always, always heighten your assets.

BACK TALK

Ever notice how designers add all these wowzer elements to make the back of a wedding gown pop? All you have to do is look at your body from all angles to see one of the most dramatic views will be your back. You’ll be showing it off once you pass down the aisle and the whole time you take vows. My bride above opted for a row of hook and eye closures instead of the classic row of buttons down the back. Now how cool is that?

Photo by Ron Greystar/All Rights Reserved

The deep V back pictured above is a classic back treatment. It'll be easier if you think of your back in components that make up a total picture of you. There’s the veil, back bodice, skirt and train. Choosing the right veil depends on the length of the gown and maybe the interest of the back bodice. You may opt for a shorter veil or no veil if there are some details you want to show off. These details can be as simple as a row of buttons all the way down the back, or as elaborate as silk flowers cascading the length of a cathedral train. How much or little detail you choose is a matter of preference.

The intrest on this gown is mostly in the back--a row of satin covered buttons, silk chiffon sash and hand made rose.

The row of fabric covered buttons on the back of the dress below work by all by themselves to create a certain simplicity.

Photo by Ron Greystar/All Rights Reserved

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum

Want to know more about how what to look for in a veil, a train or what a bustle is? To hear more back talk follow this link:

DRESSING FOR THE COCKTAIL WEDDING

Armani Collezioni Floral Jacquard Skirt Suit is available at Nordstrom

Planning an After Five Soiree is one way to have a briefer and more intimate event than the traditional all day wedding planned months ahead. Cocktail hour weddings offer an elegant, affordable alternative. Think about it: fewer guests, a shorter hemline and less cake and champagne can sometimes be more. Cocktail weddings are on the rise, especially for the couple with limited time and money issues. Often the bridal couple feels more at ease celebrating their nuptials as evening approaches with a few close friends and family present. The dresses featured here are all cocktail length. With some imaginative head chic and accessorizing you'll have your look.

Michael Kors Wool & Silk Mikado Cocktail Dress is available at Nordstrom

The cocktail dress is perfect for this wedding of the same name. Defined, its street-length and typically made out of exquisite fabric or has special detailing. Though cocktail hour dressing can go either semi-formal or informal, the later doesn’t imply casual. It simply means you can go with elegant street-length attire; a higher hemline is acceptable and your groom,(again following your lead) can skip the de riguer white or black tie if he chooses, getting into a raw silk or linen suit instead. On the other hand, remember, while attire for the cocktail reception is elegant, its never max formal. Think of cocktail dressing as anything from a chic mini to a fitted floor-length sheath. The fabric can be luxe. For instance, you can wear a brocade cocktail dress like the one below.

ABS by Allen Schwartz
V-Neck Jacquard Dress is available at Nieman Marcus
Department stores and boutiques may be the best route to go for the shorter formal. Almost any white dress has potential as long as it works with your accessories, fits within the scene and theme of your wedding and you absolutely love it. Also, if you’re not into wearing white on your wedding day, boutiques and department stores might be your best option. Some stores work closely with up and coming specialty designers. With a little imagination and the help of professionals, you might be able to put some stunning looks together. Also a great option if you don’t want to wait 4-6 months for your gown.

Stella McCartney
Tie-Neck Dress available at Nieman Marcus
I love the topic of smaller weddings and the cocktail wedding is certainly an alternative. I'll be covering the restaurant/cocktail/ art gallery wedding scene in further detail with more silhouettes and fabrics in months to come.