Bridal Capes

As we saw on Solange Knowles, a cape can be the “IT” thing. How would could a bride wear a cape with her wedding dress? Most brides will see a cape as an ultra-modern, contemporary accessory that is difficult to integrate with her dress, but it is possible and can add the perfect regal touch.

 A cape does not need to be long! A short cape over the shoulders is just as beautiful, beaded and scalloped or with metallic lace, as we saw on the Paris catwalks this season. It can also an accessory that can add length to the dress’ train, or be a replacement for a veil if the bride isn’t fond of the idea of wearing one. A sheer, iridescent cape with shimmering lace on a simple silk dress will work wonders, or a tulle cape with a beaded edge over a lace dress will be stunning. 

Capes are removable and can be worn for the ceremony, the opening dance and throughout the reception. For spring and summer weddings, shorter capes with light fabrics, such as organza or soft tulle, would be perfect, whereas a crepe or satin cape will work wonders for Fall and Winter weddings.

 

 

The Modern Bride

The modern bride looks for a dress that is elegant, beautiful in its simplicity, and is haute gamme, while being unconventional and making a statement. Adding small touches to the dress, such as coloured underlay, unique lace, or a custom-design belt or back, will give the dress a sophisticated modern flare, while still feeling bridal. The bride can also opt for accessories without precious stones, like Swarovski crystal and pearl, and choose colorful beads in ornamental, abstract designs.

Dresses in atypical materials is coming out strong this year, too. Designers are experimenting more with the feel and design potential of fabrics such as silk and stretch crepe, and fringe laces, as well as the lengths of the dresses: tea cuts and asymmetrical, multi-layered and varied material trains to add extra volume and dimension. Simplicity is definitely in vogue this year, with structured lines and straight silhouettes, harkening to the early 1920s fashion.

Love this necklace? See more at Olive+Piper www.oliveandpiper.com

 

Love in Fine Fashion

We know that at Galleria Della Sposa, wedding dresses are a form of art, an expression of love, and a reflection of the blushing bride. Woven into the lining and lace, the poetry of love, marriage, and fashion.

 Love in Fine Fashion is a must-see exhibit for all brides to be (or brides who are nostalgic and want to relive their wedding day!). Thirty thoughtfully crafted dresses created throughout the 19^th century to today are on display, along with veils and shoes worn by the brides. Discover the styles of bygone era wedding dresses, and the artisans’ attention to hand-sewn beading, lace and delicate textiles, and haute couture structuring. Some dresses were made by the brides themselves, while others were made by contemporary designers such as Helmer and Marie Saint-Pierre. Shades of rich silk, plum and blue were the tendance of the turn of the century, white only coming into its own in the early 1900s. The silhouettes are so perfectly constructed, the brocade and lace designed and placed by hand; it’s stunning!

This beautiful collection of wedding dresses at the McCord Museum is on until April 12 2015.

 

 

 

 

Peplum Love!

A creative idea for wedding dress belts is peplum overskirts. They add an added dimension of flare and drama at the waistline that is romantic and couture. 

 There are lots of options for the kind of peplum, the fabric and length, and how embellished you wish to have it. The length of these peplums vary: some could be short and feminine pieces that flare over the hips, while some become a second train down the back and just float so beautifully. Tulle and crystal combinations are perfect for any dress, whereas a satin or lace peplum is suited for very haute fashion gowns, especially on sheath and fit-flare dresses. We see designers such as Lazaro and Lusan Mandongus taking part of this dress and upping the design game! Lazaro’s gold and silver threaded lace peplum is exquisite on their princess horse-hem layered tulle dress; Lusan uses the crystal and tulle peplum on a crystal-lace fit flare (gorgeous!).

What's best is that we carry both of these absolutely divine dresses at Galleria Della Sposa!

 

 

 

 

The Bridal Touch

What better way to complete the bridal look and make your grand entrance, while walking down the aisle, with a veil.

We envision ourselves when we are young, with our mermaid-flare dress and long veil sweeping behind us; or in a crystal princesses dress with a short, bouncy veil; or being totally chic with a birdcage and a tea-length dress (probably in a blush pink!)

Veils can come in all sorts of lengths that suit your tastes: long, short, fingertip, or even double-layered. The edges can be in crystal, satin, lace, or horse-hair. These details are exceptional with a lace dress, or even an organza or satin dress that needs some embellishment. For very ornate dresses, with bead work and embroidered lace, a veil with scattered crystal and pearls will give the look just the right amount of whimsy.

Some brides may opt for a birdcage, a small net that stays in front of the face and it turned over during a ceremony. These come in different shapes, net thickness and can be decorated in pearls, crystals and flowers. Adding a comb with mixed elements (such as pearl, feather, lace and flowers) makes the birdcage more vintage. Another idea is a thick bandeau, for a more flapper and 1920s inspired wedding.

You may want to wear the veil for the entire day, or just for the ceremony: take into consideration the weight of the veil, and the length. This accessory is an extremely personal choice, so take the time to try on the different lengths and designs while wearing your dress.

Embroidered Lace in Pearl, Silver and Gold

Beading and lace go hand in hand, yet sometimes we don’t know how to incorporate the two. The beading could feel too heavy for the delicate lace, and sometimes the lace feels out of place on a dress where the beading is the statement.

So opt for with a dress with embroidered lace: the beading and the lace are sewn together in a pattern that suits the dress, and is part of the design. This gives the dress the sparkles and the elegant bridal look you’re going for, without sacrificing anything!

Some designers will sew on tonal beading. A high quality lace will be ivory, so beading in pearl tones will let the lace stand out, yet still make the dress shine. The pearls can line the border of the lace applique, or could be placed in the center of more flowery styles.

Sewing into the lace with silver or gold will add an extra dimension to the dress, especially if it fluidly follows the lace patterns. This could be done with a designer and they will guide you to how much embroidery can be done. A hem of gold, or sparse silver are both lovely. The lace will be more noticeable and the shimmer of the metallic lining will be just enough to add a glow to the dress.

All that Glitters, Shimmers, and Shines!

 

Accessorizing your dress can be as difficult as choosing the dress. Do you go with a veil and crown, or a simple birdcage and headpiece? A necklace, or elaborate chandelier earrings? Maybe you’re not into big earrings: something subtle, like pearl studs and a bracelet, will suffice.

So how do you choose what to bling your dress with?

Decide on the theme of the wedding: if it’s a modern flare wedding (think glass tables, crystal accents with colour splashes), then your look could go more into haute gamme: a large crystal headpiece or crown will be a perfect match. A more rustic or vintage-themed wedding with floral décor can be more subdued: a small side-comb with mixed elements, or a thin headband will be such a delightfully delicate look.

With larger headpieces, forgo chandelier earrings and look for something a little simpler. It doesn’t mean that your earrings will have less pizzazz: choose earrings with a colored stone (a la Angelina Jolie!) or with pearls and different metals. They will stand out right at the cheeks and bring attention to your face.

If you go with larger earrings, a necklace will probably not be necessary. As well, necklaces best suit strapless cuts, or open backs, where you can wear a drop crystal or pearl down the spine. Big collar necklaces are beautiful on strapless satin or silk gowns that don’t have too many embellishments (such as lace appliques or embroidery). It’s a statement, classic piece that is front and center in both elegant vintage and modern bride looks.

Belts are also a very viable option and there are so, so many different kinds to choose from. From satin bows, to full crystal; gold, silver or any metal tone; flowers and couture center pieces: it’s up to you! Once you’ve chosen the dress silhouette that compliments your body, see if a belt is advantageous to you.

To balance out your accessories, choose a bracelet that recalls elements of your dress and of the other accessories you have chosen. They don’t need to be matching sets! Freshwater pearls beautifully evoke ivory lace, and are also a very stylish contrast to crystal tones. A new European trend is bicep bracelets—super vogue for sleeveless numbers and beach weddings!

 

 

 

 

How To Tuesday: How to Make a Checklist

A Preparation for an Impeccable Day 

Your wedding day could be whatever you can possibly dream of it being. Nowadays, the amount of creativity and inspiration in the wedding industry is endless, and brides should take advantage of all the resources. All it takes is a little bit of organization, direction, as well as imagination and vision. 
 To begin, it’s essential to have a wedding binder. For an added flare, your binder could be in the same color of theme as your wedding-- that way you can be reminded of it and keep yourself on track. Use the binder as a scrapbook of ideas for anything you like: the dress, the colors you like, the accessories and shoes; hairstyles, make-up, etc and etc! 
It is also imperative to work on a budget. A bride deserves a helping hand in order for her to look glamorous in her Emanuele Savorani dress and for the bridal party to look stellar in their Monique L'huillier dresses. Always inquire about the prices, method of payment and procedures.
 Writing up your guest list could be a long process. When you have finalized how many individuals will be at the wedding, it’s time to plan and seek out a venue for your magical wedding. With your venue (or venues),  you will be able to confirm a date and time. It is an absolute must to plan ahead- at least a year in advance. This way you are guaranteed your place and have ample time to choose your menu, decor and focus on what matters most to you for that day.
Your staff for that day will include an officiant, photographers and videographers, a band, a make up artist, a hairstylist, florists and caterers, to name a few. Like the venue, staff should be booked one year in advance. Do research before arriving at meetings and consultations with the individual. Go into the meeting with a plan and a budget, as well as questions for what service they can provide, especially if you have special requirements (such as food allergies). 
The steps for the perfect wedding should be separated in categories in the wedding book. This process will also help plan for invitations, choosing a delicious cake, music, hair, makeup and all the magnificent elements needed for an impeccable day.