Even more Bridal Market coverage. For more images, check out our Twitter.
Kleinfeld presents Pnina Tornai 2010
Pnina diamond drop detail
Forget the economy gloom, Pnina Tornai collection was all about big dresses with lots of sparkle. Great music and show at Kleinfeld where the line is sold exclusively.
This is a continuation of our Bridal Market coverage.
In French we say “mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux”. Basically rain means happiness on a wedding day. Well there was plenty of it today as we hopped around the city. And wind and crazy taxi drivers. Anyway here are some of my favorite dresses though my special blog camera did not work that well for the Monique Lhuillier show and I had the worst seat at Anne Bowen (cool elven celtic theme)
This is a continuation of our Bridal Market coverage.
We are keeping a lot of interesting trends and dresses for the 2010 issue of our bridal pub Wedding Dresses with a peek in the next Engagement 101. However here is a tease…
Pockets for brides and maids at Watters
Cherry Blossom theme for Claire Pettibone at Buddhakan
Couture details for Edgardo Bonilla
This is part of our Bridal Market coverage. For more images, check out our Twitter!
Alfred Angelo fashion show launched bridal market week this Friday. We tweeted for the first time live from the runway and it was fun. If you are getting married next year those are our favorite looks from the show, in stores in the Spring.
Cris-Crossed back Alfred Angelo Bridal
Dainty A-line Alfred Angelo Bridal
Flowers Alfred Angelo Bridal
Plaid Alfred Angelo Bridesmaid
Since I was in Montreal for Thanksgiving last week (in case you don’t know, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October in Canada) and didn’t post, we’ll double up this post. Let’s get started. In the final installment in the search for veil alternatives we’re going to look at flowers (not real ones, although those are definitely an option) and hats.
Flowers first. I know I said that I’m not going to cover real flowers, but don’t get it in your head that I mean those silk flowers you find at your local Michael’s. I don’t like typical fake flowers. You should go for the real thing if that’s the look that you’re going for. No, I’m talking about stylized fabric flowers.
I came across this flower a while ago while I was searching Etsy and loved it. (I also adore the blue shoes the bride in the photo is wearing.) I saved it in the hopes that I’d have a blog post to include it in. And that post has arrived.
You can pick a flower that’s traditional white like this bold satin cutout flower with a pearl laden center.
Or this delicate rhinestone beaded cut organza flower with a center cluster of pearls.
But why stick with white? Choose any color your favorite color, your groom’s favorite color, your team’s color or any color under the sun that speaks to you, whether has any other place in your wedding or not. You could even get your “something blue” in that way.
Want something a little more elaborate? Try this handmade flower created using goose feathers, ostrich feathers and bleached peacock feathers with a vintage costume jewelry center.
No one will even notice you’re not wearing a veil if you choose this stunning piece, which is made of mesh with a hematite center.
There are loads of options for flowers. You are only limited by your imagination and personal style. Well, and I guess your dress choice, because, let’s face it, that will be the most important thing that will dictate the style of your accessories.
And now to our final veil alternative…the wedding hat. For some reason when I hear “wedding hat,” I think of a big, broad brimmed hat with lots of fake flowers. Something like this:
And hey, if that’s your style, go for it! But after doing some research, I’ve found some beautiful wedding hats that look nothing like the one above. I’ve also found that there seem to be two main categories of modern wedding hats—cocktail caps (on the left) and tiny top hats (on the right).
The tiny top hats are quite chic. If you choose this option, be sure to wear your hat jauntily to one side. You can get your mini top hat covered in feathers…
or tied with a bow. This one can even be made using whatever fabric you send them, so you could get it made to match your dress (assuming you could get the exact fabric of your dress).
Then there are cocktail caps. This hand sewn vintage-inspired number with curled ostrich and pheasant feathers would be perfect with a romantic vintage-inspired dress.
Looking for a little something? Then the next two hats are for you. One with a flower and the other with feathers and Swarovski crystals, these dainty hats add a touch of elegance to your wedding coiffure.
Now, we’re looking for veil alternatives, so you’ll have to imagine the following hats without the veils. I like the star detail on this cocktail cap.
The hat on the left has a spray of feathers with lovely beading details. The one on the right is a pillbox, not a cocktail cap, but I like the simplicity of the hat contrasted with the pouf of feathers and rhinestones.
I’ve shown you a number of alternatives to the traditional veil. We’ve seen hair vines and hairpins, headbands, modern tiaras and now flowers and hats. Although this is by no means an exhaustive list, you should have plenty to think about and perhaps you’ve even found the accessory that you’ll wear instead of a veil on your wedding day.
Happily Ever After,
This week let’s look at some tiaras. Tiaras and brides are a natural combination. They go together like milk and cookies or grooms and rented tuxes. And these days, there are plenty of modern options that can stand alone…without a veil backing it up.
There are more tiaras out there than you could even imagine and searching through them all can be quite daunting. The best way to narrow down your search is to try to stay away from anything that a reigning beauty queen or a princess might wear. Instead, look for unique creations that have little in common with beauty pageants and fairy tales.
Picture these first two tiaras without the tulle because it is completely unnecessary. These are fairly traditional, but the design makes them more modern versions.
Of course you want to be a star on your big day, but I’m not sure this is the way to do it. This tiara will surely have your guests talking, although they might be distracted by the fact that you seem to be channeling an angel. (Anyone else think it looks a bit like she’s got a halo?)
I adore the sparkling swirls on this tiara.
I like that this tiara lies close to the head without the peak of a typical tiara.
This tiara has a light, delicate feeling and resembles a hair vine, only with a bit more structure.
Usually I’m all about symmetry, but I love side tiaras. Side tiaras are asymmetrical tiaras that have the detail set to the side. Look for one that suits you and goes well with your dress.
Whatever tiara you do choose, though, make sure you don’t wind up with something like this. There is such a thing as too unique.
Happily Ever After,
The next stop on our tour of bold veil alternatives: headbands. Thanks to the 80s making a comeback and Gossip Girl, headbands are everywhere. But today’s bridal headbands, which are sophisticated and more polished, have little in common with the preppy ones from the past. They have evolved into works of art that any bride would cherish well after her dress has been boxed away and her top tier has gone stale.
Headbands are a simple and stunning way to adorn your bridal ’do. They come in an almost infinite variety of styles and materials, but whether it’s made from metal, lace, ribbon or beads, the right headband is sure to wow your guests.
They can be simple…like this plain white band with a starburst brooch.
Or more elaborate. This headband combines lace and a vintage flower brooch on a metal band.
While this headband adds a little sparkle with sequined flowers on a thin metal band.
Who says you need to keep things white? Look for a headband that features your favorite color or has details that you just adore regardless of their color. I love this yellow enameled floral band and think it would be darling on the right bride.
A simple headband with two or more rows (this one has 10!) adds a structured refinement to your wedding hair.
Having an outdoor or casual wedding and want to add a natural touch to your locks? A headband that looks like twisted twigs and flowers might be just the thing.
Looking for something delicate and sweet that’s slightly reminiscent of a veil? Try a headband that has a piece of fabric or lace as the focal point. Be sure to pick a pattern that works with your dress.
Get a soft, romantic look with a ribboned headband, a variation of the typical headband. Much like it sounds, a ribboned headband is a ribbon decorated with beads, pearls or other embellishments that is worn as a headband. Add a little more charm by wearing the band with the ribbon’s ends trailing down your back.
And, if you’re really set on having tulle in your hair on your wedding, this is always an option (although not one I would personally choose).
Finally, here is a selection of beautiful headbands (and ribbons and hairwraps) from Jennifer Behr. I liked too many of her designs to just pick one or two.
Happily Ever After,
More and more brides are opting out of wearing a traditional veil and instead choosing something more modern. Last week I talked about a hot accessory that many brides are choosing instead of a veil—the fascinator. I personally chose to forgo the veil and instead decorated my ’do with a couple of pretty barrettes and some hairpins to add a little sparkle. There are tons of options if you too decide to unveil yourself on your wedding day.
I started to do some research on options and found so many things that I liked that they wouldn’t all fit into one blog post. So, for the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at a variety of bold, stylish hair accessories. There are many alternatives to the traditional veil, so this will by no means be an exhaustive list. I’m also going to skip the more traditional accessories. We’ve all seen typical bridal tiaras. There are many more exciting ways to glamorize your wedding-day hair.
Let’s get started. First up…hair vines.
Hair vines are delicate flexible strands that can be twisted to best suit your hairstyle. They are held in place with small combs attached at each end or with bobby pins. Hair vines are perfect for adding an ultra-feminine touch to your bridal hair, regardless of the way its styled.
Hair vines can be worn in any number of ways.
They can be woven through your hair.
Wrapped around a bun or ponytail.
Placed on the side your hair.
Or worn as a headband.
Here is the same hair vine worn two different ways.
Next, let’s talk about hairpins. They are usually sold in set of two, three or more. You can spread them out to give a bit of sparkle or gather them together to form a more substantial headpiece. To add more interest, mix and match a few different kinds of hairpins (for example, mix pearls and crystals or use both smaller and larger hairpins). Try to place the pins where they will have the most impact and will look the best and, with the smaller hairpins, it’s best to asymmetrically scatter them throughout your hair.
Hairpins come in all shapes and sizes and, like hair vines, can be worn many different ways.
They can be used to subtly accent your updo.
Spread out to create visual interest.
Clustered together to give the illusion of a larger design.
Accentuate a knot or bun.
Or creatively highlight an otherwise ordinary messy ponytail.
Next week we’ll look at some fabulous headbands.
Happily Ever After,
One of the hottest trends in bridal accessories is the fascinator. Although fascinators are much more popular across the pond (especially for wedding guests), many American brides are opting to wear them on their wedding day.
For those of you who have no idea what a fascinator is, it’s a headpiece worn in your hair that’s commonly made with feathers, flowers, beads and/or ribbons and is attached to a comb, clip or headband. You’ve probably seen pictures of British nobles (including the Queen) wearing them to formal events.
Fascinators come in all shapes, sizes and styles. There are simple fascinators, like this Belles & Crystals one worn by Drew Barrymore.
And there are extravagant creations that are more like art pieces than headpieces. Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) wore one with her Vivienne Westwood wedding gown in the first Sex and the City movie and the actress fittingly wore a custom-made Philip Treacy design at the movie’s London premiere.
Intrigued? Like the look? Why not wear one with your own wedding gown? There are oodles of bridal fascinators to be had. You just have to find the one that matches your wedding style.
You don’t need a tiara to add a little bling to your updo. This one-of-a-kind reclaimed vintage fascinator from Belles & Crystals with early 20th century earrings as the centerpiece of the design has all the sparkle you could desire.
Like the idea of flowers in your hair, but want to skip the hassle of real flowers? These delicate floral designs from Tiaras & Fascinators are made of sinamay and feathers and the colors of each are completely customizable.
Or opt for a flower made of feathers. This one from Etsy seller PowderBlueBijoux is made using ivory and gold feathers with a vintage faux pearl and crystal earring center.
Want a bigger feathery flower? Then this Tied & Feathered fascinator is the one for you. Several small white silk flowers are surrounded by white feathers to create a large fluffy flower.
Want something a little more extreme? This Miss Glam Bridal feather and diamante fascinator is just the thing.
Looking to add a little blue to your ensemble? Try a teal fascinator.
Not sure if you want to don a fascinator yourself, but still like the look for your big day? Think about them for your bridesmaids instead. A simple fascinator like this one would be perfect for your girls.
Whether for you or your maids, you can pick something simple or something over the top. The only limit is your imagination. And if you can’t find one you like or you want to add a personal touch to your fascinator, you can always make your own feather or floral one.
Happily Ever After,
What’s the latest thing in the trend to have a unique and truly memorable wedding…surprise dances. And I’m not just talking about first dances.
You’ve no doubt seen the recent viral video of the wedding party dancing down the aisle. You’d have to be living under a rock to have missed it! It’s gotten almost 24 million hits on YouTube, the couple has been interviewed on The Today Show (NBC even gathered the entire bridal party to recreate the dance live on the show!) and Good Morning America and has been blogged about incessantly.
It all started with the traditional first dance. You know the drill. Bride and groom are introduced and take their place on the dance floor in front of all of their family and friends to sway to the music of their chosen love song.
Well, apparently guests were bored having to watch the bride and groom dance their first dance so couples (my husband and myself included) decided to take lessons so that they could do more than just rotate slowly around the dance floor for their guests.
And I think that these dances are entertaining (Dancing with the Stars attracts millions of views each week with similar dancing). Here are a couple of good ones, but be warned, there will be no skipping music and no hip hop songs in the middle…just some great “traditional” dancing.
I guess that wasn’t entertaining enough though…and it wasn’t really much of a surprise (so key to weddings these days). Brides (and probably some grooms too) wanted more. So the trend evolved. This time, in the middle of their shared moment, the music skips or the “record” scratches (or any number of similar interruptions happens) and the couple breaks apart while everyone wonders what’s going on. Suddenly a fast paced, energetic song fills the reception hall and the bride and groom boogie down.
This video, which was filmed in the summer of 2005 and uploaded a year later, claims to be the “original” surprise wedding dance on YouTube. But here is my favorite of all the ones I’ve seen (and seeing as my friends and family love email forwards and the research that I’ve done for this blog post, I’ve seen quite a few)…although I can think of a few of my guests who would have been offended by their song choice.
Now, there are a number of different variations of this kind of first dance. You’ve got the Evolution of Dance first dance (there are more of these than I can count), but Brian and Katie seemed to do it first (or at least best).
Then there’s the music video recreation. Couples seem to study their favorite music videos and or scenes from movies then recreate them (who needs expensive dance lessons?). This couple got their entire bridal party involved to do the Thriller dance.
And I love that this UK couple did the final dance from Dirty Dancing. The bride even did the lift (even if it was with help)! There are many other Dirty Dancing first dances, but this is the best.
There are couples who create a dance mix. One couple found songs that all had “crazy” in them (there are quite a few!), put them together and voila—slightly unique “crazy” wedding dance.
We’ve all seen them. (Heck, there was even a show, Rock the Reception, where a pair of choreographers taught the bride, groom and some members of the bridal party a dance to surprise their guests with.) And that’s the problem. What do you do when you want to be unique and the surprise first dance is already cliché? You and your bridal party dance down the aisle, or you can always spice up the father/daughter dance.
First you watch this instructional video to learn how to do the Soulja Boy dance and then incorporate it into your dance with dad. No expensive choreographer needed. Or, and I like this better, just go all out and dance with your dad…regardless of whether it’s fast or slow song. (Although I don’t think that Baby’s Got Back is an appropriate father/daughter dance song.)
And I guess you can have a “surprise” entrance dance, but why would you force your bridesmaids and groomsmen to do this? Haven’t they already done enough?
Even the guests want in on the action. Five friends of the bride and groom decided to surprise them with dance. I’m not sure about you, but I wouldn’t want my reception turned into a musical.
If you do decide to incorporate dancing (of any kind, besides the swaying side to side variety), you should make sure that your dress is properly fitted (to stop you from having to constantly tug it up…which detracts from all your hard work) and have it bustled or pick a style that’s conducive to dancing. It’s distracting when the bride is constantly picking up her train and dangerous to her dance partner. Finally, put your heart and soul in the dance and practice, practice, practice until the dance looks natural. It’s better to just dance without choreographed moves than to look like you’re counting in your head (you can almost hear the bride saying to herself, “one, two, three, turn and four, five, six, step step step…”). And whatever you do, don’t do this.
So what’s the next step for surprise wedding dances? Is there anything that hasn’t been done? Would you/did you have a surprise wedding dance? What do you think of the whole trend?
Happily Ever After,
