Hottest Wedding Trends of 2012

It has always been a wedding pro’s mission to bring a couple’s unique vision to life by offering ideas and solutions that are original, creative, cost-effective and more. With today’s media-savvy and detail-oriented couples seeking everything from signature tapas bars to creatively stylized photo shoots and cinematography, pros across the country agree that personalization is key, with out-of-the-box themes, styles and creative details destined to pack a major punch during 2012 and beyond.

“Gone are the days of the cookie-cutter couple,” says LaToya Parnell, owner of Something Blue Weddings in Washington, DC. “They are all about the wow factor, the details.”

Meghan Ely, president of OFD Consulting in Virginia, adds that with the ever-increasing influence of the Internet, it’s important that wedding pros take the time to educate their brides and manage expectations, while still helping the overall vision become a reality.

“More and more, we're finding brides heavily influenced by wedding blogs,” says Ely. “This is great news for wedding pros who love the fresh inspiration, but can also prove to be a headache. Bloggity details, as I like to call them, are sometimes created in the controlled setting of an inspiration shoot, and brides may not realize that these wedding details may not be as easy to replicate as they think.”

Here, a few of the year’s buzz-worthy trends that are impacting everything from décor to photography to stationery and more, complete with inspiring advice and insights from in-the-know pros who are making it all happen.

Design, Décor & Style  

Themed, creative and highly personalized décor is where it’s at for 2012, says Amy E. VanMeter, owner of Amy VanMeter Events in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, who adds that vintage, rustic and whimsical vibes will be amongst those topping couples’ wish lists this year.

“Themes will continue to be pulled together with creative touches that represent the couples’ personalities,” says VanMeter. “The focal points for these creative elements will be escort card displays, guest book alternatives, table numbers and desserts.” 

Brides have also discovered that repurposing vintage items and natural elements into décor can be an inexpensive and fun way to make the day unique, she adds. “I love the use of a window, with guests’ names written on the glass panes, for the escort card display,” says VanMeter. “And for the table numbers, using items like vintage clocks or playing cards adds a whimsical touch.”

Favors can also play into a rustic or natural theme. Caren Richardson, founder of The Favour Shoppe.com, expects some of her best-selling items for 2012 to include eco-themed favors that are biodegradable or can be replanted, such as confetti and celebratory poppers, which are the perfect addition to a couple’s grand exit.

Also in keeping with rustic and vintage vibes is the fact that outdoor weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, offering wedding pros a host of options to consider when it comes to tackling décor, logistics and more.

“Outdoor weddings are taking center stage as we head into 2012, thanks in part to the endless supply of alfresco fetes featured in wedding magazines and blogs,” says Ely. “It's going to be important for wedding pros to anticipate this trend and prepare themselves for the types of logistical challenges that brides may not initially consider – from Mother Nature and lighting to noise ordinances.”

Popular décor trends for outdoor soirées include lights in trees, says Sharon Naylor, author of over 30 wedding-planning books, including 1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, whether that means strings of fairy lights to create a magical environment or lanterns hung with metal S-hooks. “I'm also seeing way more chuppahs and trellises decorated with high-quality fabric, with the details in the draping and folds, minus a lot of flowers,” she says. “Many have no flowers, but have instead some subtle touches of crystals for sparkle.”

Brides are also once again investing in the production piece of the wedding – from lighting to event furniture, adds Jennifer McBride, owner of McBride Events in Virginia. “The standard polyester linens provided by the venue are just not going to cut it anymore,” she says. “The good news is that these details are no longer an afterthought, but instead a pressing item on the wedding to-do list. Wedding pros need to rethink their planning timeline to ensure the production piece receives attention sooner in the process.”

Pete and Liliana Wright, owners of Virginia’s PW Photography, agree. “As brides look to add their own personal touches to make it feel unique,” say the Wrights, “they are looking for the large items that everyone sees immediately, like event lighting and large centerpieces, as well as the little signature details that really make the room special.”

Details surrounding texture will be a dominant feature at 2012 weddings, adds Parnell, with linens showcasing such decorative details as petals, gems, appliqués, ruffles and lace, and creative color schemes showing off vibrant jewel tones and eye-catchingly unique combinations.

“Colors are all about the personality of the couple,” she says, noting that combos of deep purple and silver, yellow and silver, and red and blue will be popular choices, along with palettes that feature burnt orange, sage green, pale pink, gold, and the ever-classic black and white.

Non-traditional blends of color, including yellow and purple, orange and pink, and blue and purple, will also be seen paired together in floral arrangements, says Daevid Reed, owner of Virginia Beach-based Daevid’s of Norfolk. While traditional 2012 brides may seek a little touch of sparkle by adding crystals to English garden-inspired florals, he says, modern-minded brides will likely choose a more monochrome look with accents of jewel tones for a lively pop.

The use of color is additionally making an impact when it comes to 2012 wedding gowns, adds Lerkia Lee, bridal image consultant at Modage in Laurel, Maryland, citing Vera Wang’s collection of stunning black dresses and Monique Lhuillier’s blush-hued styles, both showcased last fall at Bridal Market in New York City.

“If I had to sum up my thoughts on the bridal collections I saw, the words would be modern, refined elegance and femininity,” says Lee, who notes that such accents as hand embroidery, heavy beading, silk tulle, French vintage lace, embellished sashes and lace sleeves are all popular enhancements.

Statement accessories also provide a personalized touch, she adds, taking note of trends surrounding the use of vintage hair clips and headbands, vintage cocktail rings and pavé bracelets. “Birdcage veils are totally here to stay,” Lee says.   

Photography, Cinematography & Entertainment

Vintage vibes and personalized flair aren’t limited to the design, décor and personal style aspects of a wedding, with everything from black-and-white images to stylized photo shoots currently topping the charts.

“Black-and-white photos are all the rage,” says Naylor, citing statistics from The Wedding Report.com, which indicate that over 60 percent of couples want at least some of their wedding photos to appear in black and white, allowing them to later mix these classics into albums or choose some for enlargement and framing.

In some cases, couples are even adding a vintage touch during the wedding itself by displaying classically themed engagement photos or old-school shots of relatives and friends. “I love the Old Hollywood touch at the reception by displaying a large black-and-white portrait of the couple,” Naylor says. 

While some couples are turning their eyes to the past, others remain firmly grounded in the present, with less interest in receiving physical prints and more focus on multimedia components, including slideshows that infuse both photo and video elements for a one-of-a-kind result, says Damien Smith, owner of Damien Smith Photography in Los Angeles.

“In my business, I've seen an increasing expectation for these,” he says. “The thing I do for my clients to enhance the multimedia experience is to provide a digital copy for their iPods and digital media players. This way, it's easier for them to share on Facebook with family and friends.”

Interactivity and multimedia also extend to the wedding day itself, Parnell notes, citing the use by DJs of such creative features as light shows throughout the evening.

Also incredibly hot with today’s brides are creative shoots that extend beyond the wedding day itself, including post-wedding rock-the-frock sessions and boudoir shoots as a special bachelorette party treat for the bride and her friends.

“The millennial generation loves to be seen, and with the invention of reality TV, everyone wants his or her 15 minutes of fame,” says Olesha Haskett Basma, owner of Oh!Boudoir Photography in Baltimore.

Rock-the-frock-style shoots, the Wrights add, give the bride an opportunity to expand beyond traditional-themed portraits and instead enjoy a session that truly allows her to let loose and express herself, without actually “trashing” her dress.

While traditional photography undergoes several creative twists, wedding cinematography is gaining enormous popularity, and accordingly, the number of studios that offer modern cinematography services is growing to meet demand, says Karyn Reohr, founder and chief creative officer for Black Label Event Films in Portland, Oregon.

“Cinematography is in higher demand, while documentary-style videography is on its way out, though it will continue to have a place with the budget bride for some time,” she says. “Wedding pros of all types, but especially event planners and photographers, should prepare for this trend to become a mainstream concept.”

When it comes to the relationship between photographers and cinematographers, adds Reohr, “it is our joint responsibility to ensure that our clients receive maximum return on their investment from both photos and film, and we should work to co-market the two mediums as a complete wedding day memory package.”

McBride agrees that she has seen an increase in the inclusion of wedding films and the addition of same-day edits as a special touch to impress guests. “Wedding cinematographers are every bit as important as the rest of the wedding-day team,” she says, “so I always encourage my planners to make sure they've dotted the I's and crossed the T's with any additional logistical items.”

Catering & Cakes

While ever-popular dessert bars can enhance the overall look and feel of an event, what about the couple who wants in on this hot trend, but also still wants to showcase a classic cake?

A popular trend for 2012, says Kara Buntin, owner of A Cake to Remember in Virginia, is the inclusion of a dessert buffet alongside a smaller wedding cake. “The display can be set up with the cake in the middle and smaller desserts placed around,” she says.

And while some couples are going smaller, others are going all-out with taller and grander designs likely influenced by last spring’s royal wedding, which featured a stunning eight-tiered masterpiece. 

The tall look, says Buntin, can be achieved by either using double-tall tiers or a combination of regular and taller tiers. “The irregularity of tiers that are different heights will give the cake a more modern look without getting too far away from tradition,” she says.  

Of course, cakes and desserts aren’t the only elements on display when it comes to food options, and tapas bars are another big hit for 2012, says McBride. “Say goodbye to food stations – that means you, mashed potato bars – and say hello to tapas bars,” she says. “Brides are having fun with food, so it's important for wedding professionals to stay current on culinary trends. Remember, a fruit and cheese display is an easy addition to the menu, but it will be the hundredth time the guests have seen it.”

Also every bit as important as the food choices, creative signature drinks have the power to not only “wow” guests, but to also make it seem as if the couple has spent more than they actually have, adds Naylor. “I'm seeing a lot more sangria in beautiful deep red shades, or pale peach, served in gorgeous glass pitchers,” she says. “It gives the guests something unique to drink that they wouldn't otherwise make for themselves. Champagne punches are also a big draw.”

Stationery & Invitations

Since today’s wedding trends are dictated more by personality than tradition, this approach is also reflected in the types of stationery couples choose, says Debi Sementelli, owner of Lettering Art Studio in Carrollton, Texas.

“Calligraphy, vintage and retro continue to be sought-after looks,” she says, adding that bold color combinations and the use of unique materials, such as fabric, wood and acrylic, are popular ways to create a signature style. “Overall, there is a great sense of fun in the out-of-the-box approach to weddings.”

With the increasing popularity of stationery blogs, plus the ease of sharing inspiration on the Internet, customized and non-traditional invitations are becoming ever more popular, adds Tracy Osborn, founder of WeddingLovely.com.

The hand-lettered trend is perfect for infusing a beautifully organic feel, she says, while wood veneer and watercolor-inspired designs offer the perfect complement to creative themes, including those which feature rustic, natural and artistic elements.

An Aminal Print Wedding Gown?

Happy Wedding Wednesday! Though I was disappointed that my busy schedule kept me away from last weekend’s Bridal Fashion Week in NYC, I of course loved following all the hot trends and fashions on my favorite blogs. While there were many bold styles on display, the most daring by far made its appearance in a fellow blogger's tweet showcasing a full-length wedding gown with haphazard combinations of leopard and zebra prints, complete with hot pink accents.

Now, I’m a huge fan of the animal print trend in general, but a wedding gown awash in multiple prints? It was definitely a bit over the top, to say the least. Here, a few other animal-inspired findings that have recently turned my head. 

What do you think of these designs? Are they uniquely eye-catching or too wild for their own good?

(Photo Credits: weddinginspirasi.com, intimateweddings.com, leopardface.onsugar.com & oscardresses.org)

Rehearsal Dress a la Mad Men

Ever since the fashion blogs started to buzz with news about Banana Republic’s fabulously feminine Mad Men-inspired fall collection, I’ve been itching to get in on the action.

One of my favorite pieces? This sweetly chic cream lace dress, which would add the perfect splash of 1960s flare for a rehearsal dinner, engagement party or bachelorette weekend, not to mention countless other soirees, whether wedding-related or not.

Though my days as a bride-to-be are now behind me, this lovely and versatile $130 pick still tops my list of the season's must-haves! How about you? Would you wear this dress, and which fall favorites would you love to show off at a wedding-related event? 

(Photo Credit: Banana Republic) 

One Gown Fits All?

Last week, as the fashion world buzzed over what the former Kate Middleton and now Duchess Catherine’s wedding gown would look like, with brides everywhere eagerly awaiting the chance to get copies, I couldn't help but wonder whether it would be wise for so many women to want to copy someone else – especially someone who might have a very different build and body type than they do.

Though Catherine ultimately went with a very classic and flattering style, if you’ve ever read a fashion magazine or looked at bridal runway shots, you already know as well as I do that wedding gowns are “sold” to the rest of us on models that oftentimes look very much like Catherine – tall and extremely slender.



In reality, as much as I loved attending the Bridal Market fashion shows last month, the lack of diversity on the runways and the twig-like figures of many of the models definitely didn’t go over my head. Though I consider myself to have a pretty trim and petite figure, one that I have worked hard to maintain over the years, the fact that even someone my size would be considered too curvy to head down the runway is truly disturbing.

From an industry standpoint, I well know that the goal is to sell as many gowns as possible and earn as much profit as possible. Most designers feel the best way to do this is to showcase gowns on thin models. But are these portrayed ideals realistic? Why is there so little cultural diversity in the fashion world, and is it wise for designers to market “Kate’s gown” to brides who may be better suited by a different style entirely?

What do you think?

(Photo Credit: Official Royal Wedding Website)

Bicoastal Bride At Bridal Market

I’m back after my whirlwind weekend in New York City covering Bridal Market, and what an awesome weekend it was! Though I was only able to attend a few shows this time – my first ever at Bridal Market – I had a ball and can’t wait to hopefully head back in the fall to cover more ground and meet more new faces in the industry.

Bring completely new to Bridal Market, and the New York fashion scene for that matter, I didn’t quite know what to expect at first, and admittedly felt some degree of intimidation at the thought of being in the same room as such big name players as Bridal Guide Editor Diane Forden, Brides Editor Millie Martini Bratten, and reps from most of the major bridal magazines and websites in the country.

But after going from show to show while tweeting, posting and blogging throughout the day, I was having such a great time, I forgot all about the newness of the experience. In the end, I even found myself wishing I could stay longer, catch more shows, and talk with more people. Though I didn’t get a chance to network with everyone I wanted to this time around, those I did meet with were incredibly kind and welcoming, excited to hear about everything going on at the Weddzilla Blog, and making me feel even more thrilled to be a part of such an awesome event.

Here, a few sneak peeks inside my experience at Bridal Market, which I hope will be the first of many!



Weddzilla Marketing Director Sara Morgan and I loved attending the Alfred Angelo runway show...



...where we chatted with talented Bridal Guide Editor Diane Forden.

Seeing Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel in person was awesome!

And the Christos, Kenneth Pool and Amsale shows were just as exciting...

...as was seeing another of my favorite designers, Amsale Aberra, herself! 

 

Be sure to visit the Weddzilla Blog all week long for details about our favorite Bridal Market trends, and let me know which designers you'd love to see covered in the future. The fall shows will be here before I know it!

Christos, Kenneth Pool & Amsale Runway Shows

I'm still having a blast in NYC, and sneak peek recaps are now live on the Weddzilla Blog, sharing the latest from the Christos, Kenneth Pool and Amsale runway shows! Check them out, and stay tuned for complete reviews starting Monday.

 
This ruffled train by Amsale is definitely a top favorite so far!

(Photo Credit: Weddzilla)

Alfred Angelo's New York Runway Show

Bridal Market is in full swing here in New York, and one of our first stops today was the highly anticipated Alfred Angelo runway show, where we got a sneak peek at 40 stunning bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses hitting salons this fall!



I loved seeing all the new designs, meeting industry gurus and being a part of the Bridal Market energy. Check out the Weddzilla Blog for teaser photos featuring a couple of our favorite wedding gown styles, and stay tuned Monday for a full set of recaps and video clips!

(Photo Credit: Weddzilla)

On The Road To Bridal Market!

Today’s post is short, because as you read this, I’m on the road to Bridal Market in New York City!

It’ll be my first time hitting the runways at shows by some of my favorite designers, including Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Christos and Alfred Angelo, the designer of my own wedding gown. I’m very excited and can’t wait to share recaps next week on the Weddzilla Blog!



In the meantime, I’ll try to post live here a time or two, and will also be tweeting from @Bicoastal_Bride if you'd like to follow along. Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! See you Monday!

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

DC Ladies Post: Alfred Angelo’s Disney-Inspired Gowns

Happy Friday once again! Today, I’m back over on The DC Ladies blog, celebrating its first birthday today, where I'm sharing details about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, a gorgeous new line of princess-inspired gowns set to launch early next year. And if you’re picturing poofy, ultra-girly styles, think again! The new designs, including my favorite – the Ariel – range from classic and romantic to sleek and sexy. Head on over for a sneak peak!

Are you a Disney fan? Who’s your favorite princess?

P.S. This Staurday will also mark Bicoastal Bride's first birthday! I can't believe it's already been a year since I started this blog, but I can believe that I'm still loving every minute of writing it.

(Graphic Credit: Alfred Angelo)

Bridal Fashion: An Everyday Wedding Gown?

These days, more brides are breaking with tradition by choosing mainstream styles as wedding gowns. But are wedding gowns and bridal styles also becoming more mainstream themselves? Recently, while perusing the Alfred Angelo website, I wondered whether some of the featured styles couldn't also be worn as part of non-wedding-related outfits.

For example, wouldn't these lovely dresses just look beautiful at a dressy summer dinner party or during formal night on a cruise?



And how about these totally re-wearable bridesmaid styles?



What do you say, ladies? Would you ever consider wearing bridal for an occasion other than a wedding? Is it important to you that your bridesmaids are able to reuse their gowns after the big day?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

An Alfred Angelo Wedding

I’ve always loved the Alfred Angelo line for its beautiful styles and affordable prices. Whether romantic, classic, trendy or sassy, I truly believe this line has something that would make just about any bride happy.

As you know, Alfred Angelo came to the rescue at the last minute when I was on the fence about my original dress, and I quickly fell head over heels for a romantic mermaid silhouette with cascading tiers of lace, a gorgeous semi-cathedral train, and an elegant grape sash beneath the bust.

And earlier, while on the hunt for bridesmaid dresses that would flatter a variety of body types, my sister and I found the perfect formal and flattering grape gown, which featured white embroidery and crystal detailing on its sash.

Of course, I was excited about these picks before the big day, but looking back at our photos afterward, I’m even more in love. In the end, I’m so glad I ordered my dream dress before it was too late, and that the girls also loved their dresses, which paired so perfectly with mine. I truly can’t imagine our wearing anything else.

Will you and your bridesmaids wear dresses made by the same designer, or closely matched in style? Whether you’re now looking back on your day or are still waiting for it to arrive, have you ever had any second thoughts about your dress choices?

(Photo Credits: Damien Smith Photography & Alex Neumann Photography)

Your Wedding Gown: Treasure or ‘Trash’?

A couple weeks ago, I took part in a very spirited online “trash the dress” debate, where brides and newlyweds took turns hashing out both sides of the classic “do-or-don’t” debacle.

The discussion was tons of fun, and in all honesty, the controversy surrounding “trash the dress” is very surprising to me for one key reason. No matter what your views may be about trashing your own dress, each bride’s gown is just that – her own, to do with as she pleases, whether before or after the wedding day.

So, while I can definitely understand that plenty of brides don’t want to risk destroying their own gowns, I’m a bit puzzled as to why many feel so strongly that others should skip it, too. I mean, sure, it would be wonderful if every bride wanted to donate her gown to charity or find another way to reuse it, but just as with every area of life, people are different. And rather than let it sit tucked away in a closet for years to come, rarely seeing the light of day, many brides would rather get another day of fun out a gown they put so much thought and money into. What’s so bad about that?

Though I don’t plan to completely “trash” my dress with paint or anything of that sort, I’d love to do a casual “day-after” shoot at an offbeat spot like the beach or a theme park. Would the dress likely get damaged and dirty in the process? Probably. But in the end, what difference does it make? As it is, my dress is tucked away at my parents’ home in California, where I can’t even pull it out to look at.

Fellow brides, what are your thoughts? Will you or did you plan a “trash the dress” shoot after your wedding?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

A ‘Too Hot To Handle’ Wedding Gown?

There were so many things I loved about my wedding day, and my gown is right up there at the top of that list. From its gorgeous lace tiers to its lovely grape sash, the dress made me feel absolutely beautiful, starting with our "first look" and ending with the very last dance.

One thing that surprised me as the day went on, though, was just how heavy, and even more importantly, how hot, the fabric felt throughout the wedding. Though my gown was a mermaid design and not nearly as large as many of the ball gowns out there, it still weighed heavily on my petite frame, especially with the crinoline layered underneath.

Moving with the train? I needed one or two girls with me at all times. Using the restroom? I couldn’t manage on my own. Climbing steps and sitting in the van we’d rented? Extremely challenging.

Plus, I must admit that although the weather was a perfect 75 degrees, I still started to feel a bit overheated if I was walking around too long outside. And during the cocktail hour, as I sat in the bride’s room at the reception site taking a breather, my feet up and the back of my gown unzipped, I understood why many brides prefer to switch into a lighter gown for dinner and dancing.

On the other hand, once I was inside the cool banquet hall, things were a lot easier, and I just loved swishing around the dance floor in my beautiful dress, which was much simpler to handle once it was bustled!

LESSON LEARNED: If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing, because I adored my gown. I’d choose it again in a heartbeat, and can’t wait to do a “day-after” shoot sometime in the future. But for those of you who have yet to make your pick, think long and hard about just how long you’ll be in your dress, what the weather will be like, how much time you’ll spend outdoors, and what undergarments you plan to pair with it. A gown feels different when it’s been on your body for six hours, rather than for just a few minutes at a time in the bridal salon.

What’s your gown like? Will you be changing into a separate reception dress?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

A Bicoastal Wedding Gown Takes Flight

Planning the wedding was fun. The stressful part? Lugging my Alfred Angelo gown, altered just in time for us to leave town, across the country through three airports. Today, my husband shares his recap story about the infamous bicoastal wedding dress.

Looking back, I’m thankful Heather chose a light wedding gown, or at least a dress lighter than some of the crazy 80-pounders she’s pointed out on Say Yes to the Dress. After carrying the dress all around the Chicago O’Hare terminal, if it had been any heavier, I don’t think I would have survived.

Not only did the weight of the gown pose a problem, but the shear size of the garment bag made it incredibly difficult to carry, first through security at Reagan National in D.C., then all around the Chicago airport, and finally upon arrival in Los Angeles. Escalators, doorways, and even trying to find a place to sit down in a crowded airport became so much more tedious with a wedding dress in the picture.

Leaving D.C., I hadn’t yet seen the dress, and I wanted to try my best to avoid seeing it before the wedding day. But even though its bag was opaque, I could ultimately see some details when it was backlit. The most noticeable part was that there was a dark sash, although I couldn’t tell what color it was. However, at that point, even Heather was resigned to the fact that there simply wasn’t any alternative.

Though we were flying first class and had been relaxed at the beginning of the day, a cancellation, a couple gate changes, and another delay had us frazzled sooner rather than later. Once on each plane, there was thankfully a first class closet available in which to store the dress. But unfortunately, even this space was not large enough to hold the gown without folding it.

In the end, we made it through the trip without any damage to the dress, and I also got a great workout. But it sure wasn’t easy, and it got our wedding week off to a pretty stressful start!

Will you or did you travel with your wedding gown? Is yours a heavy dress, whether carrying it or wearing it?

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Wedding Week Countdown: Sweet ‘Somethings’

On my wedding day, I’ll be a classic bride with my…

Something Old

The gorgeous heirloom diamond in my engagement ring, which belonged to Stephen’s late grandmother, Jan.

Something New

My Alfred Angelo wedding gown!

Something Borrowed

My sister’s cute ivory clutch.

Something Blue

The tiny bow on the inside of my garter, which is a wedding day surprise for the groom!

What are your special “somethings”?

Fit To Be Wed

As you know, I eagerly (anxiously?) awaited the arrival of my Alfred Angelo gown ever since I ordered it back in February. After a lot of last-minute hustling, things at last seem like they'll work out, and I’m thrilled to slip into the gown of my dreams for the wedding!

Since this was my second gown selection, I’m definitely no stranger to fittings, bustles and fabrics. Here, my top tips for a stress-free fitting – the first of which is to order your gown more than four months ahead of time, so that you don’t end up scrambling the way I have!

• Don’t forget your shoes! The height of your shoes will have a big impact on how much of a hem, if any, your gown needs. You definitely won’t want to be caught without them.

• Also, be sure to bring along your wedding day lingerie. Undergarments can make a difference in the look and fit of a gown, so have these items already selected by the time your first fitting rolls around. A good seamstress can often even add bra cups to help with the fit, so don’t forget to ask about that option, if you're interested.

• If you have a fitness or weight loss goal, try to have met it by the time of your fitting. This will spare you from having to make further dramatic (and expensive) alterations to the gown closer to the wedding date.

• If you have a certain look in mind for your bustle, or a type of bustle you don’t want, be sure to let your seamstress know, and come prepared with photos when possible. Some bustle designs, including the French style, have multiple ways they can be crafted.

For example, on my old gown, we planned for an elaborate eight-layer French bustle with time-intensive ribbon ties. With my new gown, I’m going for a much simpler style. Before you agree to a certain design, be sure to take into account the exact look and bustling process, including how much time you’ll have and who will be available at your wedding to do it.

• If you can, snap a few photos. A gown can look different in pictures than it does in person, and this may give you some insight into other alterations you’d like made.

Have you done your gown fitting yet? What’s your best advice for a smooth session?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

Dress Drama Update – 11 Days Out!

With only 11 days left until I walk down the aisle, things are finally looking up in the dress department, ladies!

As I mentioned in my dress meltdown post a couple weeks ago, I ordered my new Alfred Angelo gown late in February, and it wasn’t even scheduled to arrive until after May 7. If that weren’t already cause enough for a freak-out, the Alfred Angelo shop then told me they wouldn’t be able to start my alterations until May 20 – nine days before the trip out to California!

Well, when I got the call that the gown was finally in, I started hustling to see what other options there might be. I guess the stars aligned for me, because with a little research, I was able to find a fantastic local custom-gown designer willing to meet with me for alterations within the next couple days. Score!

My first two fittings, within a week of each other, went well, with not a lot of work needed, other than adding a bustle, plus taking the dress in a couple inches in the back and at the bust. And my dilemma of not having enough time to ship the gown to California before I leave town? Well, I’m taking a pass on shipping altogether by carrying the gown onto the plane with me, which I already cleared with the airline.

My gown will spend the flight hanging peacefully in the first class closet at the front of the plane, and I can take a load off knowing it will arrive on time, hand delivered by none other than the bride herself. Whew! Crisis averted, big time!

What’s the biggest “crisis” that’s thrown a wrench into your wedding plans?

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Dress Stress & The One Month Crunch!

Next month at this time, it will be my wedding day! Wow! As you can imagine, I started the day off on a cloud of excitement. That is, until I called to check on the status of my Alfred Angelo gown.

Yes, putting a bit of a black cloud over today’s happy milestone is the fact that my new gown has still not arrived at the shop. In fact, while I initially understood that it might be in around May 7, I was told today that May 7 is actually the ship date for the gown, and that it won’t arrive for 5-7 business days after that.

Furthermore, the earliest alteration date available for me is May 20! Now, I’m usually pretty calm about things, and have everything else for the wedding well under control. But this situation has me really rattled and worried that the alterations won’t be done in time for me to either ship the gown to California or carry it onto the plane when I leave on May 29.

In the end, I know this is my fault. I simply waited too long to change my mind about my gown, and this is the result. I’m now scared that it’s somehow not going to work out, and that I’m going to be left without a dress for my wedding day, since I never completed the alterations on my first gown.

Has anyone else been in this situation, or do you have any helpful ideas or thoughts? Advice and encouragement are more than welcome today!

Rehearsal Dress for a Steal?

Back in December, I told you I was considering a big $300 splurge on this lovely gown from Alfred Angelo’s “Little White Dress” collection.

While I’m still considering snapping up this beauty to wear to our rehearsal and dinner, I also recently bought a fun, sassy dress on clearance at Macy’s for just $15!

Though I initially thought the playful print might look horrible on me, I surprised myself by absolutely loving it. What do you think? Is it rehearsal-worthy or over-the-top crazy?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo & Heather Warren)

Style for the Camera: Achieving a ‘Picture Perfect’ Look

Today, it’s all about bridal fashion and style, as L.A.-photographer Damien Smith shares with me his tips for ensuring a photo-perfect wedding day look!

As a fair-skinned bride, I’m concerned about turning into a lobster on my big day. But I’ve also heard it’s important to watch how much sunscreen I use, since it might affect the amount of light reflecting off my skin in the photos. Is that true?

Yes, this is true, since sunscreen can make your skin very shiny. It’s best to use an oil-free product so there is no shine or reflection.

When shopping for a dress, what should a bride keep in mind about the types of details and silhouettes that usually photograph best?

Don't let your desire for a perfect silhouette picture influence the type of gown you buy. Get the dress you really want, because a professional photographer will definitely be able to capture a great shot no matter what. However, if a stellar silhouette photo is really important to you, try not to get a dress that's super puffy.

As for as the fine details of your dress, such as beading and shimmer, your professional photographer will capture all of it, usually before you put on your dress, and immediately after you put on the dress. Most wedding photographers do a one-on-one session to showcase the lovely bride and her dress.

When I was trying on gowns, some of the dresses looked completely different in the mirror than in the photos we snapped with my digital camera. For example, the intricate beading and embellishments on the gowns were not as visible in the pictures, and the shots looked dark. Will a professional photographer’s camera be sophisticated enough to truly capture these details?

Point-and-shoot cameras use an averaging system to determine the best exposure for a picture, and so do professional cameras when used on certain automatic settings. When you have a lot of white in the frame, the natural response is for the camera to darken the picture.

However, professional cameras can be adjusted manually by the photographer. As long as your professional photographer knows how to use his camera, there will be no problems. A good question to ask a photographer is, "Do you shoot with your camera using automatic settings, or do you shoot making manual adjustments?"

You want a photographer who makes manual adjustments, as this is the mark of a true professional and someone who knows which settings to use to get the best pictures. If the photographer doesn't understand F-Stop and shutter speed, run!

What should a bride keep in mind when it comes to her makeup for the photos? I’ve heard horror stories about brides who tried doing their own makeup and ended up looking way too washed out in the pictures. How important is it to hire a makeup artist skilled at doing applications for photo sessions?

Unless the bride-to-be is a professional makeup artist, she should not attempt to do it herself. Hire a professional, because there's a huge difference between doing your makeup to go hang out, and doing makeup for your wedding. Professional makeup artists understand that a bride’s makeup must be "camera-ready” to prevent that washed out look.

Why let thousands of dollars in photography, attire and so on go down the drain just to save the couple hundred dollars that a professional makeup artist costs? When choosing your makeup artist, always ask to see pictures of other brides he or she has done makeup for.

What are your plans for hair and makeup, and which photos of you in your gown are you most excited about?

(Photo Credit: Damien Smith Photography)