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Personalization is the "Something New" for Brides in
2005
(ARA)
- When it comes to "Something New" for their wedding
day, most brides start with the all-important
wedding dress. The latest news in finding the
wedding dress of your dreams is to seek a look that
expresses your special personality and style.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the
belle of the ball; make sure you try a variety of
silhouettes in various fabrics to find a gorgeous
dress that is uniquely you," says Diane Forden,
editor-in-chief of Bridal Guide. Reading bridal
magazines and surfing bridal Web sites, is a great
way to get a feel for the latest trends and to start
thinking about the styles you like. However, says
Forden, "Just because a gown looks great on the
model in the photograph, doesn't mean it's the best
'fit' for your figure or your personality." Her
advice: Be open minded about trying different looks,
especially those suggested by your bridal
consultant.
Trying on a range of styles can be simplified by
choosing a store such as David's Bridal that offers
a wide selection of gowns that reflect all the
newest trends in wedding dresses as well as classic
styles. While many local bridal shops only receive
new merchandise once or twice a year, a larger,
national store has a continual stream of new
designs, and hence, more options for brides.
"Affordable luxury" is a buzzword for today's
brides, who want an upscale look without the couture
price tag. Try shopping at a store that has a great
selection of wedding dresses in a variety of price
points and that carries a wide range of sizes in
stock. After all, if you're a size 18, you don't
want to have to squeeze into a size 8 sample dress
and try to imagine what it will look like on you.
Addressing this issue, David's Bridal has a great
selection of the latest looks, available in all
sizes, including an entire collection of gowns
tailored specifically for plus size brides.
What's New?
"2005 bridal fashions evoke a more romantic feel
than recent years," says Jeff Moore, senior vice
president of bridal product development at David's
Bridal. Dressing up and feeling fabulous is back in
style, with ladylike silhouettes that are both
classic and dreamy.
If you've been reading the bridal magazines or
surfing the net, you know that sweetheart necklines
and updated halters are everywhere; strapless gowns
continue to be a bridal mainstay as well. "All of
these necklines offer great opportunities for
accessorizing, which once again allows you to
personalize your look," says Moore.
A-line silhouettes, which complement just about
every body type, are a perennial favorite. Ballgowns
and sheath style dresses, both in keeping with the
trend toward romance, are also popular. One of the
newest silhouettes is also among the most
figure-flattering -- side-drape dresses, which look
graceful and gorgeous, while hiding any figure
flaws. For more intimate or destination weddings,
choose from among a great selection of tea-length
dresses, in lace as well as other "packable"
fabrics.
You'll also see a bevy of elegant embellishments on
bridal gowns in 2005. Traditional embellishments
such as lace, pearls, appliqués and hand-beading
adorn many dresses. Embroidery using metallic thread
is putting an updated twist that lends a sparkling
effect to the latest designs.
If you're wondering how you'll ever find your
perfect dress among all the options out there, Moore
has two pieces of advice. "First, bring along a
friend or relative when you shop so you have someone
to help you compare the dresses you try on. Second,
trust your bridal consultant. They work with brides
every day and have an innate sense about what will
look good on you. Plus, they know the store's
selection inside and out."
Dressing the Bridal Party
Allow your bridesmaids to showcase their
individuality as well. Make a Match separates from
David's Bridal allow you to select a color scheme,
and your bridesmaids to create their own unique
combinations from a choice of several styles. "Our
unique Make A Match collection allows each
bridesmaid to choose a look that is their own and
fits them best, while remaining true to the theme
and color chosen by the bride," says Ramona de la
Rosa, senior vice president of bridesmaids product
development at David's Bridal. Complete the bridal
party look by accessorizing with color-coordinated
shoes, matching purses and complementing jewelry.
This spring, bridesmaids silhouettes are updated
with alternative lengths and asymmetrical hems. With
brides leaning towards utilizing more color in their
weddings, bridesmaids dresses can now be found in a
varied color palette -- from soft pastels to warm,
bright hues. In accordance with bridal trends,
bridal party dresses also include embellishments
such as flowers, ribbons, bows, sashes and beading.
Today it's common for bridesmaids to be scattered
across the country. Brides should take this into
consideration when selecting a store at which to
purchase their bridal party dresses. With 240 stores
across the county and a state of the art website,
David's makes it easy for brides and their
bridesmaids to coordinate their dresses, even if
they're not in the same area.
Accent on Accessories
Bridal accessories go way beyond the veil this year
as jewelry, gloves, handbags and more all play an
important part. The softer look in bridal dresses is
reflected in the gentler drape of veils this season,
and veils carry through the trend of embellishment
as well. You'll see veils bejeweled with crystals,
gold thread, fresh water pearls and rhinestones in
addition to classically simple scalloped veils.
The embellishment theme is also reflected in wraps
and handbags, for example, with a beautiful floral
pattern on a handbag. The sophisticated look of
pearls and gold will also be strong, especially in
tiara and jewelry collections. The classic string of
pearls is always appropriate; for something
trendier, consider sparkling rhinestone chandelier
earrings.
Gloves are making a comeback this year, in keeping
with the romantic direction of bridal fashion.
You'll find them from wrist-length to
over-the-elbow, in 2-, 12- and 16-button styles, and
even gauntlets are making a return.
To find the David's Bridal nearest you, and to view
the latest bridal fashions, visit
www.davidsbridal.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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