THE BEST BRIDAL CHOICES FOR 2005
What’s
the latest news in bridal fashions in 2005? Bridal salon owner
Michele Shively offers a peek at the hot styles for the New Year.
Michele, along with her mother Carol Terry, owns Bridesmaids
Bow-tiques a stylish store in Alpharetta. The shop was previously
located in Buckhead for 15 years and started in Vinings Jubilee
in 1988.
Her expertise in the business reflects a passion for helping brides find
the best wedding gown that reflects the dream-wedding picture in her
mind.
“Sleek and relatively simple styles” continue to be the
most popular choices heading into the new season reports Michele. She
also notes seeing more destination weddings held at beaches and other
outdoor locations. Moncheri Bridals, a destination bridal line, offers
wonderful chiffons for around $300. Waters & Waters, another popular
designer, is priced from $340. – $2,000. While there is still a
wide range of prices in bridal gowns, Shively stocks many incredibly
elegant lines that are under $1,000.“Most brides today are very
price conscious” she says, “They are working brides who are
on a budget and want a lot of value for what they are spending.”
New bridesmaids styles include subtle overlays, organza and small plaids
that tend, at a distance, to take on a solid tone. Details include
a sash for dash of color or a ribbon at the waist. Upcoming styles
also include dresses with a contrasting cuff or a contrasting bodice
with a solid skirt. Elegant strapless and v-neck designs are sure to
remain popular. The great news about strapless designs are that they
tends to fit most body styles well. Typically, Michele says, “A
girl’s arms are lengthened and slimmed down without a small spaghetti
strap in the way.” Bridesmaids Bow-tiques offers attendants’ dresses
that range from $140. -$300.
In the bridal accessory category, modern brides are choosing to keep
their jewelry to a minimum. Delicately beaded tiaras and combs add a
slight adornment with out being intrusive. The new look is sleek and
chic. For bridesmaids the look is also simple and clean. Swarovski crystal
necklaces and very light and airy cluster pieces in classic pearls and
pearls with color are the top choices.
In other exciting bridal news, several
companies such as Vera Wang, Lazaro, and Alvina Valenta are now offering
complimentary styles from their bridesmaids line for junior bridesmaids.
After all, it’s
much easier to fit a younger girl in a child’s dress than to cut
down an adult dress. The pre-teen junior bridesmaids can now find a better
fit while still matching the bridesmaids dresses as much as possible.
Price for these dresses range from $150. -$200.
More important than any trend,
though, is the proper fit. Michele recommends scheduling alterations
as close to the wedding day as possible. It’s
common for a bride to gain or loose weight as the big day approaches;
so several fittings are a must. She also advises brides to place their
orders for themselves and their bridesmaids at least six
months before the wedding. Most
dresses take between 8-14 weeks to arrive, she cautions, and it’s highly recommended to leave 6-8 weeks for
alterations. It’s the best way to save on last minute stress!
Originally published in Atlanta
Wedding Style Magazine Winter 2005
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