Category — bridal gowns

Ah, the dress. A bride will photograph, recite vows, spin on the dance floor, enjoy fabulous food, and no doubt have a fantastic time all while wearing THE dress. After the wedding and the memories, the gown holds special meaning more than ever.

But what happens to the gown, possibly the most important tangible aspect of the wedding, once the festivities are over? That meaningful gown requires special attention in order to stand the test of time.

I spoke with Arman at Old English Cleaners, a dry-cleaning business that has been running strong since 1937 in Glendale and La Crescenta, California. Among their specialties, other than offering environmentally-friendly services, is gown cleaning and preservation. He explained that the process includes cleaning and securing the dress in an acid-free box and tissue paper, both being elemental in the preservation process. I inquired as to why preservation is necessary, and Arman stated quite frankly “because the dress turns yellow in two years.” The horror!

So preserve your gown! To preserve your wedding gown is to preserve memories, as well as to secure a family heirloom that can stay beautiful for years and years to come. Who knows if your daughter or granddaughter will want to wear it (or if you’ll want to pull it out for your ten year anniversary)?

Love,                                                                                                                Erin

(The Beautiful Box Co.)

(Duke Photography)

At Old English, the cost of the process begins at $240, and this includes the cost of cleaning and supplies (the box). Of course, the price depends on the gown, specifically its fabric, condition, size, ornamentation, etc. Arman offered a 15% off discount. So if you’re curious about the process, call Old English Cleaners at (818) 243-1143 and mention Weddingish. If you are not in the Los Angeles area, ask friends for recommendations.

by Erin

Better late than never!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s biggest event of the year, by Hollywood standards, is the Met Gala. Last Monday we saw fashion’s biggest players, from models to celebrities to designers, make their grand entrance in sky-high heels while balanced by jewels, accessories, and for some, a man. The theme? American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.

We saw on parade a collection of wedding-worthy gowns in an array of bridal whites and ivories, and perhaps less conventional colors like dark champagne, gray and pink. Ruffle, tulle, lace, embellishments, and liquid silk were aplenty. And for the more daring brides, so was some leg and less-than conservative necklines.

If these designer looks are not in your budget range, use them as inspiration.

What was your favorite gown of the night?

Pure as White:

Stark and muted white. Diane Kruger in a demure, yet body-skimming, Calvin Klein gown; Emma Watson in a one-shoulder ruffled dress by Burberry, for whom she endorses; Tory Burch.

All That Glitters:

Oh, to be a princess, or to at least dress like one. Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad; Anne Hathaway in a golden Valentino gown; Marion Cottilard in a bedazzled dress by Dior, for whom she endorses.

Slinky Delight:

Sometimes liquid silk is all a girl needs. Jessica Alba in Sophie Theallet for Gap; Jessica Biel in an antique ivory gown by Ralph Lauren Collection; Kate Hudson in friend Stella McCartney’s slinky design.

Vintage Glamour

A hint of Old Hollywood was ever-present. Eva Longoria in bridal queen label Marchesa; Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte for Gap; Taylor Swift in a flowy Ralph Lauren number.

(photos source: vogue.co.uk)

by Erin

Growing in popularity is a trend of which Weddingish is very fond. More and more brides are recruiting artists to sketch an illustration of possibly the most important, and most beautiful, dress or ensemble of their lives. Designers have used sketches to bring their creations to life, and the same can be done for brides seeking the ultimate in customized art.

Many artists, and aspiring artists alike, boast websites documenting their custom sketching services. However, before signing a contract, view your potential artist’s portfolio to ensure that his or her style fits your artistic vision. The creation will be a lasting piece of art, and you will want to enjoy admiring it, after all! Weddingish recommends Dreamlines, or seeking out artists on Etsy or Craigslist if you have a stricter budget. Know a friend who draws well? Recruit him or her to sketch; they will more than likely be delighted to play a special part in your big day.

A bridal gown sketch can be utilized in a variety of ways. Display the drawing in a gorgeous frame in your apartment or house, or make mini-sized copies to send in your “thank you” cards. If you’re not a bride, a sketch is a wonderful, and unexpected, wedding or bridal shower gift.

Custom gown sketch by Megan Hamilton.

Custom gown sketch by Dreamlines

Custom gown sketch by Soliloquy.

Here’s one for you brides to pass on to your hubby-to-be.
You may have noticed your bride-to-be bordering on obsession over finding that perfect wedding dress. Did she start looking before you were even engaged? Crazy, right?
Maybe…
Maybe not.
As a guy, you’re not programmed to understand the bridal gown phenomenon. I mean, it’s not like you’re spending six months trying to find that perfect tuxedo (well maybe you are, but that’s for a different blog).
That being said, one thing you are programmed to do is be involved and understand why certain wedding planning activities matter so much. Never is this more important than during the bridal gown selection process. It’s cliché to say, but your bride has been planning her wedding day since she was a girl.
Here are some important time-lines to get used to, guys. This should help you get the idea of the amount of time that goes into the dress alone.
9-12 months – Length of time before wedding day that the bride should start looking for a dress
6 months – Length of time before wedding day that the dress should be ordered
2-3 months – Amount of time that should be counted on for alterations
2-3 weeks – Average amount of time in the bridesmaid dress selection process
3-4 – Number of arguments you just avoided by becoming familiar with the wedding dress shopping process.

Expert groom blogger Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com – the leading online resource for grooms. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, groomsmen gift ideas and a wealth of content aimed at helping men make it through the wedding planning process in one piece.