Category — Bridal Gowns

What’s more exciting than a gifted wedding for a wonderful couple?

This year Melissa McMillin and Jeremy Gebhardt, high school sweethearts from Missouri, will wed live on the TODAY show at Rockefeller Plaza. In its eleventh year, the wedding series drew an impressive 60,000 votes on Facebook to determine the winning couple. What makes this story even more sweet is that Jeremy has been serving overseas intermittently for the past few years and came home in early September.

In a series of votes through Sept. 30, every major wedding detail down to the cake will be decided by TODAY viewers. (If you want to get in on the action you can vote via TODAYshow.com or Facebook.)

We’re particularly excited about the next round of votes, which will decide the bride’s wedding gown (and the groom’s tux). Here are the categories along with the designers:

Modern Romance – Lela Rose

(Style: Cloud 9)

Retro Glam – Lazaro

(Style: LZ3059)

Classic Elegance – Paloma Blanca

(Style: 4105)

Sophisticated Drama – Monique Lhuillier

(Style: Dasha)

How would you like to have your wedding gown determined by complete strangers? At least there’s an element of surprise! We’re very curious to see the outcome…

Which gown gets your vote?

Happy Friday!                                                                                 Erin & Raya

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)