…wear a short dress?

This segment of  Why Not? is driven by the Technical Designer in me.  I’m a stickler when it comes to properly fitting clothes that suits ones body type for every day wear and I believe this should also extend into the category of bridal wear. You should be wearing something that is not only fabulous but flatters your figure and you feel comfortable in. But I say take it a step further and show off your best feature. If you have great curves then try a mermaid style dress that will hug you in all the right places, if you have fantastically toned arms and chest area then show them off with a strapless or spaghetti strapped dress and if you have long, shapely legs then opt for a short gown so we can admire them and your stylish shoes!

A short gown is appropriate for a city hall wedding, a beach wedding, or garden wedding and is so modern. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing long dresses in your normal day life then a short or tea length gown might be an option for you. If you are petite this style would be so flattering instead of loosing your figure in an overwhelming ball gown. Don’t rule out a short dress as a wedding dress option because of tradition.  Why not get a short dress to change into during the reception so you can dance more comfortably in?

Ultimately, this is about choosing a gown that is right for your body type and your occasion.  There are many gown options out there so think about what you feel comfortable in your every day wear and pick a style that will enhance your figure and maybe even show off your best feature. Live it up, it’s your wedding!

1) Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston; 2) BCBG; 3) Priscilla of Boston; 4) Jenny Packham

Here’s one of my modern brides, Amy, who got married at NYC City Hall in a super chic BCBG dress that was spot on appropriate for the occasion and showed off her lovely legs.

And if course my non-traditional bride Liz  in her pink and white Betsey Johnson dress that worked out perfectly for her fun wedding at a roller rink.

It’s time for a brand new installment of “Why Not?” because I’m in NY and my inner Fashionista is starting to come out again (you can go back to my old blog here to learn about why I decided to write these posts). It’s all about what’s different and new here and I think it’s time to incorporate some of that freshness into bridal attire.

Let’s bring some modernity to bridal options. Starting with a veil alternative!  I think the veil is a fine tradition to continue, but let’s bring it to the 21st century and maybe alter it a bit.

Although, There are times when I think a veil looks cool. Like for instance in this Trash The Dress session I did in San Francisco. It’s adding to the drama of this picture at Baker Beach in San Francisco where it’s foggy and windy all the time.

Actually, the bride wore a chic purple mini dress to the city hall ceremony and then changed into this gown and veil for the Trash The Dress session afterwards. I loved the way she changed it up.

Why not…wear a fascinator?

Today there are countless wedding headpieces popping up. They are called fascinators and you can essentially have it made to order if you like. Here’s a favorite previous bride, Bernadette,  wearing her fascinator. She was the epitimoe of modern chic on her wedding day and this picture is still one of my favorites.

Here’s another fascinator I like. It still has a veil but is topped with a crystal jewel and ostrich feathers for a more glam look. This headpiece along with many, many others can be found on the cool site of Etsy.

I also came across this BandaVeil on Etsy which can be worn in many different ways. It’s still a veil, but simplier and way more modern.

Why not….wear a flower?

If a fascinator headpiece or anything with tulle is not for you then try a simple flower. Ther’s no better way to look youthful and radiant then with a colorful bloom accenting your radiant bridal glow.

This is Jaime, a previous bride, wearing gorgeous orchids in her flowing long hair for her San Diego beach wedding.

Why not….wear a headband?

And then there is always a simple headband. These would be a great veil alternative  if you are going for a vintage look. Both of these can be found at Urban Outfitters.

Another one of my lovely brides, Kristine ,wearing a jeweled headband that completed her modern and sleek look.

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