Question popped, you said yes and now the planning begins… For many brides-to-be, a focal point of their vision is the dress, or, rather, the many dresses – yours, your bridesmaids, your mom’s, and more – that will come together to make your wedding sing. With that in mind, we asked the experts at 8 Vanderhorst, housing Maddison Row South downstairs and Bella Bridesmaids Charleston upstairs, how they love to help brides dress up the big day.
1. Start Simple, Add The Drama Choose a clean, minimal wedding gown and then go for broke with a showstopper accessory for the ceremony, like a cape or overskirt. “I am obsessed with capes,” says Maddison Row South Manager Lindsey Principi. “They make our brides feel like royalty, which is exactly as it should be for your big day.”Not only does this approach give you that queenly style for your ceremony, but then you can ditch the added drama and dance the night away in a light, chic look for your reception. We love a two-for-one.
Stylists’ Choice: Collections By Romona Keveza crepe gown with the Floral Jacquard Cape by Jesus Peiro available at Maddison Row South.
2. Make Your Maid of Honor a Moment She is your bestie after all… When putting together your bridesmaids palette, we are all about choosing something special for your Maid of Honor. These dresses should pack a punch on their own, but look cohesive with your bridal party. “I am a big fan of dressing your Maid of Honor in a distinct gown,” says Bella Bridesmaids Charleston Manager Alex Moring. “And I encourage brides to have some fun here. Long gone are the days of all your bridesmaids having to be in the same dresses.” From bold prints and tantalizing textures to show-stopping sparkles, your Maid of Honor can be a moment and elevate your entire bridal party in a gorgeous evening gown. Stylist’s Choice: Mac Duggal style 20331 in the Rose Multi or Mac Duggal style 67803 available at Bella Bridesmaids Charleston.
3. Call In Color Just back from the New York Bridal Market, trust and believe that color is going to make a grand entrance for our brides-to-be this season. This may mean ditching the completely white wedding gown for a rose number or choosing a dress with hued embroidery. Best of both, it may also look like a jewel-tone shoe that peeks out from under a ballgown slit or a striking hand-painted veil. “Bridal Market this year was technicolor and I couldn’t get enough of it. One of my favorite trends coming this season are embroidered veils with bold, beautiful pops of color,” says Principi. Stylist’s Choice: Elisabetta By Rebecca Schoneveld and Parker by Dear Heart available at Maddison Row South.
4. Little Dresses, Big Effect Whether it’s for the events surrounding your wedding day – bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, engagement shoots and more – or you’re looking for a short, sweet number to dance the night away during your reception, a little white dress can be just the ticket. “We’re seeing brides lean into full transformations on their wedding day, like going from dramatic ballgowns for the ceremony to a fringed and flirty number for the reception and we are here for it,” says Moring. Timeless with a modern twist, our stylists are quick to pull Watters Muffin and Ambrosia along with Jenny Yoo’s Ella and Adley for our brides.
Stylist’s Choice: Jenny Yoo’s Ella and Tula available at Bella Bridesmaids Charleston.
5. Say Something with Jewelry Never underestimate the power of jewelry to polish off your wedding day look. Whether you’re incorporating a sentimental heirloom piece or adding a modern touch with striking metallics, jewelry selections can bring the vision together. “These days, I find our brides are making a statement with their jewelry and I applaud them! They’re choosing bold metallics and minimal modern pieces or going the opposite direction with estate jewelry, like cocktail earrings or three-string pearl chokers,” says Principi.
Stylist’s Choice: Magnolia Stems from HDWR and Harper Strands from A.B. Ellie available at Maddison Row South.
6. Give Mom Her Flowers Gone are the days of tired, dowdy mother-of-the-occasion looks and we couldn’t encourage this more. Moms deserve to stand out in a fabulous print or vibrant color that will make them feel like the queens they are and, added bonus, enhance your overall wedding day look. “Our designers are pulling out the stops with stunning, stylish evening gowns for our mothers of the occasion,” says Moring. “I’m especially excited about new arrivals from Teri Jon, Amsale Evenings, and Sachin & Babi that are making our moms feel glamorous and gorgeous.”
Stylist’s Choice: Teri Jon Jacquard One Shoulder Side Ruffle Gown in blush and Amsale P607S available at Bella Bridesmaids Charleston.
When it comes to your big day, we’re here to get you all dressed. From finding the one at Maddison Row South to gussying up your maids and moms at Bella Bridesmaids Charleston, let us help you bring your vision into being with signature service, vast selection and, of course, plenty of fun along the way. Reserve your appointments with Maddison Row South and Bella Bridesmaids Charleston online today.
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