Today’s weddings reflect newer attitudes and behaviors–later marriages, destination weddings, more male involvement and less parental input–but the basic traditions remain. They’re simply buffed up and given new interpretations. In these special weddings pages, we feature gowns with silhouettes that ring a bell faintly, but are as modern as the woman who chooses to wear them; options for women who want to dress their own way; updates on gifts for the table, such as china, silver and crystal; and the hardest act to follow, the enduring engagement ring. Plus: a little helpful advice.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
THE STORYBOOK WEDDING BEGINS ONCE AGAIN WITH AN OPULENT GOWN
When it comes to tying the knot, couples are getting ceremonious about it again. According to Modern Bride magazine, 84 percent of all weddings are major to-dos these days, and brides are dressing to prove the point.
In the last five years, during which simplicity reigned supreme, wedding gowns featuring show-stopping silhouettes, luxe fabrics, opulent trims and elaborate details are definitely back, says Martine Aerts-Niddam, fashion editor at the magazine. Though all of these trappings have a long history of tradition, the gowns of the moment give those legacies a new twist.
For instance, a fairy-tale-perfect ball gown of sumptuous satin sports an expansive skirt, a subtle decollete neckline and asymmetrical cascades down the front that bring it up to date, while a simple sheath shoulders taut, T-shirt-style lace sleeves to transform it from elegant to edgy. A dress with a princess cut is remarkably snug, making the prominent silhouette sensual rather than merely sleek.
All exemplify the gowns of today.
“Their starting points are traditional, but the treatments are very modern,” Aerts-Niddam maintains. The basic shapes have remained the same, but “designers are pushing the envelope right now with their fabric treatments,” she says.
It all adds up to a much more elaborate look, whether it comes from luxurious ornamentation (a trend originated by Badgley Mischka) or the drama of the dresses themselves, such as Ulla-Maija’s billowing ball gowns with contemporary tailoring.
“We’re finally making statements with our bridal gowns,” says Aerts-Niddam, “and it’s about time. At last there’s a lot of fashion in the milieu.”
And today’s brides, who have an extraordinary pool of dresses to pick from, owe it all to Vera Wang.
“She was the first one to push the limits of style for the wedding gown,” says Aerts-Niddam, “and she refreshed the whole industry.”
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Resources: Weddings ’98 (Magazine, Page 41)
Pg. 19: Giorgio Armani ivory wedding gown, $4,625, and organza veil, $960, both by special order at Giorgio Armani, Chicago.
Pg. 20: Ulla-Maija ivory satin ruched gown, $3,800, and ivory gloves, $75, at Exclusives for the Bride.
Pg. 21: Vera Wang ivory jersey bias-cut gown, $2,675, at Barneys New York.
Pg. 22: Badgley Mischka white sheath, approximately $4,000, at Neiman Marcus, Oak Brook, and Marshall Field’s.
Pg. 23: Christos white beaded gown with tulle overlay, $2,770, at Neiman Marcus, Oak Brook.
Pg. 24: Badgley Mischka ivory beaded gown, $4,030, at Marshall Field’s.
Models: Lorca, Elite, New York; and Liya, Elite, Chicago.
