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What kind of wedding dress would (or did) you choose? My friend Anna is getting married in her Illinois hometown this summer, and she recently went dress hunting at the Lovely Bride boutique in Manhattan. Her wishlist: “classic, modest, but not boring.” Just for fun, we tagged along as she tried on seven styles (please weigh in!!!)…
First, a funny story from Anna: “Years ago, when I was single, I had saved up money from work, and instead of trying to buy an apartment in New York, I ended up purchasing an old fixer-upper farmhouse in Illinois. My family might have brainwashed me, but I’ve always wanted to move back to my hometown when I have kids. It was a dating problem because I’d have to tell potential partners: ‘I have a house waiting for me in the midwest.’ It really spooked some people. I was like, Oh lord, what have I done! Luckily my fiancé Carlos is open to settling down there, too.”
LACE DRESS: Stassia by Watters
First impression: “I really, really like the cut. It’s sexy but not too sexy. And the back would be a hidden surprise when you walked down the aisle!”
The verdict: “This dress would be beautiful for a garden ceremony, but for my wedding I’d like a slightly more formal feel.”
BALL GOWN: Odette by Louvienne
First impressions: “Oh, I felt so special and comfortable in this! It’s not super form fitting, so you can easily dance and sit down. And there’s no doubt when you wear a ball gown that the day is really about you. You have to pay attention to me now, this thing is BIG! There’s no way around it.”
The verdict: “I loved this one. You feel covered up but still sexy.”
SILK DRESS: Orleans by Sarah Seven
First impressions: “This dress was so chic, and I loved the shape.”
The verdict: “This was a top contender for me. But it felt more like you’d be getting married at the Ritz Carlton. I’m getting married in the country so I wanted something country romantic.”
SPAGHETTI STRAP DRESS: Martine by Louvienne
First impressions: “I was surprised by how different dresses looked so on the hanger versus on your body. This lace bodice looks see-through on the rack, but when you put it on it beautifully meshes with your skin. The lace doesn’t look thick; instead it looks delicate and feminine. And the spaghetti straps were so pretty. Sometimes one would slip off the shoulder, which was really nice.
The verdict: “This dress was amazing, but I’m looking for something slightly more fitted on the bottom.”
MERMAID DRESS: Milla by Anna Campbell
First impressions: “I’ve always dreamed of buttons on the back of my dress; I have no idea why. Maybe because I’ve seen one too many movies with dresses with buttons down the back. It adds shape to your derriere. Since we’re getting married outside, my mom was being a typical mom and saying, ‘You might get leaves in your dress! You have to think about this!’ and I was like, it will be fine.”
The verdict: “This was my mom’s pick! She went crazy about it. I thought it was beautiful, too.”
ROMANTIC DRESS: Aria by Limor Rosen
First impressions: “Growing up, I loved fairy tales, and this dress definitely makes you feel extra special. The lace almost looks like birds, like you’re literally Snow White. This was the shop girls’ all-time favorite dress; they were obsessed with it.”
The verdict: “This dress was gorgeous. But I want to feel slightly more grown-up than princess-y.”
TRAIN DRESS: Tourmaline by Carol Hannah
First impressions: “This is a real showstopper! It makes you gasp. Once it got fitted to your body, with all those structural details and ribbing all over, it would look absolutely unbelievable. The color was more muted than the other whites — it’s more silvery gray. This dress is also incredibly heavy.”
The verdict: “This one has serious wow factor.”
Which one do you like best? (I’m in love with the first dress, I have to say.) Anna did choose one, but she’s keeping her decision secret because “Carlos will definitely snoop,” she laughs. Also, if you’re looking, Lovely has bridal stores across the country — and just opened three more in Miami, Houston and Phoenix. I wish it had existed back when I was engaged. :)
P.S. 15 wedding dos and don’ts, and first dance songs.
(Photos by Chaz Cruz.)
