A brides will choose a traditional, formal gown for the wedding ceremony and then buy a more fun, flirty cocktail-style dress for the reception. In this tough economic times, it is somewhat surprising that a bride will purchase two gowns to wear in one day. Especially since a wedding dress is often the most expensive gown a woman will ever buy.
Often the 2 dresses reflect a similar style: trendy, contemporary or vintage, There are several reasons for this trend, according to Cathy Demetropoulos, editor of Chicago Bride Magazine (www.ChicagoBrideMagazine.com). She explains that some brides want to:
- Keep a valuable gown in pristine condition as the reception is usually where it can get torn or stepped on. Food or wine can also get spilled on the dress.
- Protect an heirloom gown.
- Change out of a dress that can be beautiful and elaborate, but also heavy, bulky, uncomfortable or restrictive.
- To express their personality at the reception and to make it fun by switching out the jewelry, headpiece, hair, and shoes.
If you're a bride considering purchasing 2 dresses for your big day, here are some things to think about when changing into more informal attire:
- Timing is key: Make sure you coordinate the "changing time" so that your memorable photo ops are captured while still in your wedding gown (grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, etc.).
- Think ahead: Be sure to take into account your shoes, lingerie, jewelry, and hairstyle once in the reception dress.
- Make it quick: Seek help from your maid of honor or other, bridal party members to assist during your change.
- Look for more bang for your buck: Choose a reception dress that you can wear again.
- Remember, you are the BRIDE: Make sure you still look like the bride at your reception. Stick with white, champagne, or ivory colors for your reception dress, and maybe switch to a cage veil or rhinestone & feather hair comb to stand out.
Brides can get more dress ideas and wedding planning help by attending Chicago Bride Magazine's upcoming Bridal Fashion Show & Expo at the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie on Sunday, November 14. Brides can register for their free tickets at www.ChicagoBrideMagazine.com or by calling 773.866-9900.
Bridal fashions shown on ABC 7 Chicago
All dresses from David's Bridal www.davidsbridal.com
Trendy Ceremony look: SWG345; strapless organza tiered ball gown with asymmetrical ruffles on neckline and skirt; pleated bodice; chapel train $1,050; Galina Signature collection for David's Bridal
Trendy Reception look: CT326; strapless faille silk with sweetheart draped bodice with 3D flower at high-waist; short to long full skirt with pockets. $550; Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal
Contemporary Ceremony look: SWG9905; strapless, satin trumpet gown with asymmetrical ruffled neckline and cascading ruffled back with sweep train; $750; Galina Signature for David's Bridal
Contemporary Reception look: VC9832; strapless, short satin A-line dress with beaded waistband detail; $349 Galina for David's Bridal
Traditional Ceremony look: CWG365; All-over lace halter, A-line gown with ruched waist and Obi sash and chapel train. $1,150; Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal
Traditional Reception look: WG9887; strapless, ruched, organza, short-sheath dress with beaded-lace appliqués; $399; David's Bridal Exclusive
Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
Sunday, November 14
11 am to 4 pm
Doubletree Hotel Chicago North Shore
9599 Skokie Blvd.,
Skokie
773.866-9900
www.chicagobridemagazine.com
