Saying 'I do' to a dress

BEAVER CREEK - Just like with her man, a bride knows right away when she’s found the perfect wedding dress.

"I think today's bride really knows what she wants," said Anita Holland of Priscilla of Boston, who was in Beaver Creek on Saturday displaying the gowns. "They're very specific, and they're making their own choices rather than bringing a whole entourage of their mother, sisters and friends with them."

If you don't know what you want, said Holland, who specializes in helping a bride find her dream wedding gown, close your eyes and envision what you've always pictured your wedding dress to look like.

It works. I see a silk satin gown with a beautiful off-the-shoulder neckline, just low enough in the front and the back, with French lace and a mermaid silhouette.

"The most exciting thing besides the man and the ring is the bridal gown," Holland said. "It sets the tone for the whole day."

It usually takes about three to six months to order a wedding dress, so it's important to give yourself plenty of time.

The location, time of year and time of day are factors in determining the dress, especially when it comes to fabric. Priscilla of Boston, a full-service wedding dress boutique in Cherry Creek, caters to many destination weddings in places like Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji. Holland suggests a sheath material with flowy chiffon or a silk charmeuse, which are gaining popularity for warm-weather affairs. Wedding dress fabrics are becoming lighter in general, mostly for the comfort of the bride.

Body type usually dictates the style of dress. It's important that the dress accentuates whatever part of the body the bride feels the most confident about. If the woman is a little bustier, the dress should be a little higher cut.

"We want the focus to be on the bride," Holland said.

Someone with a boyish figure and not so many curves looks fabulous in an a-line dress or a gown with an empire waist. If you have curves, a ball gown works beautifully. If you don't like your arms, cap sleeves can be sewn on to many dresses. Caplets are really popular this season, as are jackets, coats, shrugs and even pashminas with a pop of color. The good news is that adjustments can be made to help you feel your best on your big day. The fabric of the dress can even be changed on most styles. You can even add sparkly straps to a strapless gown or a permanent bustle to the back to make it your own.

Detailing is probably the biggest trend in wedding dresses. Everything is hand-beaded, hand-embroidered and lace-appliqued. If the dress is plain, the brides are attaching vintage brooches, pieces that have been in the family for a long time. Big, matching wedding jewelry has been replaced by large chandelier earrings and a simple bracelet.

Color is even coming back into style, with many dresses donning pink sashes, subtle green iridescent crystals or bold red embroidered flowers gracing the skirt. Instead of the typical white shoe, more daring brides tote silver slippers or an elegant jeweled shoe.

"Who knows, your something blue might just be your shoes," Holland said.

The most important thing is that you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Crying is a good sign," Holland said. "You know you've found your wedding dress when you start crying."



Staff Writer Laura A. Ball can be reached at 949-0555, ext. 619, or laball@vaildaily.com.

Vail, Colorado