Fashion Fever: Radiant Orchid Bridesmaids

Fashion Fever by Demi Bourous
There are so many questions  and options when it comes to bridesmaid dresses; style, length, and most importantly color. Fortunately, Pantone’s Color of 2014 makes at least one of those decisions a little bit easier! Radiant Orchid is a fun and fresh pink color that’s sure to please and easy to incorporate into any season.  If you recall,  2012’s was Tangerine Tango,  and 2013 was Emerald Green both of which are beautiful but often difficult for certain skin tones to pull off.  This years color is much more universally flattering so if you’re looking at bridesmaid dresses then this should be your go to color! Remember, we’re brides that love our friends and want them to be just as comfortable and beautiful as we are on our wedding day; after all, pictures (and good friends) last a lifetime.  Allowing them to help pick out their dress style is a great “bonding” experience and will make them feel special and confident on the wedding day.  **Special Tip: It’s best to do this one on one so you aren’t overwhelmed with competing opinions…a la SYTTD Bridesmaids

You can find a beautiful selections of bridesmaid dresses at many bridal stores and boutiques. Our favorites stores include Bridal Reflections (NYC), Bella Bridesmaid (locations across US) and Henkaa for those amazing wrap dresses. Be sure to check out the Alvina Valenta, Allure Bridals, Bill Levkoff, and Eden Bridals collections for the perfect dress.  Radiant Orchid is a great color to carry throughout the wedding too, as it’s a natural occurring color in flowers (hello orchids!) and easy to incorporate into decor and stationary.  Stumped on how to pair it?  Here are our favorite color combos:

radiant orchid with lavender, navy, plu, & smoke grey

Radiant Orchid & Navy

Radiant Orchid & Plum

Radiant Orchid & Smoke Grey

Radiant Orchid & Lavender

Fashion Fever: Blooming Boutonnieres

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring in the air and daffodils peeking out in everyone’s gardens, I just can’t help but have flowers on the brain!! However, these lovely blooms aren’t just for the bride. The perfect boutonnieres for the groom and his ushers can really tie together a lovely Spring or Summer wedding ensemble.

In the collage above, you’ll see some of our favorite boutonnière trends of late. A lot of the looks really do echo current wedding and bridal trends and can thus be the icing on the cake for your event.

As we all know, mint has been one of Spring’s hottest colors. Though at first you may think there’s no way to incorporate it into your guy’s look, using succulents in the boutonnière is really a great way to achieve this. Succulents are growing in popularity and have a masculine edge for the groom who doesn’t want to don a flower.

Daisies, peonies, and brightly colored roses are more feminine favorites for the warmer seasons. However, when paired with lavender, berries, or astilbe, they better serve the masculine aesthetic and make a great boutonnière option.

If your groom really doesn’t want a flower, try a mix of feathers or maybe even a paper bloom. To make the look even more personal, write him a letter and have it folded into his boutonnière. After the wedding, he can take it apart and read it. It’s a keepsake that looks awesome and lasts forever!!

What are your favorite boutonnière ideas for Spring and Summer?

Fashion Fever: Spring Chill Jackets!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

Just because your having your wedding on a beautiful spring day doesn’t mean you wont need a little warmth, and no were not talking about pashminas! Designers have created fresh new options for wrapping yourself up in style for Spring 2013. These looks will for sure get rid of those chattering teeth and goose bumps at the alter. Compared to current fall wrap trends, which are extremely heavy with the use of fur and knits, the spring cover ups are extremely light and airy. In order to keep the edge off a slight spring breeze yet also add drama, Designers are using light organza, lace and tulle toppers.  There are many different styles in which you can pick to make the spring air tolerable such as jackets, shawls, capes, shrugs, wraps and now toppers. We love the look of a lace topper over a sleeveless gown to add that extra POW! Contrary to popular belief, shawls or wraps worn over wedding dresses will neither detract from the style of the dress, nor will it hide the beauty of a carefully chosen gown. Another tip to keep in mind is that your wrap doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy with your dress. Consider adding another element to your look if your gown is on the simple side, like color or a cluster of crystals. Try a piece that adds drama to a clean moment or a quiet piece.

Amsale,(Images from top left to right) Oscar De La Renta, Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Alfred Angelo, Ines Di Santo, Amsale,

Let us know which style you would fight the cold in on your wedding day by writing on our blog, Facebook or even tweet to us!

 

Fashion Fever: Say Hello to the High-Low

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring on its way and weather very slowly getting warmer, hemlines are sure to be creeping up as well!  There’s no better way to welcome Spring than with the latest bridal trend, the high low wedding dress.  High low hemlines became popular in women’s wear last year and the trend is now making its way through the wedding world, too!

 

For brides who can’t seem to choose between the drama of a full length gown and the flirtiness of a shorter look, the high low hemline is the perfect compromise.  Cut short in the front and full length in the back, it is truly the best of both worlds.  As an added bonus, this fun fusion hemline allows you to show off your wedding shoes and your fancy footwork as you dance at your reception.

Designers have taken this trend and run wild with it.  From sexy to dramatic to a little bit boho, there is an interpretation of this unique hemline for every bride’s fashion preferences.  Pnina Tornai, in her trademark sexy style, created an over the top silhouette with a corseted bodice, plenty of bling, and a full skirt that makes you want to spin.  Claire Pettibone, on the other hand, took the trend in a more subtle direction with a vintage vibe.  She paired a slim, yet flowing skirt with a retro illusion neckline for an understated glamour that really speaks to her aesthetic as a designer.  Jim Hjelm’s take on the style is a bit more princess-y with a sweeping full train and feminine embellishments at the waist.

We’re really loving the high low trend for spring and can’t wait to see how brides interpret it on their special days.  Would you say hello to high low for your wedding?

Fashion Fever: 3D Flowers

Fashion Fever: By Alyssa Aiola

Flowers on your wedding day are a given. It’s a tradition that even dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks, symbolizing new life, hope and fertility. Traditional Celtic bouquets included ivy, thistle and heather. The garland was not made of flowers but of strong-smelling herbs and spices. The strong-smells were thought to have mystical powers and meant to keep away evil spirits. In ancient China, orange blossoms were used to represent purity, chastity and innocence, while Sarcasen brides carried them as symbol of eternal love and fidelity.

         Now lets fast forward to the most recent bridal shows we saw this year in 2013. All over the runway designers are showcasing styles that reveal a new take on this time less idea: the 3D Flower.  These exaggerated floral details that appear to be in full bloom are popping up everywhere on trims, bodices, and even entire skirts.  You can find this trend all over the runway  in all different styles from slim modern looks to full blown over the top gowns.

 (Left To Right) Liancarlo, Kenneth Pool,  Kevin Hall,  Judd Waddell, Claire Pettibone 

Liancarlos dress looks like a piece of artwork and with a blush shade keeps things feminine and glamourous. This elaborate Kenneth Pool gown takes the trend to a whole new level with a full skirt of flowers, and the fitted, beaded bodice keeps it from coming overwhelming. This dreamy halter gown by Kevin Hall is light and airy and would be the perfect fit for the demure, romantic bride while Judd Waddell takes more of a modern approach to the 3D flower.Claire Pettibone’s whimsical dress looks like it can be worn by the Queen of the Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Let us know what you think of the 3D trend and if you would ever be bold enough to try it!

Fashion Fever: Oscars Extravaganza

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Every year, Hollywood’s elite pull out all the stops to get all dolled up for the big screen’s biggest award show, the Academy Awards.  The buzz on the red carpet is all about what everyone’s wearing and who designed their look.  Actresses who make it to the “Best Dressed” lists become fashion inspiration for all, even brides!  Though few brides will wear haute couture on their wedding day, when looking for your dress, red carpet inspiration can definitely point you in a certain direction.  In the gallery below, we’ve put together some of our favorite looks from the red carpet at the Oscars and handpicked some similar wedding gowns so you, too, can look like an A-Lister on your wedding day.

My Best Dressed picks?  Number one would probably be Jessica Chastain, who looked stunning in a custom made copper Armani gown with a sexy mermaid silhouette.  Designer Lis Simon’s beautiful bridal option mirrors the silhouette and the flirty sweetheart neckline.  My number two is a less obvious choice, but I absolutely adored Sally Field’s long sleeved red stunner by Valentino.  Though it showed no skin, it was still somehow sexy and incredibly figure flattering on her.  Monique Lhuillier makes a beautiful long sleeved bridal gown with an airy feel.  The dress has a removable overskirt, so you could take it off after the ceremony to have a more fun silhouette for the reception.   My third and final Best Dressed pick would be Charlize Theron.  I am so in love with the peplum trend and she pulled it off beautifully in her simple white Dior dress.  For a more affordable bridal option, Paloma Blanca makes a gorgeous gown with a lace bodice, satin belt, and unembellished skirt.

Let us know who your Best Dressed picks and which lookalike you’d wear on your big day!

Photo credits: All celebrity pictures are from E! News.

“Lookalike” dresses: Charlize Theron – Paloma Blanca, Lara Spencer – Carolina Herrera, Jennifer Lawrence – Reem Acra, Adele – Marchesa, Jessica Chastain – Lis Simon, Kristin Chenoweth – Lela Rose, Nicole Kidman – Badgley Mischka for BHLDN, Anne Hathaway – Delphine Manivet, Amanda Seyfried – Rosa Clara, Amy Adams – Lazaro, Sally Field – Monique Lhuillier, Georgina Chapman – Elie Saab for Pronovias

Fashion Fever: Covered Up

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Image courtesy of Carolina Herrera

 

For years now, going strapless has been overwhelmingly the trend adopted by most brides.  However, since Kate Middleton donned her full-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown to the royal wedding, sleeves have been making their way back to the altar in a big way.  This spring, both necklines and sleeves will creep up for a sexy but still covered up look that brings a vintage feel to bridal gowns.

Clockwise from top left: Marchesa, Liancarlo, Elie Saab for Pronovias, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Theia, Jenny Packham, and Reem Acra

Bridal designers are embracing a high neckline this season and pairing it with either a sleeveless look or a variety of shorter sleeve lengths, from cap to elbow-length options.  The look is high in drama and sophistication, bringing to mind the stunning neckline of Grace Kelly’s demure wedding gown.  As seen in our collage above, the interpretations of this trend are all similar, but very much their own unique look as well.

Oscar de la Renta chose to go for a more avant garde look, with a high turtleneck and a dramatically full, though simple in detail, skirt.  Jenny Packham, on the other hand, takes the trend in a very modern direction with a dress that clings close to the figure with stunning embellishments and ruched, elbow-length sleeves.  My personal favorite? A sleeveless look from Theia, with head to toe lace and a gorgeous jeweled belt that has an understated, antique feel and a modern silhouette.

If higher necklines aren’t for you but you still love the look of being a bit more covered up, try something with a boat neck that skims the shoulders while leaving your neck bare or even an off-the-shoulder style that still conceals your arms a bit.  The trend can also work quite beautifully on bridesmaids!  How would you incorporate the high neck look into your special day?  Let us know with a comment or on our Facebook page!!

Fashion Fever: Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau   With winter wedding season in full swing and the air chillier than ever, brides will need a little something extra to keep warm and in style on their wedding day.  Luckily, there are plenty …

What to Wear: Formal/Black Tie Optional Wedding

Fashion Fever by Lauren Ricciardelli

Ah, the formal or Black Tie Optional wedding!  Black Tie is rather self-explanatory but the “optional” part always seems to stump people.  So what to do? First things first, take a look at the invitation.  Notice it’s style, the weight of the paper, and any extra embellishments.  Is the invite letter pressed?  That’s usually a flashing neon sign for BLACK TIE/SUPER FORMAL WEDDING.  Second Clue: the venue and time of the reception.  Is it in a ballroom? A large loft space? Taking place during the evening?  Also hints that you may want to break out your fancy dress.

Traditionally, formal wear for women meant that the length of the dress should be below the knee. And it’s true, especially for a black tie optional wedding that women should wear a long dress.  You can still be sexy without showing too much leg!   The key for formal wear is to pay attention to fabric; satin, silk, lace and chiffon are all great formal and black tie optional options.  Avoid cotton or polyester blends and jersey fabric.  Save those for the beach weddings.  A few of my favorite go-tos for formal dresses are Cache, Bloomingdales and Rent The Runway.  (LOVE renting a couture dress – it makes me feel like a princess!)

For guys – sorry, fewer options on this one.  For Black Tie Optional, what most people really mean is that they’d prefer you to wear a tux.  But you can get away with wearing a full dark suit (navy, black or charcoal grey).  Yes, that includes tie, cufflinks, and tux shoes pocket square if you have it.  Sorry gentlemen, hopefully the great band will make up for the penguin suit!

Fashion Fever to Debut Friday!

Elysha Beckerman

Private Receptions™ welcomes new blog writer Elysha Beckerman. On the cusp of her final year at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elysha majors in Integrated Marketing Communication.  She has grown up in the shadows of the New York skyline in New Jersey her entire life and is ready to enter the concrete jungle!

Her interest in European fashion and the latest trends give her the drive and knowledge for Fashion Fever, PR’s newest weekly blog, debuting this Friday, June 4th. We’ll see you then for then hottest in wedding fashion!