The Perfect Bride

As much as I love shopping, there is one type of shopping that definitely stands out from the rest- wedding gown shopping!  It’s an experience so many young girls and women dream about and when the day finally comes to pick out that dress, it’s something that you want to remember for the rest of your life.  As special as a wedding gown is, your shopping experience should be just as special and memorable.  A mix of excitement, anticipation and joy, the wedding gown shopping experience should stick with you for a lifetime.  I know mine has.

Fortunately for brides in the Cleveland area, there is a wonderful bridal boutique that can fulfill all of your bridal needs from dress, to shoes and accessories.  Moms and maids, they’ve got you covered too! In business for over 22 years, The Perfect Bride sits on one of the cutest tree lined streets in Rocky River.  Cathy Kuhn and all of her sales/tailoring professionals ensure that from the second you walk through their door, you are their number one priority and are made to feel as beautiful and special as possible.

Recently, Cathy & Co. were generous enough to open their shop and allow me to experience a wedding-gown shopping encore!  With their expert guidance I got to play princess for a few hours and give the newest trends in bridal couture a test run.  Honestly, I was lusting after EVERYTHING they put on me.  Thank goodness I’m old and married, as I would have had a seriously difficult time picking out a winner out of the bunch.  Each gown I put on, was just more beautiful than the next.  Why don’t you have a look for yourself and learn a little bit about the latest and greatest in wedding gown trends at the same time.

1) Party In The Back

Whether the dress has a low, no, or cut-out back, brides have been falling in love with gowns with a rear “wow-factor.”  Perhaps it’s a return to a more vintage inspired feel, these gown look demure and utterly breathtaking as you’re walking down the aisle.  Now, that’s a view that will stick in the groom’s memory for a LONG time!

(Isn’t my girl, Natalie adorable?  She actually just served as her own sister’s matron-of honor, so her dress-assistance skills were priceless!)

What I’m Wearing:

Augusta Jones “Daphne”, in blush with ivory lace relaxed fit and flare / ivory organza overlay skirt with satin bow

*** The organza skirt is totally removable to switch up your look from ceremony to reception! 

2) Pockets

What girl would NOT love to have pockets on her wedding day?  Ideal for storing that special “something old” or maybe just a place to stash that lip gloss, pockets can give even the most formal ball gown a nonchalant feel.  Kind of like, “What, this old thing?  I wear these types of dresses all the time!”

What I’m Wearing:

Paloma Blanca Style #4203, silk dupioni in natural with chapel length train

***This dress TOTALLY has pockets!  In all of the twirling excitement, I forgot to get a shot of the pocket awesomeness hidden amongst the crisp box pleats. Woops.

3) Color

Color has been huge in bridal wear this year.  From celebs like Jessica Biel to Kaley Cuoco, beautiful shades of pink and taupe are becoming more and more popular as brides decide to buck the white trend and select these more modern, rebellious shades.  Honestly, if you’re a pale girl like me, definitely give color a shot.  I found that the lightest touch of pigment just made my skin glow and warmed up my whole complexion.

What I’m Wearing:

Justin Alexander #8726, embroidered lace tulle ball gown with illusion neckline and chapel length train, in coffee/champagne

***While the color of this gown is officially called “coffee/champagne,” in true life it skews a light shade of peachy pink.  So pretty.

4) Lace

Vintage is big (see #1).  Lace epitomizes that vintage feel that so many brides are trying to achieve on their big day.  The dress I selected is a little bit of old and new: lovely embellished lace transitioning into an uber-sexy mermaid silhouette.  Don’t even get me started on the amazing shade of pale dusty rose!  I am obsessed.

What I’m Wearing:

W Too (by Watters) “Hera Gown,” tulle strapless drop waist gown in oatmeal with chapel length train

*** Again, the color is officially “oatmeal,” but it appears a beautiful light pink in person… trust me!

Well, now that you’ve seen the contenders, which dress is YOUR favorite?  I would love to hear all of your opinions in the comments below!

Oh, and if you happen to stop by The Perfect Bride, sit back, relax and let Cathy and her army of experts make you feel as beautiful as you look in that perfect dress.

XOXO,

Stella