A New Era of Wedding Dress Shopping

Four months before Ashley Moore’s April 2023 wedding, she still didn’t have a wedding dress https://sashawinner20220.wixsite.com/agedbride. After hours of searching, and even buying and returning a gown she’d changed her mind about, she finally fell in love with a dress she found at a department store. But what she didn’t love was the price. So Ms. Moore scoured the internet and eventually found the same gown being sold online for less at Mytheresa, a luxury fashion company.

Ms. Moore, 26, who works as an event content creator in Dallas, typifies the modern bride: resourceful, social media savvy and has a finely tuned idea (honed through substantial research) for what she wants in a dress.

The coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout shifted the bridal industry as ceremonies went virtual or were canceled, delayed or downsized. Now, there is a boom afoot: Overall, the number of weddings in the United States has surged to figures not seen in four decades, with more than two million weddings predicted in 2023 for the second year in a row (there were 1.3 million weddings in 2020, 1.93 million in 2021 and 2.47 million in 2022), according to The Wedding Report, an industry trade group.

But bridal fashion and https://e-learning.org.ua/blog/index.php?entryid=12358 the way brides search for and purchase their wedding outfits has evolved, thanks to the demands of modern brides, many of whom are looking for unique, Instagrammable styles for multiple events.

A Smarter, More Informed Bride

Gone are the days of flipping through the pages of a bridal magazine for inspiration. The 2023 bride has done her homework. “The thing about Gen Z brides is they do their research,” said Beth Chapman, the owner of the White Dress by the Shore, a boutique shop in Clinton, Conn., adding, “They’ll exhaust all of their options, and they really know their stuff.”

Brides may spend countless hours scrolling through social media, studying the gowns worn by influencers and celebrities, creating Pinterest boards and surveying the websites of designers and retailers. Only after doing all that — often months later — will she consider making a purchase.

When that finally happens, she is likely to prioritize the gown’s appearance and functionality over the price tag. The average cost of a wedding dress now is higher than it has ever been, at $1,900, according to a study by The Knot.

For that amount of money, many brides expect some degree of pampering and personalization in the shopping experience.

“Brides don’t want to just get a dress off the rack,” said Randy Fenoli, elearning.ims-schulungen.de a bridal designer and a host of “Say Yes to the Dress,” a popular reality television show that follows brides-to-be as they search for the perfect wedding dresses at the Kleinfeld Bridal boutique in New York.

Since the show’s debut in 2007, it has spawned spinoffs and become a cultural touchstone that Mr. Fenoli believes has influenced the broader bridal shopping tradition. “I think brides have watched it and seen that purchasing a wedding dress isn’t like going in and purchasing any other garment,” he said. “You bring your family and friends, champagne is popped, there is cheering and tears, and it is really something that is more of an experience.”

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After getting engaged last Christmas, Lori Bellino, 33, https://telegra.ph/How-and-when-to-sew-a-wedding-dress-11-16 a sales executive in Houston, started hunting for the perfect wedding dress. “I wanted to share the shopping experience with my mom and friends, so I asked them to fly in,” she said. After putting together a Pinterest board of dresses and creating a virtual collection of bridal looks that she had found, she visited several local stores with them. “I wanted to buy it in person to try it on,” Ms. Bellino said. “They had me stand on a podium, and imagine walking down the aisle, and ring the bell when I decided on the dress. You don’t get that experience online.”

The demand for a hands-on boutique experience may have contributed to the recent bankruptcy of David’s Bridal, the largest bridal retailer in the United States. David’s Bridal, which once dressed a third of brides in the country, according to the company, filed for bankruptcy in April for the second time in nearly five years, one of many big retailers that were hit hard by the pandemic.

“We’ve proven it’s not a price or style issue,” Jim Marcum, the chief executive of David’s Bridal, said in a video interview.

In an effort to better serve modern consumers, David’s Bridal announced plans to introduce a new boutique-like concept in multiple locations last year. According to a news release from the brand, this new store model is geared toward brides who desire a more personalized process, and it includes “a one-on-one shopping experience with an expertly trained stylist and in-house alterations artisan.”

“We have spent a lot of time iterating the store of the future,” said Mr. Marcum.

“Purchasing a wedding dress isn’t like going in and purchasing any other garment,” said Randy Fenoli, a bridal designer and a host of “Say Yes to the Dress.” “You bring your family and friends, champagne is popped, there is cheering and tears, and it is really something that is more of an experience.”Credit…Melissa Stimpson/The White Dress by the Shore

A Complete Bridal Wardrobe

Brides are no longer focused on selecting just one beautiful dress. As more pre-wedding parties are being added to the calendar of activities and weddings are increasingly spread across multiple days and venues, the modern bridal wardrobe now consists of a collection of outfits.

“Brides are really wanting to have an Instagrammable fashion moment for their bachelorette, their shower, their rehearsal and their after-party,” said Ms. Chapman. “It is about a wedding wardrobe for them right now.”

That was the case for Ms. Moore, the Dallas bride. Although she found her wedding dress only a few months before the main celebration, she had bought multiple bridal outfits since getting engaged in September 2021. First, there was the engagement party dress, then another dress for the bridal shower, then two more for a separate elopement in Las Vegas. And all of that was before the wedding weekend in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In total, Ms. Moore had eight different outfits in her bridal wardrobe, she said. One was secondhand, another had feathers, and everything she wore was bought online.

Although her bridal wardrobe ended up costing more than what the average American bride spends on one wedding dress, she pulled it off, she said, because she budgeted for it. “I went into it knowing I wanted to set aside a part of my budget that wasn’t for my wedding dress, but for other looks,” she said.

“I feel like for me, it’s just that time in your life when you’re the center of attention, and wedding dress shopping felt so high-pressure,” she added. “So buying these different looks was taking some pressure away from that, with the thinking that I have all these different moments where I can shine, and use my creative expression, and wear something I am super proud of.”

The desire for a multi-outfit bridal wardrobe is something that Amy Trinh, a co-founder of the brand WED, based in London, said she had noticed in particular because brides frequently want multiple outfits for multiple events that “are connected in aesthetic in some way,” she said.

She attributes this trend to the growing influence that Instagram and TikTok have on wedding fashion. “With social media, it’s a very different game,” she said. “It’s not just photos for the family and friends to enjoy, but it’s being put out to the world. So brides are wanting to stand out because of how many eyes are on it.”

Ms. Trinh added, “It means our brides are more adventurous and brave, and getting more creative with their looks.”

The desire for a multi-outfit bridal wardrobe can be attributed to social media’s expanding influence on wedding culture.Credit…Catherine McQueen / Gatty Images

Vintage and Convertible Dresses Are In

Many brides are achieving unique looks by reimagining vintage gowns, or picking dresses that can be converted and worn for multiple events.

Vintage and secondhand dresses, especially ones passed down from family members, are popular right now, partly because a used dress can cost either nothing or a fraction of the price of a new one. Sally Conant, the executive director of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, a trade group of experts who preserve wedding gowns, said that when economic times are tough, https://be2mybride.mystrikingly.com/ as they are now for many people, she sees an upswing in brides looking to restore dresses they inherited from family members. “When Covid hit, I saw a huge bump up in vintage dresses, as people shore up family traditions to try to feel secure,” she said. “I am seeing it again this year.”

Brittany Liane Dalena, 23, a marketing associate from Madera, Calif., recently caused a buzz on TikTok when she posted a video from her wedding rehearsal in April 2022, for which she altered a vintage dress that had been worn by both her mother and grandmother.

In the video, she reveals her rehearsal dress to her grandmother, who had worn it as her own wedding dress, except now it had been cut into two pieces at the waist. When the seamstress started pulling apart the vintage dress so that it could properly fit Ms. Dalena, the bride had an idea. “I said, ‘Why don’t you leave it in two pieces, since that’s a new style?’” she recalled.

“A lot of people hated it and said that I had turned it into a Shein two-piece dress,” she said, referring to the fast-fashion retailer. “But I thought it would mean more to me and my family to wear a dress that was passed down.”

Other budget-minded modern brides are picking wedding dresses that they can wear again, or that can be used for multiple looks.

“The opportunity to re-wear a big white dress may be slim to none,” said Alexandra Macon, the founder and chief executive of Over the Moon, an e-commerce business focused on weddings. Instead, she said, brides are seeking out “pieces that can easily be found at a more accessible price point, look like a million bucks and can often be re-worn.”

And there is a strong demand for convertible dresses, which proved popular at this year’s New York Bridal Fashion Week. Convertible dresses can be adapted to various style silhouettes through detachable sleeves or straps, for example, or with an overskirt, jacket or bolero. It might involve removing a train, which avoids the nightmare of bustling.

“We have tons of brides always emailing us and calling us, asking, ‘Do you have dresses that can be two-in-one?’” said Susan Wilson, the manager of Blue Bridal Boutique in Denver. She often gets requests for variations like a detachable overskirt over a pantsuit.

“I think brides want to get the most bang for their buck, and styles aren’t as traditional as they used to be,” she said. “I really think times are changing.”

Why do brides wear white?

“A wedding gown represents far more than just a dress. It is also the embodiment of a dream,” said Vera Wang.

For most American brides, that dream is realized in a beautiful white wedding gown. It’s a seemingly timeless tradition that is often the center point of little girls’ wedding fantasies. In 2018, about 83% of brides wore white dresses on their big day, according to a survey by Brides Magazine. Such an overwhelming statistic begs the question: Why do we associate white with wedding gowns? And how long has this tradition existed?

Godey’s Magazine and Lady’s Book, a leading 19th century women’s publication, addressed this in an article on the “Etiquette of Trousseau” in their August 1849 issue. “Custom, from time immemorial, has decided on white as [a wedding gown’s] proper hue, emblematic of the freshness and purity of girlhood,” they wrote.

While this implies a long history of bridal white, it is not true. At the time, white had only been a popular wedding dress https://telegra.ph/How-and-when-to-sew-a-wedding-dress-11-16 fashion for about nine years – strictly among the well-to-do.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their return from their marriage service in 1840. Rischgitz/Getty Images

So when and where did the white wedding dress originate? As a curator at The Ohio State University’s Historic Costumes and Textiles Collection, I have often been asked this question, and my research included the search for an answer.

The practice likely traces back more than 2,000 years, with roots in the Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.) when brides wore a white tunic. The color white represented purity, symbolizing both a woman’s chastity and her transition to a married Roman matron. It was also associated with Vesta, the virgin goddess of hearth, home and family who was served by temple priestesses garbed in distinctive white clothing.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, white marriage attire fell out of fashion. From the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, most brides simply wore their best dress or purchased a new gown that could be worn again. White was simply not a practical choice in a world without running water – or where laundry was hand-washed.

A royal wedding sparked the modern trend in white bridal wear. Queen Victoria chose to forgo the royal tradition of wearing coronation robes when she married Prince Albert on Feb. 10, 1840. Instead, https://telegra.ph/How-and-when-to-sew-a-wedding-dress-11-16 she wore a fashionable white gown that was featured in newspapers and magazines around the world.

The style and color of her gown was copied across continents as women aspired to look like the young, lamu.aaims.edu.pk attractive queen – much like the public emulates celebrities today. Wearing a white wedding dress became a sign of wealth and status rather than virginity. Only wealthy brides could wear a white silk gown, since they were wed in clean, lamu.aaims.edu.pk elegant places that were removed from the muck and grime of life during the mid-19th century Industrial Age.

This classic 1950s-era gown, worn in 1957 by a bride named Rita Jane Elliott, is a typical example of post-war style. It was bought at Madisons, a high-end women’s clothing store in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio State Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

These gowns were actually cream or ivory, which was more flattering to the complexion. The brilliant white wedding dress would not become popular in Europe and North America until the 1930s, and would not truly become rooted in the public consciousness until World War II.

With U.S. wartime rations of fabric and a surge of weddings as American soldiers returned from the front, the war sparked changes in the design of wedding dresses. In 1943, while the war was still raging, the federal Limitation Order 85 dictated that only one and three-quarters yards of fabric could be used to create a dress.

The American Association of Bridal Manufacturers lobbiedfor an exemption, arguing that it was important to the overall morale of citizens. They asserted, after conducting a study of 2,000 brides that, “American boys are going off to war and what are they fighting for except the privilege of getting married in a traditional way? They’re fighting for https://2bemybride.blogspot.com/2023/11/what-are-main-advantages-of-buying.html our way of life, and this is part of our way of life.”

They were ultimately successful, and the limitation order exempted wedding gowns. But silk was difficult to find; the war with Japan had disrupted trade routes. Nylon was also in short supply, as it was being used in place of silk to manufacture parachutes. Most wedding gowns from those years were made from acetate – except for those worn in “parachute weddings.” Some soldiers, like B-29 pilot Major Claude Hensinger, kept the parachutes that saved their lives during the war and later gave the material to their betrothed to make a gown.

Close-up of Rita Jane Elliot’s white silk dress, which incorporated silk, taffeta, sequins and pearls. Ohio State Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

Although the first records of brides garbed in white reach far back into the annals of history, it only became standard fashion over last 80 years. With the arrival of ready-to-wear clothing, brides could order affordable, mass-produced gowns based on sample sizes that were then fitted for them: a custom-made gown at a ready-to-wear price. A large, traditional wedding with the bride outfitted in a princess-style white wedding gown became a symbol of the American dream.

From WWII through the end of the 20th century, the white gown symbolized prosperity, virginity and a lifetime commitment to one person. For most people today, those meanings are gone.

White is now the overwhelming choice for most American brides, with 4 out of 5 choosing to walk down the aisle in a white gown, a sort of bridal uniform. It has become an iconic symbol of weddings, an expected part of the celebration, and despite knowing the relatively short history of the tradition of a white wedding, it was my choice as well.

12 Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Dress

When young girls envision their dream day, their minds typically don't turn to wedding favors and centerpieces—they think about the dress. Even for brides who haven't given wedding planning a thought until they have a ring slipped on their finger, heading out to find the perfect gown is one of the first things on their to-do list. However, before you encounter that sea of white—or blush or blue—gowns, there are a few pieces of advice. Our Southern experts weighed in on 12 things to consider when choosing a wedding dress.

Have a budget in mind.

As with any aspect of your wedding, set a budget before heading out. Equally important is being upfront with the bridal consultant about what you are willing to spend. "Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, and you have found THE perfect dress https://2bemybride.blogspot.com/2023/11/what-are-main-advantages-of-buying.html, and then they tell you the price," states Keith Willard, event planner at Keith Willard Events in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Be upfront and honest about your budget and ask that the store not show you anything that is over that budget."

Bring a few guests, but skip the entourage.

Of course, you want to have a second, third, and possibly a fourth opinion when selecting your gown. It's appropriate to bring your mom, sister, best friend, or even your brother if he has fabulous style. However, cut off the list at some point so that your own opinion doesn't get overpowered.

"We think it's a great idea for brides to bring some of their most trusted friends and family to the appointment," says Leecy Fink, owner of Celebration Bridal and Tuxedo in Lynchburg, Virginia. She suggests bringing two to three guests to help narrow down your favorites. Conversely, a plethora of onlookers can be a distraction. "Too many opinions may drown out your own, and it's important to remember that it's your wedding dress."

Reflect on your style.

A quick peek into your closet will help determine your prior to heading to the bridal salon. "Search your closet before you go dress shopping and wear one of your favorite outfits. This will help your bridal stylist learn your personal style as well," advises Tali Gallo, owner of The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, Florida. "If your closet is filled with solid clothing, you should consider a clean, minimalistic style dress. If you love a loud print, consider a wedding dress with a nude underlay and off-white lace."

Shop with an open mind.

What looks fabulous on a model in a photo may not be a good fit for you. Everyone has a different body size and shape, so what you expect to look fabulous may not be flattering on you. "One thing brides need to consider when shopping for a wedding dress is to always keep an open mind," suggests Amanda Jones, co-owner of Carolina Bridal World in Smithfield and Burlington, North Carolina. "What you think you might not like may be what you end up falling in love with."

Fink reiterates this point. "While you should absolutely come in with a few ideas, stay open-minded to other silhouettes or dresses your consultant may suggest," she advises. "You may come in searching for a fit and https://65563a6a94853.site123.me/ flare wedding dress and find yourself in love with a ball gown, or vice versa!" Your least favorite dress on the hanger may accentuate your figure in the best possible way.

Take the venue into account.

Whether you're getting married indoors or outside is a consideration. However, beyond that, jobreadyskills.com check about any guidelines a venue has, especially if you're having a church wedding. "Most churches in the South are very flexible today," states Laura Maddox, owner of Magnolia Celebrates in Atlanta, Georgia. "However, some of your more observant Baptist or Catholic churches will still require your shoulders to be covered. If this doesn't fit with your dream dress, consider a bodysuit or bolero that can be removed after the ceremony."

Get into a "yes" mindset.

Many brides go into their appointment with the mindset that they're just browsing or that they won't find the perfect gown. However, go into your try-on realizing that the next dress you try on may be the one. "When booking your appointment, be mentally prepared to find your gown," offers Jordan Winfield, owner of Studio I Do Bridals in Roanoke, Virginia.

"The experience you have when you try on the one gown you can envision yourself walking down the aisle in—that 'say yes to the dress' moment—is one you will never get back." Instead, she suggests allowing yourself to be in the moment. Calling the store to confirm your selection isn't quite as magical as capitalizing on those feelings in the store.

Be sure you can breathe.

It's the job of the love of your life—not your dress—to take your breath away. So while trying on your gown, consider whether or not you can breathe. "I have seen a bride faint from not being able to take a full breath," reflects Willard. "Add the fact that the only way she could use the facilities was by taking the dress completely off. So make sure that you can still live like a normal human being. There is such a thing as beauty and comfort."

Factor in the weather.

"Consider the typical conditions at the time of year you are planning," advises Maddox. Southern temperatures soar in the summertime, and weather fluctuations during spring and fall can impact your day. "The South has a very different climate than the rest of the country, and it can affect your day in a big way!"

"You may want to consider the high humidity rates and temps when selecting your gown. Go for something with less layers and perhaps a bit looser in fit," Maddox advises for summer weddings. However, winter is a different season altogether. "Consider that the majority of the winter months are colored with a great deal of rain." Of course, no one can predict the actual conditions on your big day, but research what type of weather is typical in that season.

Consider how you look in photos.

"I remind my brides to take pictures while trying on their gowns," states Amber Anderson, lead planner at Heavenly Day Events in Austin, Texas. "Walk around, sit down, twirl, and sway. Have someone take photos the whole time—video too. A photo never lies and is a great way to determine if a dress is the one or not!" Moving around in the gown is also a way to ensure that it's comfortable and conducive for movement.

Think about how the fabric will wear.

"It's the dress of a lifetime, but there are so many things to think about before saying yes to the dress, like—will it show sweat stains," offers Willard. "I know it's not very romantic, but if you have an outdoor wedding and the temperature spikes, the last thing you want to see is sweat stains in your forever photos."

Another consideration with the construction of the dress is whether or not it will wrinkle easily. "Wrinkles are another big thing to think about," states Willard. "As an event planner that deals with many destination brides, [I've had to do] last-minute steaming after the wedding dress had to make it down here in an overhead bin." Whether wrinkles occur during travel or from wedding day wear, https://www.camedu.org/blog/index.php?entryid=1559 you want your gown to look its best for the duration of your wedding and reception.

Choose the right dress for you.

As simple as it sounds, some brides end up getting pushed into someone else's choice. "My best advice is never settle for a less than perfect dress for you," offers Lily Rivera, owner of Lily Rivera Bridal in Punta Gorda, Florida. "All brides know how they envision themselves in their special day. Sometimes they get caught up in the moment or the pressure of the entourage, sales consultant, or time and say yes—to the wrong dress."

Design a custom gown.

Yes, there is the possibility that it will be challenging to find the gown that checks off all of the boxes. For example, you may like the attributes of one dress but wish it had the sleeves of another. If that's the case, consider having a custom piece designed. "If you have shopped around and still have not felt your heart skip a beat, consider having it custom made," suggests Rivera.

"If you already purchased [your dress], consult an expert on how to customize or add on those important features to you." Commissioning a gown or having an existing one reworked may not be as cost-prohibitive as you might expect. Search for a talented professional close to your area to take your thoughts and turn them into a gorgeous wedding dress.

No matter which gown you choose, https://65563a6a94853.site123.me/ remember that it's your day. So figure out your style, determine a budget, and take a few guests to your appointment. Whether you find the perfect fit at your first try-on or have a custom gown designed, saying "yes" to the dress is a significant step towards the perfect wedding day.