Twist on Tradition

Finding your Perfect Dress

Your wedding is your moment to shine. And finding that perfect dress is one of the most important choices a bride will make for her big day. To keep up with the modern bride, designers are now showcasing looks in a variety of styles and colours. “There are a lot of options out on the market now, so you can actually make your perfect dress,” says David McCaffrey of McCaffrey Haute Couture. “When brides are working with me, they don’t have to settle for second best. People like the option to create their own look that’s unique to them.” So with so many options, get creative, break the rules and choose a dress that truly says you.

Show some leg

Not every girl is looking for a princess ball gown or an extremely long train. In fact, many brides are now opting for a shorter alternative. “We get a lot of requests for short gowns,” says Lisa Butler of Luxe Bridal Boutique, “specifically brides who are taking a less conventional route to

their wedding ceremony and reception.”

A tea-length (hem that falls just below the knee) or knee-length dress is a fun and youthful look. Besides the stylish and modern vibe, the length also has several benefits. When the temperatures rise, a shorter dress is the perfect choice for a summer wedding. With less fabric, the dress is cooler and breathable in the summer heat. A cropped frock in chiffon, organza or tulle is the perfect combination for a breezy summer style. The alteration’s bill is also cooler on the wallet, which is a very attractive bonus to the budget conscious bride.

“The trick is to find a short dress that still makes her feel like a bride and not a guest!” explains Lisa. “Many of our clients who opt for a short look never wear dresses and it’s her way of dressing up without going too far out of her comfort zone.”

Image: McCaffrey Cleo Dress: A shorter-length option. Cocktail-cut ivory silk organza, deep scoop neckline with knotted, twisted straps, pleated bodice, and bunched and swirled bubble high-cut skirt and silk-edged finished crinoline.

There are a few things to consider, however, when going the shorter route:

• If you are having a formal wedding but are still attracted to the shorter look, then a mid-calf style is the way to go. It’s important to make sure that the dress complements the look and level of formality that you’ve chosen for the rest of your wedding party and your venue. A church wedding may call for something below the knee, while a beach or outdoor wedding is a great scene for a shorter look.

• No bride wants to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious on her wedding day, so make sure you’re confident and ready to show off those legs. A pair of showstopper shoes is a great motivation to want to step out in a shorter number. With fabulous footwear accessorizing his designs every day, David says the shoes are now a major component of the main event. ”Brides that come in looking for a unique dress all have amazing pairs of shoes. A short dress with a great pair of pumps is so much fun.”

Colour your world

White has long been accepted as the traditional wedding dress colour, but the idea of exploring other shades is quickly catching on. Whether it’s the bride’s favourite hue or a cultural tradition, white is not the obvious choice for every bride-to-be.

“Everybody’s moving away from white,” says David. “I have many international clients and I have done dresses that are black, burgundy, red, cherry black and ethyl green.” Many Middle Eastern and Asian brides choose vibrant shades of red, turquoise or hot pink. Red, being one of the most popular, is the traditional colour of good luck and auspiciousness.

If you are interested in some colour, but don’t want to go all the way, then accent embellishments are a perfect compromise. Coloured bows, flowers or a stylish sash can transform a white gown and produce a unique finished product. Some other options are coloured hems or necklines, contrasting inset panels or coloured beading. “Pops of colour is a major trend right now,” says Lisa.

“Brides love to showcase their individuality on their wedding day, and we love to offer options for our clients to do just that.” When fashion designer and singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani married rocker Gavin Rossdale in 2002, she chose a dress that would mix a touch of tradition with a modern twist. Designed by John Galliano for Dior, the gown introduced white on the top, cascaded into pale pink and concluded at the hem with a brighter, darker pink. The custom creation represented her over-the-top style and outgoing personality. While pulling away from the white gown wedding pack opens up a whole new world of design possibilities, you may want to keep the season in mind. Spring brides should try pale pink, lilacs and blues. A deeper shade of spring colours is perfect for summer brides.

Yellows, golds and shades of orange look great on a fall bride, and winter brides will make a bold statement in deep reds, blues and metallic hues. With women embracing their curves, shape is also transforming the designer world. “Especially over the last year or so, everyone is moving towards a fit and flare,” says David. ”It’s all about finding that perfect silhouette to really magnify what a woman’s body looks like. There’s a reason why women are created the way they’re created. So if you canshow your curves and you can show who you are, then that is a good way to go.” Whatever your wedding dress style, there are options and every bride should be able to find her perfect dress. So have fun with the search and think outside the box. It’s your day and you can wear whatever you want!

For more information:

McCaffrey Haute Couture

465 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, ON

613 789-4336

info@mccaffreyhautecouture.com

Luxe Bridal Boutique

206 & 208 Dalhousie Street

Ottawa, ON

613 241-LUXE

info@luxebridal.ca

Article By Lindsay Ruck

Photos By MIV Photography

Dresses Designed by David McCaffrey