Will you opt for a traditional white gown, or go for another color? Do you want a black-tie wedding, a semi-formal affair or a casual event? If you're going to pick a theme color for your wedding, would you like the bridesmaids and groomsmen to match? What about accessories and shoes?
Do I Have to Wear White?
White gowns became the norm at Western weddings beginning with Queen Victoria in the mid-nineteenth century. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Although an overwhelming majority of brides choose white dresses, other pale colors are becoming increasingly popular. Many modern brides are choosing cream, gold, or even a pale pink or Carolina Blue.What is keeping you from wearing a bright magenta or turquoise dress? Nothing! Keep in mind, however, that your non traditional choice might shock and disappoint some members of your wedding party. That's not necessarily a reason to say no to your dream dress, but you might want to let your friends and family know about your choice beforehand so that, on the big day, they'll focus on you and not your choice of color.
Or, if you decide not to go with a colorful dress but still want to incorporate your favorite color, another option is to select accessories or a sash in your chosen color to complement your dress. This is also a good way to work in "something blue."
North Carolina Bridal Fashion Trends
Some of the popular bridal fashion trends in 2008 in North Carolina and across America include the following:- Green weddings featuring dresses made of natural fibers like hemp, cotton, and silk, as well as local, organically-grown flowers. To learn more about green weddings, check out Asheville, NC's green wedding guide.
- Renting, rather than purchasing, high fashion dresses.
- Multiple dress changes -- one for the ceremony and one for the reception.
Dress Shopping
You have many options when shopping for a dress: visiting a bridal show, hiring a personal dressmaker, browsing at a bridal shop or even surfing for a dress online. Keep these tips in mind while seeking out your perfect dress:- If you're seeking an original design, start looking at least six months ahead of your wedding date to give the designers and tailors plenty of time.
- When trying on gowns, be sure to wear the sort of underwear you're planning to wear during the ceremony (and underwear that offers good coverage, since you might have to change in front of somebody.)
- Pick a hairdo and shoes similar to those you're planning for your ceremony.
- Bring sketches and photos of dresses you like.
- Not all bridal shops will let you take photos, so bring a notebook to write down impressions.
- Keep your eye out for sample sales, where designers sell dresses displayed in their shops at a discount. This is different from a trunk show, which is when a designer displays his or her latest collection.
Some Places to Start Shopping in North Carolina
Southern Bridal Show & Expo: Meet over a hundred Triangle area vendors and watch hourly fashion shows; takes place in Raleigh in April and August. Similar shows are held throughout the state.A Carolina Wedding: A full service bridal salon in Wilmington, NC.
Wedding Inspirations: Bridal shop and wedding planner in Asheville, NC.
J Major's Bridal Boutique: Bridal boutique in Charlotte, NC.
Picking the Perfect Bridal Shoes
Once you've found your perfect dress, it's time to complete the outfit with the right pair of shoes. Although you might be picturing perfect white stiletto heels, don't forget that you're going to have to wear those shoes for a long time, usually five hours or more, and you'll be standing, walking, and dancing for much of that time. So go for comfort as well as style!Other shoe tips:
- Make sure they fit well; you might want to go a little large for comfort, but don't fall for the perfect-looking, too-small pair.
- Break in your shoes beforehand; walk around in them until you can wear them comfortable for a long period of time. Note any places where blisters tend to appear and bring along Band-Aids on your big day!
- To save money, don't limit yourself to shoes labeled "wedding" or "bridal" shoes; regular shoe stores have many attractive and less expensive styles.
- If you're planning on some serious dancing, you might want to check out dance stores for shoes.
North Carolina Summer and Beach Wedding Fashions
If your outdoor ceremony is set for summer, keep in mind that North Carolina weddings are hot! Summer wedding dresses are usually made of lighter fabrics like chiffon or cotton, and can often be shorter or tea length.If your ceremony is planned for a North Carolina beach, some different fashion rules apply. Beach weddings are generally less formal; veils are less common, and you could choose a shorter, simpler dress or even a bikini with a sarong; just don't forget the sunscreen! Whatever you pick, keep in mind that the wind whips up without warning on the coast: choose an outfit that won't fly away.
Be sure to choose the right shoes for your beach wedding as well. Stylish flip-flops or sandals are perfectly acceptable, as are bare feet. Relax and enjoy your causal wedding in the sand and surf!