WeddingCouture

date posted: April 15, 2015

Once upon a time, there were ironclad rules about wedding wear. A bride who didn’t actually like floor-length white ball gowns or a man who hated tuxes was pretty much out of luck. Lucky for you, you’re getting married in a time when rules are made to be broken and are broken on a regular basis. Feel free to add some black lace touches; pick the length that flatters you most; go with a different color; or get married in Renaissance garb if that’s what makes the occasion really you.

"One thing hasn’t changed:all eyes are on the couple as the grand entrance is made and the vows are spoken. The most important thing about your outfit is that you love it dearly, and it loves you back. This is the look you’ll have in dozens of family photos. Make it flattering to the point of enchantment. But most important, make sure you feel comfortable with your choice because this day could very well be the most special day of your entire life."

If you decide to go the traditional route, you’ll be dealing with a specialized bridal salon or formal wear shop, where a personal consultant will work with you one-on-one. Most of us don’t purchase “bespoke” or custom-tailored clothing on a regular basis, but don’t worry—bridal salons in the Hudson Valley are used to that. Tell them up front what you are prepared to spend to avoid wasting time and emotional energy.

Before you go, browse the Pinterest boards and other online sources to get an idea of what you love. Check out some bridal expos or trunk shows to get a feel for the latest looks. Bringing some pictures and sketches can help point the consultant in the right direction.

Consider what kind of wedding you plan to have. The season and the setting will make some clothes better choices than others. Nobody looks their very best if they’re sweltering or freezing.
Start shopping early. If you’re ordering custom couture, putting it together can take some time. There will be fittings, and possibly alterations, to make it perfect. You should have your dress or custom tux chosen and ordered at least nine months before the wedding date. Men who decide to rent their formalwear should reserve about three months in advance. Look for a rental place that will do alterations in-house to save time and money.

If you’re an easy size to fit, don’t overlook sample sales, when bridal salons unload last year’s floor models at deep discounts. You can also conserve some funds by ordering your gown from a salon and then hunting down the accessories you want elsewhere. But be wary of slick ads online that offer budget bridal wear. You don’t want to be disappointed in quality or fit and find yourself with no recourse.

make it flattering to the point of enchantment

"You’ve probably got an idea or two about how your attendants should look, and after all, it’s your day. But in the interests of harmony, you want them to be pleased with how they look too. It’s unlikely that the exact same style will be equally flattering on a group of friends of different shapes and sizes. Consider the possibilities of having them all wear the same color but offering a choice of styles."

OH SEW PERFECT
Poughkeepsie, 845-238-4361,
ohsewperfect.comHolly Goff-Brucher, owner and founder of Oh Sew Perfect, is a fabric artist, designer and seamstress with over 20 years experience as a dressmaker and alterations expert. She was self-taught at a young age and eventually attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, majoring in Haute Couture. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest projects and always remember: “If you can dream it, I can make it . . . Oh Sew Perfect.”

RAFAEL PEREZ COUTURIER
New Paltz, 917-741-2125,
hiveevent.com This sustainable fashion designer was an apprentice at birth, having been born into a family of sartorial artists steeped in the scissors-to-fabric, no-pattern-necessary tradition. I pride myself on creating a warm and collaborative relationship that inevitably results in a garment that transcends a client’s vision into an exquisite and timeless keepsake.

STYLE DES REVES
CUSTOM DRESSMAKING
Accord, 845-626-5353,
styledesreves.comAward-winning Style des Reves (Style of Dreams) in the Mid-Hudson Valley brings years of fashion-industry experience to custom dressmaking. Designer Barbara Kerner specializes in bridal wear and carefully crafts each piece to express the bride’s unique nature and that of her wedding celebration. Or, choose to have your gown sustainably restyled from vintage or store-bought gowns. Also serves the bridal party and mother of the bride/groom. Accessories and alterations are available. Expect fine fabrics, beautiful craftsmanship, and expert attention to fit. Free consultation. Rainbow weddings welcome

THE BRIDAL COTTAGE
Kingston, 845-331-6596, 845-340-1808,
thebridalcottage.com The Bridal Cottage has 22 years of lasting relationships with brides near and far. For personalized attention and expert care, visit us for your bridal gown selection and dresses for your entire wedding party, including flower girls and mothers. Accessories and tuxedo rentals are also available, and alterations are done on the premises.