WEDDING GUIDE 2016 | Wedding dress

date posted: April 07, 2016

BEAUTIFUL—INSIDE AND OUT

The iconic wedding dress was not always white. In fact, wedding dresses have varied dramatically over time and by culture. In the far past, women rarely purchased new gowns for their ceremonies; they simply wore the finest dresses they owned, which could be of any color.

Queen Victoria became the ultimate wedding trend-setter after she wore her notorious white dress adorned with orange flowers to her 1840 wedding. White became all the rage and remains the traditional wedding dress color, but modern brides are increasingly working bolder and brighter colors into their wedding couture.

Whether you choose to have your dress custom-made by a local designer or decide to purchase one from a bridal shop, the only thing that matters is that you love the way it looks and feels.

Luckily, if you’re looking to go custom-made, the Hudson Valley is brimming with talented designers who are waiting to craft a perfect dress that exceeds your expectations.

BETSY WISE BRIDAL Beacon, 413-329-0642, Betsywisebridal.com

Betsy handcrafts custom-made gowns for free-spirited, non-traditional brides. She specializes in vintage reconstruction, transforming family heirloom gowns into flawless modern creations. Every bride has a vibrant story, and Betsy wants to celebrate their individual identities with gowns as unique and beautiful as they are. Brides will be involved in the creative process at every step while Betsy materializes their dreams.

BLUSH BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Kingston, 845-338-3135, blushbridalbtq.com

Luxe fabrics, dreamy details, and lots of sparkle fill the racks at Blush. This cozy little bridal boutique, located in the heart of Uptown Kingston, offers a fresh approach to gown shopping that feels more like playing dress up than a task on your to-do list. Whether for a rustic wedding in the rolling Catskills or a lavish black tie reception, Blush offers a diverse selection of gowns for the trendy, traditional, or modern bride. Blush is open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment.

JUDA LEAH ATELIER & BOUTIQUE Saugerties, 845-417-6937, judaleah.com

Juda Leah is a fashion designer from the Catskills with a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Her specialties include couture bridal, eveningwear, and millinery as well as fashion illustration and art. She designs and creates custom, oneof-a-kind wedding gowns, dresses for the whole bridal party, and bridal accessories. From simple and chic to glamorous, vintage, and over-the-top couture, Juda Leah can create a custom piece just for you and your special day. Customization and alteration services are offered. Visit judaleah.com to make an appointment.

STYLE DES RÊVES CUSTOM DRESSMAKING Accord, 845-626-5353, styledesreves.com

Award-winning Style des Rêves (Style of Dreams) 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, brides can choose to have their gowns sustainably restyled from vintage or store-bought gowns. Style de Rêves also serves the bridal party and mothers of the bride and groom. Accessories and alterations are available. Expect fine fabrics, beautiful craftsmanship, and expert attention to fit. Free consultation. Rainbow weddings are welcome. Like them on Facebook.