Vera Wang continues to create designer looks for brides and bridesmaids everywhere with the White by Vera Wang collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal. The Spring 2012 launch features bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and shoes.

Nine new gowns are included in the collection, priced between $500-$1,500. Each look is unique in design and aesthetic, perfect for capturing the individual tastes of every bride. The collection features clean, simple details like asymmetrically draped bodices and updated silhouettes, in soft hues of white, ivory and blush. Sizes range from 0-14, with select styles available in sizes 16-26.  To view the entire collection of dresses visit the David’s Bridal website at: http://bit.ly/suoVTa

I just completed altering the gown below for a January 2012 wedding and can tell you that it is stunning! (the style number is VW351011 in Ivory)

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The Corset - A timeless option that slims your waist and can be worn under a strapless gown.  The bonus is that it is breathtakingly beautiful for your wedding night romance!

Agent Provocateur “Kate” Corset

Body Slimming - The reinforced panel in this Spanx high-rise panty will flatten your tummy and create a sexy waist and hip curve that will flatter your gown silhouette.

Spanx “Hide and Sleek” High-Rise Panty and OnGossamer “Biscayne Lace” Bra

Lift and Lengthen that Voluptuous Booty - These ”long-line” pantyhose will do just that with built-in hip and thigh shapers.  The beautiful convertible bra featured here is a perfect pairing if you are wearing a strapless gown.  (And who can ignore those stunning Valentino “Classic Mena” sandals from Saks Fifth Avenue?)

Donna Karan Sheer Satin Toner Hosiery complimented by a Va Bien Convertible Bra

For that Hourglass Shape - This tank style corset enhances that beautiful waist of yours while the smooth outer layer ensures a seamlessly, smooth silhouette.  The bonus?  The padding in the bustier will create sexy cleavage with a bit of drama!

Le Mystere “Seduction” Bustier complimented by Her Look “Commando” Thong

For a Smooth Silhouette - To slim the hips, thighs and tummy all at the same time, this is an excellent choice! This thigh-length slip with stitching that smooths and controls.

Cass  ”Invisibellas” Cami Dress Slip

Still need help choosing the right undergarment? Ask your bridal gown sales associate or go to a trusted retailer like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or Saks Fifth Avenue where they have trained and knowledgeable lingerie fitting stylists.  It may also be necessary to purchase a couple of options and to take to your gown fitting.  If you do purchase more than one undergarment, be sure to ask about the store’s return policies to ensure that you will have a hassle-free experience.

Lingerie, Best Undergarments for Your Wedding Dress, Wedding Dresses

Since the Bride’s gown sets the tone for the wedding, a colorful wedding dress will determine the shades to be worn by the wedding party, as well as a determining factor in the choices of flowers and decor; her gown actually becomes the focal point in which every detail must compliment her choice of color to ensure a cohesive look throughout the ceremony and reception.     

Featured here are images from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Jenny Lee, Oscar De La Renta, Reem Acra, Rivini, Watters and Claire Pettibone.

Tip #1 – Decide basic details before dress shopping.  The date, location and budget are 3 important factors for choosing your gown. The time of year along with the venue will help determine the style, and your budget will help the consultant guide you to the gowns that are in your price range. 

Tip#2 – Dress for the season.  Choose a gown that works with season of your wedding.  A destination wedding in warm weather requires a dress that travels well and is lightweight enough for the climate, while a Fall or Winter wedding in New York might require a heavier weight gown with a coverup for warmth.

Tip #3 – Come with ideas, but be opened minded.  Try on a variety of styles.  Some dresses don’t have good “hanger appeal”, but once they are on a real body they take shape.  You just might be surprised that you end up with a gown that looks fabulous on you and it would never have been a contender.

Tip #4 – Don’t bring a dozen people dress shopping.  Ask positive people you trust most to advise you and will be completely focused what you want.  Otherwise, you could find yourself listening to well-meaning friends or family that are trying to be helpful but just end up making the process more complicated.  

Tip #5 – Have realistic expectations.  Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, which can be complicated if you are not flexible and realistic. Make sure to check in with  yourself throughout the process to be sure you are not asking for something that is not available. 

Tip #6 – Trust your consultant.  Be open and honest with your consultant to get the most out of your shopping experience.  Trust them when they suggest a dress that you would not have considered,  They have seen the dresses on numerous women and can suggest a gown that looks great on you.

Just like you found the “The One” with your partner, you will also know it when you find “The Gown”.  There is an emotional reaction that occurs in your body that you cannot ignore, just trust your intuition. 

Happy Shopping! 

Disney teamed up with Alfred Angelo to create a line of princess inspired wedding dresses that are dreamy and add a touch of magic to any wedding.  Featured here is ‘Rapunzel’, the newest addition to the collection of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo. This gown shows that an overall Butterfly design can look glamorous, sophisticated and whimsical all at the same time.

 ’Rapunzel’ Gown (listed as Style 208 on the website)

 This Silk gown by BHLDN (Anthropologie’s new line of wedding dresses launched earlier this year) features hundreds of appliqued butterflies scattered over the entire gown.  The airy Organza A-line dress has a pleated tulle lining peeking out from under giving an added touch of lightness that will have the bride looking like she is floating rather than walking. 

‘Ethereal Monarch’ Gown

Orange County Wedding Dresses, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, BHDLN Wedding Dresses, Runway Dresses, Orange County Wedding Gowns, Orange County Wedding Dress Consignment

Long Sleeves - There is no doubt that Princess Kate’s stunning bridal gown has had an impact on bridal fashion.  She proved that wearing a high neck, long sleeve gown can be very elegant and graceful without looking dated.  The wedding industry quickly took notice and now designers are offering gown with long sleeves and covered shoulders.

Feathers and Bows – Gowns can be voluminous and still look light when feathers are part of the textured detail.  Bows are the hottest detail of the moment, whether they are structured, soft, or oversized, they add a feminine flair to any style gown.

Blush Color – Not every bride wants to wear White or Ivory, and now gowns are being offered Blush or shades of Pink that flatters every skin tone and is soft and feminine.

Butterflies – Butterflies are another hot detail of the moment.   They can appear in the overall style of the gown or added as a touch of detail as though they landed just in time as the music starts to accompany the bride down the aisle.

Silver Embroidery – While crystals and pearls will always be in style, gowns are now appearing with Silver embroidery only as the detail.  This fine, special thread shimmers in many types of lighting and adds a glamorous feel to any gown.