We LOVE bridal fashion week, but sometimes it can be hard to balance the styles on the runway with something that will work in real life, too! While that applies to most fashion shows in general, a wedding with your grandparents, parents, and future in-laws can feel like the last place you want to bring edgy trends into play. So, how do you balance both?
We spoke with Malinda Macari, owner of New England’s Your Dream Bridal (pictured, left, and her store, above), about her advice to brides looking to feel modern AND comfortable on their wedding day, as well as her favorite wedding day designs that are a perfect fit. More from Macari, below:
“In an age when couples are pressured to throw an Instagram-worthy wedding, some brides are conflicted to choose between a traditional white gown and a high-fashion look. Being different is one thing, and everyone has their own definition, but sometimes the ‘trendy’ looks can be too far outside you own comfort zone, feeling forced and unlike your own personal style. The good news is that there are ways to take today’s trending designs and make them completely your own. You wedding day is sacred, and is certainly one day when you want to stay true to yourself!
This season in particular birthed many new options for brides among both couture and mainstream designers – from tailored jumpsuits to inventive crop top and skirt pairings. Designers are constantly pushing the boundaries, giving brides even more flexibility to live out their personal style through designs that make them feel their most comfortable.”
Separates & Two-Pieces
“Most brides will find that bridal separates can offer them the flexibility to create a custom look without throwing away traditionalism completely. Not only can the wedding skirt be mixed and matched with various bodices, but also different fabrics, embellishments and accessories. Of course, for church ceremonies, be cognizant of how much midriff skin is shown between pieces. Brides can easily satisfy the traditional rules by pairing the top piece with a fashionable collar, sleeved coverup or shawl.”
Jumpsuits & Tailored Tuxedos
“Jumpsuits give way to a world of versatility and make perfect sense for engagement parties, rehearsal dinners or wedding brunches. Furthermore, jumpsuits make a powerful statement for weddings at non-traditional venues, like art galleries, libraries, historic sites and museums. For the mature woman and / or ‘encore brides’ that may be marrying for a second or third time, a jumpsuit with a crisp, structured blazer spells sophistication and confidence.
Both jumpsuits and two piece styles give the bride something most wedding dresses wont; re-wearing. Pair the jumpsuit with a colorful blazer or edgy leather bomber for a great evening ensemble. Re-wear the wedding dress skirt with a flowy blouse for a spring garden party. The versatility of these designs is something new brides are sure to embrace.”
“Regardless of design, a great piece should make a bride feel like a bride. My advice for brides always hinges on one central notion; trust. Trust in their stylist, even when a design may not look your style on the hanger. Trust in the process that you may find what you’re looking for at the first shop you visit. Above all, trust in a your own intuition and of what makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. That being said, I also encourage every bride to keep an open mind to some of the newer designs. I understand the feeling some brides may have even considering a non-traditional bridal look. Some think ‘am I crazy, or is this so me?” I’ve heard that statement more than once, and most times, it means that feeling of total and complete happiness in her bridal selection is not too far behind.”
With a 10+ year background in PR and marketing for luxury and lifestyle brands, Malinda Macari opened the doors to Your Dream Bridal in January of 2015, to provide brides with a personalized and intimate experience. Your Dream Bridal (aka Dream) is unlike other bridal shops. Your Dream Bridal a full-service by appointment only bridal boutique located just west of Boston, where brides, their family and friends have access to the entire boutique by themselves, with 90-minute appointments to browse and try a curated collection of designer gowns in a comfortable and chic environment with Malinda herself. Your Dream Bridal is the most recent winner of The Knot’s Best of Weddings & Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Awards for 2016. Malinda Macari’s store offers exclusive designs to New England brides, many which come from the USA or Canada, including Truvelle of Vancouver, Lis Simon of Calgary, Celia Grace, the only Fair Trade bridal collection in the country and Astrid & Mercedes of Toronto. A full list of designers can be found here.
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