WEDDING DRESS ALTERNATIVES:

INITIATING IMPACT DOWN THE AISLE

© Melissa Nowakowski June 2010

Lace and beading and bodices...oh my! There are an abundance of Bridal Gown Designers in the world with a plethora of gown options from which to choose and as many of us who have gone shopping for even the simplest of dresses, this can be quite overwhelming for Brides-to-be. Every gal wants her dress to drop jaws, create a lasting impression and let her feel like she's the most beautiful thing anyone has ever laid eyes on. And so starts the search for "THE Dress" -- the one that not only suits her personality but has impact all at once.

As someone who is eternally devoted to anything that's out-of-the-norm, this planner recently came across some dresses that scream innovation, beauty, personality and impact all in the same voice.

STRUCTURE

Who ever said that a dress had to be A-line, Ballroom, Mermaid, Floor-length or ....well, you get the picture? By combining different structural elements to a typical dress, you instantaneously turn a gown from typical to innovative, creating immediate impact. This planner especially loves Blushless' half-knee-length-have-floor-length gown below. And while this uber talented designer is located in the UK, she ships to Canada and can have a gown ready in as little as three months!

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

TEXTURE

Ok, so beading, lace, tulle and blah blah blah add texture. But this planner is over-the-moon for Blushless' use of layers and the creative use of add-ons to a typical white gown by Pronovias Couture (available in select Canadian Bridal Salons) and Fashion Crimes (located in the trendy Queen West neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada!). From afar these adornments create intrigue and wonderment. Up close, they showcase whimsical eye-candy.

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

Photo courtesy of www.pronovias.com

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

COLOUR

Thanks to Queen Victoria, many Brides-to-be seem trapped in the trend of the white wedding gown -- forever adhered to the notion that a white gown represents purity. For those Brides-to-be wanting to showcase some other hues, often hints of colour throughout the dress seem bold enough. But this planner says if colour is what you want -- go for all-over colour! Imagine the impact a hot-pink, scarlet red or purple wedding gown will have walking down a crisp white aisle runner! Picture how wonderfully unique an apple green gown will be when paired up with white (gasp!) bridesmaid gowns. Never limit colour to your florals and decor. Be your own walking colour pallete!

Photo courtesy of engagement.ca

Photo courtesy of LaraCorsets.com

Photo courtesy of naturalnews.net

BORROW FROM THE ERAS

Every era had its own sense of style which has transcended time. From the princess-haute of the medieval times, the classic sophistication of the 30's and the fun-loving, flirty style of the 1950's to the disco-chic of the 70's, many gowns incorporate style elements from past eras to add intrigue. Rather than add specific elements of an era to a gown, why not embrace that era's fashion entirely? In particular, this planner is head-over-heels for Fashion Crimes' fringe, flapper-inspired gown below.

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

Other ways to change your gown from trendy to distinctive? Take your mother's wedding gown or a Bridal Salon wedding gown from five seasons ago and hire a good seamstress to alter the dress to your personal style. Purchase a vintage or second hand wedding gown, alter it to your taste and adorn it with colourful and contrasting fabrics, appliques or embellishments such as feathers, fringe, netting and more. Turn that beautiful cocktail dress in your closet into wedding-worthy attire by adding fabric and embellishments which can instantly turn it into a floor length, colourful wedding gown.

The personalization of your wedding starts with you. And what better way to personalize your wedding than to choose attire that suits YOU best. And what better way to be unique than to turn a trendy gown into something that's trendsetting.

Now go out there, get your gown and work that wedding runway..er..aisle!

PUNCH UP YOUR PARTY WITH PIZZAZZ

Photo courtesy of www.popsop.com

Malibu Rum has come up with a super cute limited edition bottle called Malibu By U. The bottle is stark white and comes with four Caribean-inspired coloured markers so that you can colour, draw or glue on anything you like to make these bottles unbelievably cool and, well...you!

Photo courtesy of www.newswire.ca

If you want to test out your design before committing it to the bottle, visit www.malibu-rum.com/byu to digitally design your bottle.


Use these personally decorated bottles to dress up patio tables, use them as vases for festive and fun floral arrangements or even as a fun alternative to a traditional guestbook for a tropical themed celebration. Oh, and don't forget to use the rum inside for tropical punches, home BBQs and more!