Dresses

Dark Garden

"Snow White" DG

















So, now that I am on my third blog entry, I will attempt not to ramble as much... :)

Another item high on your list is the bridal gown and groom's attire. Depending on your taste this can vary, especially considering the time period you are looking at. We can take a much closer look at men's wear in another post since it's nearly as extensive as bridal choices.

In my personal search for a dress I was both disgusted and enchanted with what I found. For instance:

For every bride I suggest looking over a company based in California called Dark Garden. They make custom under and over corsets which are extremely affordable for what they make. (Off the rack, costume grade corsets average $3-400 ). They also make couture dresses with built in corsets to make it into a lovely ensemble. Note the attention to detail, the high quality material, style, and accuracy. The white dress worn by the dark haired lady is a dress based on what she thought Snow White would wear and most of the long train and heavy over skirt were removable for the reception.

Another site I fell in love with was Rivendell Bridal- a site for a business in the UK which makes stunning and breathtaking custom wedding gowns for the slightly fantasy wedding (or the all fantasy wedding). I suggest, if you have the funds, the Titania. It comes in nearly 10 colors and two choices of fabric. It is the long flowing dress photo I have in the blog. Their other dresses are less expensive but also a fantasy dream of quality and taste. The Malana is another wonderous dress.














A mainstream designer, St Pucchi, also makes a nice selection of dresses that look period but are modern. They don't fit every bride's pocketbook, nearly $10,000 or more for the dress I liked.

Another dreamy option is Stimpzilla and her dresses. They are period, often hand sewn, and can be wonderful for wearing to Ren Faires later. They are expensive but will work with you to make the dress of your dreams within your budget look like a million dollars.

However, there is no rule that says you must wear a period dress even if everything else is Old World/Historic/Fantasy. One of my choices was Alfred Angelo and two of his styles.

A final option I will offer is custom gown making. It's a route I'm looking over since the dress I love is not available in my price range. The designers aren't willing to work with me and toward my budget, offering the make a less quality dress, less nice dress of the same style for only a tiny bit less. My local seamstress says that she can make the dress a fraction of the price and make it more "me" and more flattering. It will even leave me a chance to do custom touches like:

Wrapping my bouquet with lace used to make my dress
Making a veil to match
Buying extra to set aside for my daughter's wedding or as a keepsake for later

Well, this is all I have for now. I could go on for days on period dress but I urge every bride to stay away from plain, cheap, thin or otherwise un-bridal like clothing for your period day. Lovely items can be found in your price range please don't settle!