Trend Report

The Case for a Custom Wedding Gown

Allison Weiss Entrekin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:33:00 GMT

The only thing worse than showing up at a party and seeing someone else in your dress is showing up at a wedding and seeing the bride in the gown you just ordered. Opting for a custom dress eliminates this possibility, and it isn’t as pricey as you might think. Atlanta designer Katriesa Raines of Olive says she’s created one-of-a-kind wedding dresses for as little as $600. Here, she gives her pointers for designing bespoke bridalwear.

Seek a Shared Vision
As you compare custom wedding-dress designers, pay attention to their portfolios to get a feel for their style sensibilities. If you want an ornate princess dress, don’t choose a designer whose tastes tend toward the understated. And if you envision a playful ’80s look, don’t call Raines. “If you see my dresses, they’re all inspired by the ’50s and ’60s—they’re ladylike and modest,” she says. Raines says brides should check out her forty or so dress silhouettes, pick one they like and begin brainstorming from there. “I can add a sleeve, make it short, take out a big V in the back, you name it,” she says. If none of her silhouettes seem like good starting points, she’s probably not the designer for you.

Walk in With an Opinion
Inspiration boards. Magazine clippings. Antique photos. Raines loves ’em all. The only thing she doesn’t love is a bride who has no idea what she wants. “If you don’t have a look in mind when you come into your initial design appointment, I’m going to challenge you to really look at this process and decide if it’s for you,” Raines says. Come prepared to discuss the feel of your wedding, your color palette, the dress style you want and your favorite fabrics (she’ll have lots of samples to touch or try on). At the end of the meeting, Raines will take your measurements in the silhouette you’ve chosen and draw up a sketch of the dress.

Timing Is Everything
Raines advises brides to meet with her at least six months in advance of their wedding dates. “But,” she says, “everything is made locally, so I can turn it around fast if I have to. I’ve done custom dresses in as little as thirty days—but it’ll cost ya!”

Fall in Love With Your Fabric
The second appointment is the fabric-choosing session. Raines sources several options based on the initial design meeting, then lets you choose the one that’s most true to your vision. She says brides rarely source their own fabrics since Raines can get hers at a lower cost, but she’s willing to work with a bride who’s dead set on a fabric she’s already found. “I once had an Indian bride who loved my silhouettes but wanted to remake her sari,” Raines says.

Meet Your Dream Dress
After you choose your fabrics, your dress goes into production—usually a sixty- to ninety-day process. Then it’s time for the appointment you’ve envisioned for months: your first dress fitting. “Because we’ve made it just for you, nine times out of ten it fits perfectly,” Raines says. Still, she has a tailor on hand in case you want the waist a little higher or the V-back deeper. If you need any alterations, you’ll return for a second and final fitting. “Then we take it away to save for your big day!”

Olive, 404-274-5432, olivestyle.com

Photo by Kristy Dickerson Photography

Create a Meaningful Wedding Menu

Allison Weiss Entrekin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:31:00 GMT

Every bride wants her wedding menu to elicit “wows” instead of yawns. But in an era when trends quickly become traditions (who hasn’t had wedding cupcakes?), how can a bride come up with something original? Jeffrey Hollington, event sales manager at Bold American Catering, is exactly the tell-it-like-it-is guy to educate brides on what’s edgy—and what’s just everyday. Here, he shares his creative ideas.

Instead of signature cocktails, try custom slushies. Let your guests turn their champagne or gin and tonics into frozen treats at a bartender-attended slushie station. Thanks to the wonders of dried ice, boozy beverages will become chilly concoctions, and the fog-and-smoke effect only makes the station more gasp-worthy.

Instead of simple quarter-pounders served late-night, offer guests lamb sliders drizzled with tzatziki and olive oil. “You can always take something mundane and make it more special,” Hollington says.

Instead of white-tablecloth food stations, try themed food-and-beverage stations. Give each station enough “oomph” to stand on its own, complete with a cocktail pairing and decor tying it all together. “If a bride is from California, she might want to have a station with sushi and a Napa wine pairing and some West Coast fruits and cheeses.”

Instead of cupcakes, try doughnuts. “We had one couple who loves doughnuts and wanted a fried doughnut station where the chef cooked hot doughnuts and dipped them in different sauces and glazes.”

Instead of late-night sliders, try gourmet peanut-butter sandwiches. Hollington also suggests peanut-butter-and-cookie-dough sandwiches or sandwiches with peanut butter, white chocolate and raspberry jam.

Inspired Bride

Allison Weiss Entrekin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:33:00 GMT

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. How do you capture the spirit of your relationship as a couple while staying true to individual tastes? It’s all about prioritizing. Here, we draw inspiration from radio cohost Jenn Hobby, who enlisted the help of a handful of the city’s top wedding professionals. They not only weighed in on her vision for the big day but also made sure she and husband-to-be Grant enjoyed every minute of the process—and, of course, their wedding day!

Ready for our Close-Up “During our engagement session with Anna and Spencer, we walked through the High Museum and Table 1280, the location of our first date and, later, our engagement. We knew we absolutely had to have Anna and Spencer shoot our wedding after we saw their beautiful work. Then we saw their website, which reads, ‘We’re married and we’re in love.’ We knew we wanted to be surrounded by that energy on our big day.” Anna & Spencer Photography, 404-357-5304, annaandspencer.com.

Invitation Only “Our stationer, Christine Eberle, suggested we go with the monogram theme and champagne paper to be consistent with our vintage holiday design. Christine takes attention to detail to the next level!” Eberle Invitations, 678-773-4747, eberleinvitations.com.

Beauty Boost “We had two full trial runs of my hair design with Max Sanchez at Dragonfly. He is a perfectionist and wanted to be sure we got it just right.” Dragonfly The Salon, 404-815-6702, dragonflythesalon.com.

Wedding Wisdom “The best decision we ever made was requesting the assistance of our wedding planner, Ashley Baber. Ashley was incredibly creative! Plus, she was our fairy godmother on the day of the edding, making everything happen on time with precision—while her graceful way made it all appear magically.” Ashley Baber Weddings, 678-591-4858, ashleybaberweddings.com.

Nailed It “The perfect polish to look natural and classic. It was applied during an American manicure from Posh Spot in Vinings.” Posh Spot, 770-435-9100, theposhspot.com.

Georgia Goodies “Grant and I wanted to share a bit of our Atlanta favorites with our out-of-town guests, so including Highland Bakery was a must!” Highland Bakery, 404-586-0772, highlandbakery.com.

Make a Statement “We chose a holiday-inspired color palette of garnets, reds, and plums to embrace the season of celebration.” Floral and event design by Amy Saltzman of A Legendary Event, 404-869-8858, legendaryevents.com; and Ashley Baber Weddings, 678-591-4858, ashleybaberweddings.com.

Ask the Trendsetters

Elizabeth Ralls — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT

1. Clear Winners
A contemporary and sleek first impression for your guests, acrylic or lucite wedding invitations add that wonderful wow factor as soon as invitations are retrieved from the mailbox! Whether the clear winner is lovingly protected by a luxurious silk box in a fabric chosen from your wedding colors, or presented inside a metal clam box wrapped with a colorful band of paper, it's the ultimate in modern wedding style.

Coppersmith Photography

The invitation is only the beginning—consider acrylic programs and menus, too.

2. Small Preludes
One trend that has gone from the restaurant to reception is the request for tapas-style small plates served as scaled-down versions of entrees that pack a big flavor punch. Whether butler-passed or served in succession at a sit-down reception, in lieu of the standard three-course meal, the centuries-old Spanish tradition affords culinary creativity while providing a flavorful experience for your guests.

3. Tying the Knot
Floral elements leaping from one arrangement to another is truly an art form, and this year, we’re seeing innovatively intertwined floral arrangements take center stage when it comes to creating modern drama at guest tables. Multiple centerpieces of structure and varied height flow into one another, creating a wonderful lush table centerpiece.

4. Mobile Mixologists
Specializing in the creation of cocktail recipes, mixologists are becoming the latest craze for your cocktail reception design. Consider it an additional investment in the entertainment for the evening; mobile bartenders will not only provide a creative bend on favorite cocktails, they’ll also blend exciting, one-of-a-kind libations right before your eyes. Our favorite: the deconstructed Hemingway Daiquiri with a homemade rum foam.

5. If You Pleats
Sharp pleating is ruling the runways for couture, and we’ve also found the look romancing its way into wedding styles, adding a much-needed update to the ruched bodice detailing we’ve seen for several seasons. Look for crisp folds to add visual dimension in the form of pleated ruffles, hemlines, and train details. The effect allows for great contrast with dramatic draping, creating a level of playful texture.

Dream Weavers

Elizabeth Ralls — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:03:00 GMT

You’ve spent months agonizing over wedding colors, invitations, favors and flavors, so when it comes to selecting a dress, why not commission a bridal gown that not only fits like a glove but also uses the finest fabrics and most elaborate embellishments? When it comes to made-to-measure dresses, trust these four designers to create your very own runway-ready look.

Olive Social
‘Tis the season for the little white dress. Brides already know that white is the way to go, but it’s local fashion stylist Katriesa Raines who’s helping them hone in on the number of ways to wear it before—and after—the big day. From bridal showers and rehearsal dinners to that all-important going-away gown, Raines’s LWD collection is all about fresh, fun looks for brides who want a strong say in building a wardrobe for the special occasions that center around the big day. Her fashion label, Olive Social, is already well-known for its custom, vintage-inspired bridesmaids’ dresses and mother-of-the-bride ensembles, so it was only natural that Raines devote that same attention to her creative-minded brides. We like to think it’s just the olive on top of the martini. olivestyle.com. Available at Paisley Umbrella, paisleyumbrella.com; Kelly’s Closet, kellyscloset.net; Etain, etain-llc.com; and LaRaines, larainesboutique.com.

<< Heidi Elnora
The former Project Runway contestant has earned accolades in everything from Town & Country Weddings to Bride & Bloom, but it’s fashion designer Heidi Elnora’s down-home charm and Alabama roots that keep this rising star’s feet firmly on the ground. Her attention to details and to her roots—Alabama and Georgia artisans craft all Heidi Elnora gowns and veils by hand—has brides from Los Angeles to Dubai booking her talent in droves. But it’s her one-of-a-kind business model—brides can choose bespoke services from three different tiers of pricing at her eponymous Midtown boutique—that allows brides of any budget to get exactly the look they’ve dreamed of and deserve. 404-903-4263, heidielnora.com.

Chaviano Couture >>
“A bride’s dress should not only be worn, it should be experienced,” says designer Annette Thurmon, owner of Chaviano Couture. The nurse–turned–fashion designer has been resuscitating brides’ dreams of a bespoke dress since her “aha” moment three years ago—before her own wedding, when Thurmon determined she could design a gown far more stunning and singular than the ones she found on the rack. Her newest collection, called “Inspire,” consists of eight pieces, six of which are convertible—meaning all the dresses convert from long wedding gowns to short cocktail dresses. It’s a unique concept, made even more so by the fact that she’s donating 20 percent of the proceeds from each dress to charity. Look for Chaviano to make its runway debut this fall at New York Bridal Market. 770-366-0072, chavianocouture.com.

Erica Angeline
If there’s one thing bridal gown, eveningwear and jewelry designer Erica Angeline wants for every bride on her wedding day, it’s that she walk down the aisle stylishly, confidently and reeking of royalty. Of course, that would mean she would be sporting a couture, fitted gown from the artisan’s 2010 bridal collection, one Angeline has infused with ultra-feminine vintage glamour (think perfectly placed color in the form of a black beaded belt) and opulent architectural details (think fanciful tiers of bejeweled lace). A true artist, it’s opulent touches like intricate beading and pleating on her fresh twist on traditional silhouettes that set this couturier apart from the pack. 404-906-1428, ericaangeline.com.

Photos: Chaviano Couture, Kristy Dickerson; Erica Angeline, Ross Oscar Knight

7 Trends We Love—Right Now!

Elizabeth Ralls — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:02:00 GMT

Vintage Glam: Fragrant Flowers
It’s a throwback to simpler times, but lily of the valley, hyacinth, peonies, gardenias, gladiolas and, yes, even spirea—more commonly known as “bridal wreath”—are making a comeback thanks to the current craze for vintage weddings. A bridal bouquet of fresh-cut peonies, for example, is the perfect thematic choice for retro-loving brides sporting an ethereal, vintage-style gown, or even a tailored Betty Draper–inspired dress. But it’s the distinctive fragrance these blooms will lend the celebration that makes the beholder as sexy as she is sensual.

Twice as Nice: Signature Pairings
For a fresh take on the signature cocktail, think pairings that pay homage to both the bride and the groom. Double the pleasure, double the fun. Imagine a lavender martini for her served alongside a Jägermeister or Jäger Bomb for him. Take it one step further and personalize each drink with a fun “side”: a luscious Syrah paired with a dark chocolate truffle, and a Manhattan in a double old-fashioned alongside a cigar. The combinations are endless and will certainly give your guests something to talk about—or toast to.

>> Group Think: Taming the Tablescape
For an unpretentious but fabulous twist on the high-versus-low centerpiece debate, consider grouping tabletop accessories and architectural elements of varying heights to pack in the punch. The simple addition of unique vases, blooming branches and votive candles can add dimension to your tablescape without looking forced.

Juicy Couture: Cut Fruit Is King
Tangerine, lemon and lime have given serious citrus punch to weddings over the last year, from floral designs to bridesmaid dresses. Why not inject some spontaneity and visual punch into the decor by adding cut fruit to your table display? Whether used as halves positioned among table decorations or as holders for flowers, candles or place cards, the tangy scent of citrus—think fresh, juicy fruits, like oranges and grapefruits—will not only entice the senses but also add texture and authenticity to the display.

That’s a Wrap: Tulle on Top
While the cathedral-length veil once added instant drama to any walk down the aisle, today it’s the tulle wrap that’s enveloping brides and taking the place of traditional additions like the bolero. Fairy-tale and dreamy—think Audrey Hepburn—the lightweight wrap is also the perfect solution for the brides in strapless gowns hoping to remain modest at the ceremony. Brides looking to make a grand entrance need only wrap themselves in a cloud of tulle with a cascading train from five to 20 feet in length. It’s good taste plus a dash of daring—the ultimate sophistication.

Pushing the Envelope: Think Inside the Box
First impressions can also be the last, so it’s important to make sure your invitations stand apart from the rest. Think inside the box: That’s right, forget the standard envelope and get guests talking with a dynamic enclosure. Personalize metal, clam-style boxes or wooden containers the size of a cigar box with custom-designed labels and stamps. Get your guests talking and let them know this is one event they won’t want to miss.

Instant Attraction: Your Name in Lights >>
Many brides are enamored with the beautifully lit monogram “gobos” couples are shining on the dance floor, but why stop there? Put your name in lights, literally, and spotlight your custom-designed monogram onto the side of the building of your reception. It’s a high-impact, low-cost element that will not only greet your guests in style but will also infuse your big day with
one-of-a-kind personality in an over-the-top fashion.

The Wedding Guys are visionaries on a quest to elevate the wedding industry. Part theater directors, part curators of trend, they elegantly and artistically showcase new ways to create unforgettable experiences and exceptional celebrations.

Photos by Coppersmith Photography