Contemporary Brides
A special section of The Rivertowns Enterprise , February 15, 2013
Divas, darlings and dolls dress to impress
By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG
Inside
The big bash Not-so-secrets to throwing the best parties.............3A Traditional to modern Photography worlds collide for best options..............4A Next stop graduation: Time to start planning!....5A Party time? Relax and enjoy every single moment............... 9A ‘Green’ ideas for beautiful winter-white weddings... 10A How to make your marriage proposal perfect..........12A What to avoid when planning a wedding.....12A
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aybe it’s all the airtime devoted to popular wedding reality shows like TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.” Or maybe it’s a demographic of increasingly confi dent, professionally established brides. One thing is certain — contemporary brides know what they want. While individual tastes vary, and different nuptial venues and personalities influence the character of each wedding dress, there seems to be an overwhelming trend toward statement-making gowns and details that can be personalized through color, accessories or embellishment. In many ways, the white wedding dress has transcended its rarefied traditions. Timeless styles remain plentiful; however, more than ever before, contemporary bridal fashions are tuned in to runway couture and current trends. One example is the peplum skirt. Starting in fall 2012, designers revived peplum jackets and skirts with mad embrace, and runways abounded with amplified drama and feminine shape. Bridal designers have responded in kind, with a host of distinct interpretations of the peplum. These range from structured and graphic silhouettes to soft, floaty poufs overlaying column skirts. Peplums give brides a beautiful feminine silhouette as they emphasize beautiful curves and a small waist. Some peplum styles are convertible, offering brides the option of a removable piece for a “second”
Groomsmen go beyond the traditional black tux Available at Fontana Couture in Greenwich.
look to satisfy reception festivities or dancing. Bare backs, single open shoulders and high necklines define the latest trends in glamorous eveningwear. So, too, are these styles revolutionizing bridal fashions. Sexy has become sophisticated — and the look is desirable for modern brides. Inspiration comes from the goddesses of Hollywood’s most glamorous films. Think of Greta Garbo, Rita HayContinued on page 8A
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By MARY LEGRAND
edding guests who hear the strains of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” — better known to some as “Here Comes the Bride” — may turn their heads and focus on the woman in white walking down the aisle, but everyone knows that her groom also has to look his very best on their big day. For decades, or so it seems, many if not most well dressed grooms, their best men and ushers have been decked out in tuxedos. But that has changed in recent years for some. Groomswear now include suits, jackets and pants in rounding out their options, say those who outfit men for special occasions. Rick Fortuna of Italy Direct Menswear in Katonah sells a wide range of menswear, including suits perfect for special times such as weddings. For one recent event he outfitted the groom and the men who accompanied him Continued on page 2A