Bridal expert explains why it’s not a bad idea to buy a wedding dress online, and more

Bridal interest online has never been more popular thanks to this year’s Met Gala and Sofia Richie’s fairytale wedding where she wore not one, not two, but three custom Chanel wedding dresses.

Co-founder of Coterie White and Melange de Blanc, Christina Wettstein, shares expert tips on how to shop for your special day, hottest new labels and more.

Because let’s face it, when it comes to weddings, it all starts with the dress!

After wearing three custom Chanel wedding dresses to marry music producer Elliott Grainge, Sofia Richie’s big day was one of the most stylish celebrity weddings of all time.

For her reception, Lionel Richie’s daughter wore a 1990s Chanel minidress inspired by a 1993 design by Claudia Schiffer.

A new finding from fashion expert Karen Millen reveals that online interest in mini wedding dresses more than tripled average volume in May after Sofia’s nuptials.

And let’s not forget all the gorgeous white dresses at this year’s Met Gala, where bridal wear was a major trend, worn by many celebrities for this year’s theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.

Dua Lipa took to the Met Gala red carpet in a 1992 Chanel tweed wedding dress with a Basque waist — one of this year’s biggest design detail trends

TRENDS

“This season we’re seeing an ode to a more traditional bride — lots of really beautiful new fabrics, luscious satin, and rich 3D embroidery,” says Christina Wettstein, co-founder of Coterie White and Melange de Blanc.

“In terms of silhouettes, we’re seeing a resurgence of Basque waistlines that are incredibly flattering, box pleats and more opaque looks – less sheer than in previous seasons.”

Dua Lipa took to the Met Gala red carpet in a 1992 Chanel tweed bridal gown with a Basque waist.

A basque waist refers to a close-fitting bodice that extends past the waist and over the hips to form an inverted triangle.

The expert also reveals that gloves are still trendy, dramatic veils and lots of beading.

According to Christina, the Nicole + Felicia bridal brand is about to become very popular

“They dressed Taylor Swift just before opening night on the Eras Tour in a custom crystal-embellished ball gown that required over 200,000 crystals and sequins.”

BRANDS TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR

According to Christina, the Nicole + Felicia bridal brand is about to become very popular.

“We soft introduced them last season and already have them in some of the best stores in North America.

“Just before opening night on the Eras Tour, they dressed Taylor Swift in a custom, crystal-embellished ball gown that took over 200,000 crystals and sequins to make.

“You’ll see many of their amazing embellished details throughout the collection.”

The Melange de Blanc (a new pop-up concept for the bridal market) co-founder also lists Chakra as a must-see brand this season.

From Georges Chakra’s Lebanese haute couture fashion house, Dorothy and Jennifer Chakra have created a truly unique luxury bridal collection that debuted for the first time in North America at NYBFW.

‘What we love about this collection is that the same patternmakers who create the magic of the haute couture collection that was on display in Paris also make the wedding dresses – so the fit and tailoring is impeccable.

“Nothing beats bridal fashion and because they specialize in bespoke dresses, the attention to detail is beyond compare.”

Also this season, the expert names Chakra as a must-watch brand. From the Lebanese haute couture fashion house of Georges Chakra, Dorothy and Jennifer Chakra have created a truly unique luxury bridal collection that first debuted in North America at NYBFW

“You’ll see many of their amazing embellished details throughout the collection”

BUY ONLINE

The pandemic has boosted online shopping and brands have done a great job making e-commerce easy and enjoyable.

But is buying a wedding dress online a good idea?

“It’s important to know that buying a dress online doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality, it’s about what the bride values ​​in a dress and the shopping experience,” said Coterie White’s co-founder.

After a salon visit, many brides walk out with a style they never thought they would like.

“When shopping at a bridal boutique, a bride has the experience of trying on dresses with a professional stylist to narrow down her selections,” Christina tells WebMD.

“Being educated on the construction and fit of the dress, having her special measurements and submitting them to the designer making the dress, and in many cases having access to alterations that can help achieve the look she wants: lengthening the train, adding sleeves , going up the neckline etc.

“Obviously buying a dress from a store would mean having the dress made to order for this bride.

‘So yes, it’s fine to buy a dress online – no matter where the dress was bought from, you should always be prepared for changes and have a great seamstress to make that dress perfect for you!’

According to Christina, the Nicole + Felicia bridal brand is about to become very popular. “We soft introduced them last season and already have them in some of the best stores in North America

ALL EYES ON YOU

Every bride wants to look and feel her best on her wedding day.

And while many are experimenting with more dramatic makeup or opting for a formal updo, Christina believes a bride needs to be herself to stand out.

My biggest piece of advice is don’t try to be someone you’re not on your wedding day.

Don’t pick a lip color you’d never wear again or a haircut that doesn’t look like you at all!

“Choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful, surround yourself with people you love, and the rest will take care of itself.”