What I Learned During NY Int’l Bridal Fashion Week as a Bride
Bridal Fashion Week has hit the runways, lofts, studios, and rooftops of NYC — it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time either — with my wedding coming up in September, I have a lot of admiring and selecting to do, but most of all a lot to learn!
Over the weekend (April 16-18, 2016) New York International Bridal Week at Pier 92 took over — where over 100 bridal vendors came out to display their collections from dresses to accessories as well as edible sweets ♥
What I learned about bridal shopping so far:
➀ White isn’t the only color that’s bridal gown appropriate — more and more people are shifting towards soft pinks, champagne, and my favorite ivory. I’ve also seen blues and reds being incorporated into dresses — going unique and making a statement while at it! As much as I love color, I’ll stick to white and ivory please & thank you.
TIP: Added beading, bling and lace gives any classic gown/bride a royal touch!
➁ Capes are in! Her girl hey — I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved the cape look. I got familiar with it from a young age while fairy tales and Disney stories were my life. I’ve always loved those styles and wanted to incorporate that royal touch into my big day.
TIP: If you want a big train but you also want to dance freely without the weight and concern of your gorgeous wedding dress getting ruined — a cape is for YOU! The cape will give you that train you desire, while also being able to remove it whenever you feel like it. Now that’s a commitment I like — optional!
➂ You don’t have to spend thousands to get something spectacular! During NY International Bridal Week, wholesale prices were displayed/compared to retail costs and I must say I was pleasantly surprised! YOU CAN HAVE SOMETHING SPECTACULAR for under 2K. Heck — I would even bargain now that I know stores buy it for about 50% off the price they’re selling it for. I’m Middle Eastern so negotiating/bargaining is in my blood!
TIP: My fiance has great style and strong opinions — he’s sort of like a Kanye like that ha! To browse, I took him along to get to know what styles he seems to like. I was surprised as to the great advice he was spilling. I love how he really put his heart into this — getting to know the whole wedding dress process from the fabrics to different types of beads, bling, and lace. Ladies — DO THIS!!! After all, it’s your groom you’re trying to impress the most — right?
➃ Bridal vendors come across hungry — and I say that because I was shocked. Often times they hover over you making it extremely uncomfortable to look at their collection, yes that includes no touching.
With some vendors, I didn’t appreciate the way we were approached. They see you as $$$$ instead of brides who are dreaming of their perfect wedding day. Losing that genuine connection is so unfortunate for their own sales.
With that said, not all are like that. I met some who approached me genuinely, like bridal designer Jude Jowilson who brings so much elegance, romance, and vintage/old hollywood inspired looks into his collection. I was so impressed that I’m setting up an appointment to see the rest of his collection! Good thing it’s in NYC.
Here are some more bridal gowns ♥
You will love Jude’s designs. He is one of a kind. Good luck.