Winter Weddings and another Vintage Twist.

With the right elements, such as sunshine in the summer, a winter wedding could be a glamorous wonderland. However, when I asked my client, Donna, recently if she was happy about the vast amount of snow we've had, and the fact her 'white wedding' will actually be white, she said. "Not sure I really want to drag my train around in the snow for it to get all wet and soggy."

I guess the concept is nice, but reality is a different matter!

Donna chose to mix her sultry, old Hollywood style wedding gown, Gatsby, complete with marabou shrug jacket with upbeat swing style 40's numbers for her bridesmaids.

With an age difference between the younger bridesmaids (and we all know those ten-year-olds think they're at least 15) Donna wanted to keep the style appropriate for the youngsters, yet allowing the older of the two to feel a little more grown up. She opted for a spot satin for the younger and a plain duchess satin for the older.




The adult gowns were based on a 1940 swing dress. The 1940s saw two distinctive styles in women's clothing. From the beginning of World War II in 1939 till the dawn of the New Look in 1947, women's dresses were knee-length with silhouettes austere (simple and basic)
Once the war was over, the Paris couturiers, once again took the fashion helm. Christian Dior pioneered the New Look, which featured a nipped waist, longer lengths and fuller skirts, with yards and yards of fabric used and a more classically feminine image created.


To integrate the look with a modern twist, I suggested small shrug-type jackets for the season which would incorporate the 1940’s trench- coat detail with an exaggerated element in the high collar. Lining the jackets in the polka dot fabric would gel everything together.

The petticoats were 2 layers of 3-tiered net with a satin bound edge.

So, with the bridal party sorted, Donna asked if I could accomodate her mum with a dress for her big day.

Her mum had tried on a few gowns and had fallen in love with a style by a very well known wedding and occasion wear designer. However, the jacket had a very elaborate sleeve style which Donna's mum wasn't so keen on.

Donna's mum chose a sumptious purple silk dupion fabric for her slight 'A' line strapless gown. The bodice had the ususal inner corselette and the pleating detail was all done by hand.

To finish, we opted for the bolero type jacket with a self tie to the front. This could be worn simply tied or for a more elaborate effect, tied into a bow.

Of her gowns, Donna said. "Thank you so much for all of your hard work and understanding what was in my head. I'll be sure to send some pictures of us looking fabulous!"

Donna, it was an absolute pleasure. I hope you had a very happy wedding day.