Short wedding dresses are just as lovely as a long wedding gown.

Brides who select a short dress are unafraid to think creatively and are not impeded by conventional constraints. One bride we saw paired her short wedding dress with the most incredible pair of red stiletto shoes. With her bouquet of red roses and a lovely crimson feather hairpiece, she looked beautifully unique for her wedding.

A short style can be ideal for a destination wedding – on a beach, in a Las Vegas chapel, or in a less formal backyard setting. With the wedding trend leaning toward more intimate, personal weddings, perhaps the short dress is exactly what you are looking for.

Short wedding dresses have as much glamour as a full length gown. You can select lacey fabrics or crystal encrusted materials. The style can be sleek and sexy or full and flirty. The options are numerous!

And do keep in mind our short wedding dresses are perfect for other special events such as your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or bachelorette party. You might even want to have a short dress to change into for your reception! And show off those shoes!

The Quintessential Bride offers a nice selection of stylish, flirty short dresses appropriate for the bride!

A beautiful trend this year is the backless gown. The gown itself sends a dramatic statement so your accessories and hairstyle should be simple and elegant to ensure your look is not overdone.

For example Ahna O’Reilly (star of the movie, The Help) wore a stunning backless dress to the recent Screen Actors’ Guild Awards. She kept her hair in a long, straight style and wore very little makeup. She looked incredible!

We have a wonderful selection of backless gowns at The Quintessential Bride. And we will be sure to help you determine what to wear for support under your gown – which can be a bit tricky to figure out!

What types of figures look best in backless? Many types look beautiful, but the extremely low back looks best on a body without any “love handles”. If your figure is a bit more generous, you should look for a dress that doesn’t swoop quite so low.

Several days before your gala event, you might want to splurge on a skincare treatment for your back – polish away any dull, dead skin. The soft, warm glow of your skin will enhance your look!

Whether you watch award shows to see who actually wins or just to enjoy the entertainment, there is no ignoring the fashion of the evening!  You might find yourself wondering why on earth she chose that dress.  And you are sure to spot some trends in fashion.  We certainly did!  And if you missed the show, no worries!  The Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear can show you the most up-to-date trends right in our salon!  View our Evening Wear Slideshow and see our version of Red Carpet Glamour!

Fishtail Dresses

Body hugging gowns that flare out at the knee. Some have a train of fabric behind you, others simply poof out all around your calves. This glamorous style is very popular, illustrated by the many starlets at the Globes who were wrapped into these dresses.  Paula Patton, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergar, Lea Michele, Charlize Theron to name just a few.

While not every shape is enhanced by this style, but when it does suit you, you will look absolutely enchanting! If your bust and hip are in balance, you should try on one of these lovely gowns. We have fishtail dresses for you to try, so stop into the salon today.

Other trends…

Bare Backs

Rather than plunging necklines, many stars chose to bare their backs rather than cleavage. A backless gown is such a glamorous look!

Cheerful Yellow

Bright yellow was a popular choice of gown color this year.  Yellow is the color of optimism, enlightenment and happiness. It’s also known to bring the promise of a positive future. Did the actresses who chose yellow select it in hopes of winning?

Nude Tones

And then there were all the shades of nude (yes, there are many shades, from blush to beige). The right hue can enhance your skin tone, so it is important to experiment with the “color”.

Accessories for Hair

Headbands are still very popular. Charlize Theron wore a sparkling one, covered in crystals.

Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear completely understands the feelings our clients experience as they shop for the perfect dress for an important event. Can you even imagine the emotions involved when selecting a gown to wear for your husband’s Inaugaration Ball?

In addition, you realize that your choice will be photographed, discussed, critiqued, and then placed in a public exhibit forever after?!

Americans fascination with our First Lady’s clothing is certainly not a recent pheonomen. Beginning in 1912, the Smithsonian Institution has invited our Presidents’ wives to select a dress to add to their collection. Helen Taft was the first one to choose to donate her 1909 inauguration gown.

A recent radio clip from NPR describes the exhibit and the gowns. There is a lovely slideshow and narration about some of the featured dresses.

Look at each gown without first reading who wore it…some of the names might surprise you.

Here is a link to the radio clip.  Enjoy!

A beautiful reddish orange has been selected as the PANTONE color of the year for 2012. PANTONE describes the color as “spirited” and “ready to provde the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.”

A new dress in this lovely color is sure to turn heads in your direction! “A provocative attention-getter,” PANTONE says about Tangerine Tango.

And who is PANTONE, anyway? Self described as the world’s color authority, PANTONE searches all over the world for color influences, considering entertainment, new artists, travel destinations, and even sports events.

Stop in to the Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear and ask to see color samples of this vibrant hue!