Poll :: Colorful Wedding Gowns :: Love It Or Leave It?

Vera Wang Citrus-Colored Bridal Gown

Weddiquette : The Afterlife Of A Dress

Sassi Holford's layered silk organza gown.Hello and Happy Monday, everyone!

This past weekend's East Coast snowstorm (21 inches in Baltimore!) kept me indoors and absorbed in wedding gown research.

Wrapped up in a cozy cashmere throw, sipping a hot cocoa with marshmallows, pouring over designer web sites and reading through the latest bridal magazines (well, the ones that didn't get shut down this past year) got me pondering the afterlife of a dress. After all of the research and shopping that goes into finding the perfect dress and because of the central role this one article of clothing plays in the wedding, I'm curious as to what you think the proper thing is to do with it post-wedding.

What did you (or, plan to) do with your gown after the Big Day? Did you keep it for a future daughter, donate it, sell it, turn it into something else or possibly give it to a friend?

I'd love to hear what your dress is up to these days!

I'm location scouting in Manhattan today (with a few shopping and dining stops on the itinerary, of course) and will be back tomorrow with some good reports!

All the best,

Jennifer

PS: Every comment posted, mailing list sign up, Facebook fan addition, or Twitter follow counts as an entry in Sky Blue Events monthly bouquet giveaway (more details, left). This month we're sending someone some divine white orchids. Gorgeous, yes?

 
Speaking of gorgeous...here are three glamorous gowns and the exquisite vintage crystal beading that captured my attention while researching:

Vera Wang's "Dorothy "ballgown of watercolor tulle, tissue organza, chiffon and charmeuse features a band of vintage crystal beadwork.                 

Amsale's "Nicole" strapless satin trumpet gown with self belt features a vintage beaded brooch.

Carolina Herrera's Spring 2010 collection was guided by the greatest painters of our time, including this John Singer Sargent-inspired ivory faille gown with portrait neckline and embroidered and beaded floral brooch.

Dress Code: Cocktail Frocks and the Single Shoulder

Cocktail frock inspiration in this week's featured color palette comes in the form of lots of tulle, draping, glamour and a sharp set of shoulders.

Stand-outs from the Spring and Resort 2010 collections include single shoulder options from Vera Wang (grey tulle dress with embellished shoulder detail and belt), Marchesa (deep red silk satin short dress; black and grey tulle with black sequined shoulder dress) and Monique Lhuillier (long dark red draped dress). See more of the Things We Like in this color palette.