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Category Archives: wedding dresses

What We’re Wearing: Wedding Gowns 2024

It is time for our 2024 bridal edition of What We’re Wearing – wedding gowns 2024! Our brides are going to shine!

We are so excited for you to see what all of our gorgeous brides wear down the aisle this year! In fact, we are so excited, we are going to give you a little sneak peek at what you can expect.

Square/Straight Across Necklines

One trend you should expect to see a good amount of this year are gowns with square or straight necklines. Brides were obsessed with our collection of dresses that had these slightly more modest tops. It did not matter if the dress was a-line, ballgown, or fit and flare, nor did it matter if they were stunningly simple or lavishly adorned! If it had that straight neckline, they were sold.

Prepare to see so many stunning gowns with this elegant and timeless neckline.

What We’re Wearing: June by Beloved Bridal, D3974 by Essense of Australia, and Jaden by Madi Lane Bridal

Unique Lace

Lace has always been a popular feature on bridal gowns, but designers have been really ramping up their style by incorporating incredible and unique floral appliqués on their dresses. Some of our most loved dresses have featured big, bold florals, vine and leaf lace, and 3D petal appliqués. Lace is clearly a trend that is not going anywhere, but the 2024 brides wanted gowns that elevated the traditional take on lace wedding dresses and they sure got them!

What We’re Wearing: Jaya by Madi Lane Bridal, Alyssa by Kitty Chen Couture, and Verona by Mia Solano Bridal

Sleek and Simple

When we sat down with our brides to determine what they were looking for, we heard two words repeated often: timeless and elegant. The brides of 2024 want gowns that will withstand the test of time. Whether it be a dress that was completely simple or a dress with a little detail in the bodice and a simple skirt, dresses with “clean” elements are going to be huge this year!

What We’re Wearing: Darcy by Morilee, Chloe by Kitty Chen, and Emma by Sophia Tolli

Glitter and Sparkle

When we went to Chicago market, we saw so many gowns that shimmered and sparkled as the models moved. We noted to each other how we thought that sparkle and glitter was going to be huge for wedding gowns 2024. Judging by the amount of glitter we go home covered in after a day of appointments, we learned pretty quickly that we were right!

We saw so many brides say yes to gorgeous glittery gowns and shimmery sequined stunners, and we cannot wait to hear how many compliments they receive on these beauties!

What We’re Wearing: Dina by Morilee, 7404 by Stella York, and Zazie by WToo

When it’s time to search for your wedding dress, make sure to check what we’re wearing in wedding gowns 2024 and then make your appointment to come out and see us!

The Reception Dress: Do You Need One?

One of the most exciting parts wedding planning is saying yes to the dress! A new trend emerging is the reception dress, and some brides are now saying yes to two dresses.

This may seem completely out of reach for some, however, there are ways you can score a reception dress! In this blog, we will consider the pros and cons, and some tips on how to stay within your budget for two dresses!

First, let’s look at some pros:

Comfort. One of the main reasons brides choose a reception dress is comfort. Wedding dresses are stunning in their volume and detail, but because of this can be very heavy, hot, difficult to dance in, etc. Being able to change out of that after the ceremony and the beautiful photos is a great option for those who intend on dancing and partying the night away.

Versatility: Reception dresses come in a variety of styles, from short and flirty to sleek and sophisticated. This allows a bride to choose a dress that reflects her personal style and complements the theme of their reception. It also provides an opportunity to showcase a different aspect of her fashion sense!

Practicality: Wedding gowns often have intricate designs, long trains, and delicate fabrics that may not be well-suited for a party reception with dancing and table visiting. By changing into a reception dress, brides can protect their wedding gown from potential damage while still looking elegant and put-together.

Photography: Having a reception dress can add visual interest to your wedding photos. It provides a fresh look for the reception portion of the day and allows photographers to capture a different aesthetic. Brides may have a variety of pictures that showcase different aspects of their wedding attire. Your partner may opt for a change of attire as well!

Memories: A reception dress can become a cherished keepsake from the wedding day. Brides may associate it with the joy and celebration of the reception, creating fond memories every time they see or wear the dress in the future.

Now we can look at some points on the other side:

Cost: Adding a reception dress to your wedding attire can increase overall costs. While some brides may find affordable options, others may invest a significant amount in a second dress. This expense may not be feasible for every budget.

Logistics: Changing into a reception dress requires time and space, which may not always be readily available during the wedding day. Brides will need to plan ahead to ensure they have a private area for changing and enough time to transition between dresses without feeling rushed.

Traditional Expectations: In some cultures or families, there may be traditional expectations surrounding wedding attire. Opting for a reception dress instead of wearing the wedding gown throughout the entire event could be seen as unconventional or disrespectful to these traditions.

Sentimental Value: For some brides, the wedding gown holds significant sentimental value. Choosing to change into a different dress for the reception may feel like abandoning or diminishing the importance of the gown they wore during the ceremony.

Limited Wear: Like a wedding gown, which is typically only worn once, a reception dress may also have limited opportunities for future wear. Some brides may struggle to justify the expense of a second dress they will only wear for a few hours on their wedding day.

Staying In Budget With A Reception Dress

If you have decided you definitely want a dress specifically for your reception, there are multiple ways to do this while staying in budget. The first is to find a dress that has a detachable accessory, such as an overskirt or a jacket/shoulder piece on top.

A dress that has an over skirt can look like a ball gown, and when the skirt is removed, it may be a fit and flare, a sheath, or even a short dress underneath!

A dress that has a jacket over top may have long sleeves and full coverage, and when removed it becomes a strapless dress. This is another way to have two dresses in one.

This is an excellent option without paying more money for a second dress.

Another way to do this is to watch for sample sales. Many bridal stores have sales throughout the year and mark their stock dresses down for a quick sale. You can try on dresses in your size and sometimes find the perfect dress at a fraction of its retail price. We have had brides buy two dresses and still stay at or under budget at our sample sales!

Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo also offers the Sample Closet which is open all year long! No need to wait for a sample sale, these are discounted and ready to wear. It is updated frequently because dresses sell often, and new ones are added! Our sample closet is a place where brides often find their dress(es)!

The decision to have a reception dress comes down to personal preference, budget, and logistical considerations (if you are having a destination wedding, do you want to transport two dresses?). While there are benefits to having a reception dress, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that aligns best with your vision. Ultimately, whether you opt for one dress or two, what matters most is feeling comfortable, confident, and beautiful as you celebrate the beginning of your new journey together!

Eight Wedding Dress Aesthetics: Finding the Perfect Style for Your Special Day

The search for the perfect wedding dress is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation. One of the key elements that make each bridal gown unique is its aesthetic. Wedding dress aesthetics can encompass a wide range of styles, from classic and timeless to modern and avant-garde. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of wedding dress aesthetics, helping you understand various styles and guiding you to find the one that resonates with your personal taste and wedding theme.

Wedding Dress Aesthetics

Classic elegance:

Model in a sparkling a line shaped wedding dress with spaghetti straps, corset, bodice, and layered skirt with slit.

Classic wedding dresses are timeless and exude elegance. Think A-line or ball gown silhouettes, delicate lace detailing, and subtle embellishments. Classic gowns often feature clean lines and a focus on traditional elements that stand the test of time.

Romantic whimsy:

Romantic and whimsy of the wedding dress aesthetics, a model in a classically shaped dress with a modified, sweetheart neckline, beautiful floral lace appliqué, and a detachable top. Top piece has long sleeves with 3-D lace, a bateau neckline, and a full illusion back with buttons.

For brides seeking a dreamy, romantic aesthetic, whimsical wedding dresses are the perfect choice. Soft fabrics like tulle and chiffon, floral appliqués, and ethereal silhouettes create a fairy-tale look. Consider dresses with subtle layers and movement for a romantic touch.

Vintage charm:

Wedding dress featuring a halter neckline and lace collar, both with scalloped edging and eyelash lace, fitted shape, court length train finished with scallop details.

Vintage-inspired wedding dresses bring the charm of the past to the present. Whether it’s the glamour of the 1920s, the sophistication of the 1950s, or the bohemian vibes of the 1970s, vintage dresses often feature unique lace patterns, retro silhouettes, and intricate detailing.

Modern minimalism:

Model in a modern wedding dress in a crêpe fabric, a ruched bodice, subtle sweetheart neckline edged with pearl detail, fitted skirt with slit. Buttons run the length of the back down to the bottom of the court length train

Embrace a sleek and contemporary look with modern minimalism. Clean lines, simple silhouettes, and understated elegance define this aesthetic. Minimalist wedding dresses often focus on impeccable tailoring and high-quality fabrics for a sophisticated, modern appeal.

Bohemian chic:

Model in a bohemian style wedding dress made entirely of English net, wide off the shoulder straps, a pleated bodice, and a light layered skirt with a sweep train.

Bohemian wedding dresses are perfect for free-spirited brides who appreciate relaxed and unconventional styles. Flowy silhouettes, light layering details, and off the shoulder sleeves create an ethereal, laid-back and effortlessly chic aesthetic. Consider adding wild flowers to complement the boho vibe.

Glamorous luxe:

Model in a lace and mikado lux wedding dress, with strapless sweetheart neckline, fit and flare shape with detachable off the shoulder mikado puff sleeves and lace to the wrists, and glamorous over skirt with side waist bow.

For brides who want to make a statement, glamorous wedding dresses are the epitome of luxury. Dramatic silhouettes, intricate beading, and lavish fabrics like satin or silk create a red-carpet-worthy look. A touch of sparkle with embellishments or sequins adds extra glamour.

Destination elegance:

Model in a lightweight lace sheath wedding dress, with a slight plunge V-neck and delicate beaded straps.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider dresses that reflect the location’s vibe. Lightweight fabrics, breezy silhouettes, and effortless styles are perfect for beach weddings, while more structured gowns may suit a formal destination affair.

Avant-garde edgy:

Wedding dress with a mikado Long sleeve, puff shoulder, sweetheart sparkle lace illusion bodice, and clean mikado skirt with high slit.

For the bold and adventurous bride, edgy and avant-garde wedding dresses push the boundaries of traditional bridal fashion. Unique cuts, unconventional fabrics, and non-traditional colors make this one most fashion-forward and statement-making of the wedding dress aesthetics.

Your wedding dress is a reflection of your personal style and the overall aesthetic you envision for your special day. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance, romantic whimsy, vintage charm, modern minimalism, bohemian chic, glamorous luxe, destination elegance, or edgy avant-garde, exploring these wedding dress aesthetics will guide you towards finding the gown that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and perfectly aligned with your vision for your wedding day.

Enjoy the process of discovering these wedding dress aesthetics to find the one that speaks to your heart and makes your bridal dreams come true.

Feaured Wedding Dress – Sarie by Madie Lane

Meet Sarie!

Designer: Madi Lane

Sarie, from Madi Lane’s Memoirs collection, is an enchanting and whimsical wedding gown. Every detail on her was specially crafted for brides to embrace their feminine and romantic side. From her flattering a-line silhouette to her intricate 3-D lace details, Sarie is a must-try for brides looking to ‘wow’ on their wedding day.

Her bodice has a classic sweetheart neckline, a favorite for brides. Delicately beaded spaghetti straps support the bodice, and they are decorated with some lace appliques as they transition from the bodice. Exposed boning provides a contemporary touch as well as plenty of support for brides with any size chest. Sarie’s bodice is unlined, giving her a slightly sultry vibe. Around back, a row of buttons closes up the gown, and the back neckline is a sophisticated and low V-shape.   

Botanical-inspired lace appliques dance across the bodice and throughout the skirt. Motifs of flowers and leaves, decorated with sparkling beads, create a whimsical and ethereal feeling to Sarie. Her floral designs are light and delicate yet also highly exquisite. Lace peaks overtop of the neckline and helps soften the transition from bodice to straps. The thoughtful placement of the lace throughout the train ensures that walking down the aisle towards your love will be dramatic  and memorable. 

As the gorgeous flowers cascade down the gown and into the skirt, Sarie’s sparkle is really the star of the show. Her a-line skirt is constructed with layers of tulle and one very special layer of glitter mesh. The fine sparkles in the mesh give her a dazzling, all-over glow. Twirling around the dance floor with this stunning, sparkly gown might just be the highlight of your (and your videographer’s) night! A circular, chapel-length train finishes the the gown off, and it is gorgeously decorated with lacey flowers and leaves.   

Close up of illusion cathedral train with glittery shimmer and beaded lace applique

Sarie is available in Ivory/Mocha, Ivory/Latte, and Ivory/Ivory. 

Sarie is an absolute must-try for brides who are embracing all things feminine, floral and nature-inspired in their wedding aesthetic. Sarie will enhance the vibes of any spring or summer wedding with her effortlessly romantic and airy design. Her stunning botanical details and delightfully sparkly skirt will have her working perfectly with outdoor venues like arboretums, wineries, and refined estates. Color palettes with sage green, baby pink, or dusty blue would look absolutely enchanting next to Sarie.    

Back view of a lovely lacey wedding dress, button closure over zip, low open back, dainty thin straps, rosette and vine pattern on back skirt and spread out circular cathedral train

So much of Sarie is incredibly special; from her delicate straps, her contemporary exposed boning, and 3D lace appliques, there is nothing ‘basic’ about this gown. Her bodice is highly structured, so every bride will be snatched in at the waist before her dreamy A-line skirt begins. And Sarie’s skirt is nothing short of dazzling with its layer of sparkle mesh. But Madi Lane knows that not every bride wants all the sparkle, so Sarie can be ordered without her layer of glitter mesh! Between that customization and all her available color options, Sarie will be an easy yes for any bride that tries her on!

Featured Wedding Dress: Paolina by Morilee

Meet Paolina!

Designer: Morilee

Classic Fit & Flare Shape

Paulina by Morilee is a chic and sophisticated gown that will have all the vintage-inspired brides lining up to try her on! True to the high quality designs that Morilee wedding dresses are known for, Paolina is gorgeously crafted to be a show stopper. She softly accentuates brides’ curves with her classic fit-and-flare silhouette. She hugs your body down to the thighs but leaves you enough leg-room for dancing all night long! This flattering silhouette is a favorite of brides.    

Morilee’s Paolina has a halter neckline, which evokes a feeling of couture and elegance. The collar shape of the halter is dramatic and unique. Brides looking to show off their collar bones or shoulders should definitely try out this neckline! An illusion panel at the front of the bodice highlights the sweetheart shape at the top of the bust-line and further enhances the drama of the halter. Delicate eyelash-lace-trim lines the edges of the bodice up through the halter neckline; this detail helps Paolina bring the ‘WOW’ factor. 

Paolina wedding dress with halter neckline

Paolina is covered with stunning, intricate Chantilly lace from top to bottom. The floral motifs within the Chantilly lace pattern are feminine and romantic. The all-over chantilly lace gives Paolina a sophisticated, vintage vibe. The chantilly lace sets Paolina apart from a lot of wedding gowns being worn this season– instead of the vine-and-leaf appliques, Paolina pulls from traditional designs but with an elevated twist. Clear sequins stitched throughout the lace gives her a gentle shimmer without using over-the-top beading.   

Paolina wedding dress lace

For as remarkable as the front of Paolina is, her back is equally as gorgeous. The halter neckline closes around the neck, and two bands of lace extend down to create an absolutely mesmerizing keyhole back. The bands of lace that create the keyhole are crafted from Chantilly lace and are lined with the same delicate eyelash lace that is on the front of the gown. A line of buttons flows down and perfectly hides the zipper. Paolina’s train is court-length with a lovely scalloped edging, which is a perfect length for outdoor venues. 

Paolina wedding dress with halter neckline & keyhole back

Versatile Morilee Wedding Dresses

Morilee wedding dresses are always versatile gowns, and this one is no exception! Any time of year is going to be a perfect fit for her. The halter neckline and open keyhole back will keep brides cool during summer weddings, while her gentle sparkle and small floral details pair beautifully with spring weddings. The vintage aesthetic from her Chantilly lace with eyelash trim are especially perfect for fall or winter weddings. Paolina can embrace a rustic vibe as easily as she can enhance the look of garden-party weddings. 

Unique wedding dress back shown with open keyhole, spread out train and wedding dresses hanging in the background with Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo logo on wall

Elegant Chantilly Lace

Paolina is for brides who want a classic design but elevated. She has design features that our brides are seeking out, like her very open back, gentle shimmer on Chantilly, and cascading buttons; but she does all of those things in her own uniquely stunning way. She is elegant enough to be worn in grand wedding venues like cathedrals and ornate ballrooms, but her court-length train and vintage vibe also allow her to work beautifully with softer venues like wineries and country clubs.

Paolina is not your average wedding dress; the combination of her dramatic neckline, subtle sparkle, and keyhole back make her one of the most gorgeous of all the Morilee wedding dresses.

Featured Wedding Dress: Mirani from Kitty Chen

Meet Mirani

Designer: Kitty Chen

Why We Love Her:

Mirani is a knockout gown from Kitty Chen! This fit and flare packs a punch with gorgeous botanical lace, delicate beading, and an incredible train. The sheer illusion neckline provides structure for the gown without compromising the look. It holds the gown in place while the lace begins just below the shoulders to create an “off the shoulder” gown illusion. The same sheer “barely there” tulle drapes down the back to create a completely open back effect. There is no need for readjusting all night long – the construction of the gown will keep her in place so you can celebrate effortlessly while looking incredible!

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5 Wedding Dress Train Lengths

The wedding dress train is an exquisite and often breathtaking feature that adds an ethereal touch to a bride’s attire. With various wedding dress train lengths available, each carrying its own charm and practicality, selecting the right train length can significantly influence the overall look and feel of the dress.

Let’s explore five wedding dress train lengths to help you navigate this elegant aspect of the wedding gown.

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Featured Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia Wedding Dress #3812

Meet #3812

Designer: Essense of Australia

Why We Love Her:

This glittery, tulle and organza a-line is a show stopper! From head to toe, this Essense of Australia wedding dress shimmers effortlessly and ensures that you will be seen all night long. The 3812 has a unique modified sweetheart neckline and delicate, beaded spaghetti straps that provide the right amount of support and structure for brides of all sizes. The unlined bodice features a trendy corset look with dainty leaf and vine lace appliqués cascading down into the skirt.

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Welcome Essense of Australia

We are so excited to announce the addition of a bridal designer into our gallery: Essense of Australia!

Essense is the perfect addition to our collections. This is a brand whose wedding gowns encompass elegance, romance, and individuality. Essense is a fashion forward label with designs that fit every taste; from clean and classic to bohemian beauty.

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Featured Wedding Dress: Jolene From Morilee

Meet Jolene
Designer: Morilee

Jolene from Morilee | Why We Love Her:

Jolene from Morilee is the trendsetter of the ball. With her flawless silhouette and pleated slit, she has all heads turning. It is not often that we see a dress joining both a satin skirt and a sheer lace top in holy matrimony, but it pairs just as nicely as you and your fiancé.

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