TARTANESQUE

What could be more romantic than a tartan wedding during the holiday season?  Tartans and plaids are practically synonomous with Christmas both in decor and fashion, not to mention everything from wrapping paper to Christmas cards. It took me a long time to locate an actual Scottish designer of bridal wear who specialized not only in couture but the true essence of how tartan relates to fashion.  Designer Joyce Young works wool tartans into bridal wear with some real edge. For years I've been in awe of Scotsmen in kilts and the flair they have at using plaids to go formal. Until Joyce Young, the typical evening garb for a lady accompanying her tartan-clad Scot was a tartan skirt and lace blouse with corresponding tartan shawl or wrap tied over the shoulder. Not a bad look but hardly the grand entrance makers below. Will you get a load of these gowns? Tartan godets. Tartan trains and insets. Joyce is an incredible designer who pairs up these wools with the richness of shantung and taffeta. Her shops are in Glasgow, Gretna Green and London and now she's online with her own TV spots. 'Touch of Tartan' is only one collection she offers as she has a whole range of traditional as well as destination gowns to choose from. In her own words-- "A Tartan themed wedding is spectacular. Scots girls worldwide can get married making a real statement with a wedding dress which teams up with the groom's kilt from the Touch of Tartan Collection. Add in coordinating bridesmaids and mothers and the complete wedding party will be totally and uniquely Scottish. Actually you don’t even have to be Scottish – it’s a great look and most people can find a Scottish connection somewhere in their family tree – or just make one up !!Visit “Touch of Tartan” on www.bystorm.co.uk to see our couture dresses for weddings, evenings,mothers of the bride and all special occasions. Each outfit is individually made-to-measure from a wide choice of tartans. --"

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

One word will describe the 'Yolanda' dress: Awesome!  Inspired by an old MGM musical, this addition to the 2011 'Dioresque' Collection is layered in yards and layers of tulle and crinoline. The bodice is a close fit and boned inside; outside covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle. The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye. I cinched the waist with a gray satin belt. Separate underslip.  Now available through my Etsy store.

THE BRIDAL COAT

If you're a winter bride and think staying warm while looking chic s might be challenging check out the bridal coat option. Defined, a bridal coat can be a coat dress and/or coat and dress ensemble like the ones in these images.  A coat dress defined is just that: a lighter weight coat (street or floor length); and can be single or double- breasted. Then there's the coat and dress ensemble. Simply put, this is a coat with a dress out of matching fabric underneath it. In the 60s, these were popular mostly for formal occasions. If you like the idea of a fitted coat, you could wear one for your ceremony—long or short—over a corresponding sheath. After the ceremony the coat could be removed so you could move freely throughout the reception.   These by Raishma Couture are sophisticated and elegant with exquisite detailing.

Raishma Couture