Wedding Season Rundown with Jose Solis

Wedding Season Rundown with Jose Solis

Monday, April 13, 2015

In the past few weeks, I've gotten three invitations for upcoming weddings. Cue the wedding music. I suppose that the envelopes are my reminders to start saving up for those bridesmaid gowns, gift registries and destination nuptial ceremonies. 

I always look forward to the moment when the bride makes her first appearance down the wedding aisle. Every bride is different and it's fun to see what trends and what "dress she says yes to." To break down some of those wedding dress trends, I met up with David's Bridal Design Director, Jose Solis.

I met with Jose at the newly opened Schaumburg store, located at 560 E. Golf Road. Upon arrival, I was surprised by the boutique feel of the store. My last visit was years ago, while prepping for my Quinceñera. The David's Bridal that I had shopped at back then was a florescent-lit store overloaded with aisles of garment racks.

As you can see from the images, David's Bridal looks quite a bit different from years past. Despite the changes to the store, it's nice to know that the boutique feel doesn't come with a boutique price. Jose told me that all David's Bridal gowns are $2,000 and less. 

 

This trumpet gown from the Truly Zac Posen line topped my list of favorites. I loved the shape of structured top and bodice. I think it would do my curvy top justice and balance out those curves with the fuller mermaid tiered skirt. I was tempted to try it on, but then thought against it. (Is it bad luck to try on a wedding gown before even being engaged? I decided not to take the chance.) You can check out the rest of the line here.

The details on the Oleg Cassini collection are absolutely incredible. I couldn't believe that the above sweetheart lace and beaded gown and the lower pictured lace applique gown both sold for under $2,000. 

The model's top pick was this tiered White by Vera Wang ball gown. 

The Melissa Sweet collection has more of a flowy and Boho vibe. What's neat about the collection is the discreet little pocket inside the bodice of each dress to hold special momentos or keepsakes. 

After getting a closer look at some of the designer gowns, Jose sat me down to give me a bridal trend rundown. He said that sleeved gowns are making a big comeback this season, as well as dipping necklines and exposed backs. Despite the multitude of cuts, silhouettes and styles, there is no magic equation for matching a woman with the perfect dress. Jose said that when choosing a gown, nothing is as important as the bride's wishes and personality.

"I can explain [to a bride] which silhouettes best flatter her body shape, but it ultimately comes down to what the bride wants. If she wants to be a sexy bride, she's going to feel most confident wearing that plunging neckline or showing off her curves in a mermaid dress. It's the bride's day and we're here to match her up with the dress of her dreams," said Jose.

Across the pond in England, my friend Alina has also been trying on gowns at David's Bridal for her upcoming wedding. Doesn't she look absolutely stunning!?! Jose really did hit the nail on the head. Each bride IS different and unique. Thank goodness David's Bridal truly gets that!

As for me, I better start stocking up on tissues, because I already feel the oncoming of waterworks.

Click here to read this post in Spanish.