Part 2: Trash The Dress Jet-Setting…Choosing the Perfect Dress – Again! September 7, 2011 – Posted in: Uncategorized

In Part 1 I discussed the how I chose the perfect location for my own Trash the Dress session.

In Part 2, we talk threads!

It took so long to find my wedding dress. I wasn’t exactly the “ideal” shopper. When my bridesmaids and I went to the first bridal shop I tried on what seemed like a billion dresses from the price range of “swing-able” to “I’ll have to take a second mortgage”.

The bridal consultant put the veil on me to complete the look and my Matron of Honor cried.

I didn’t.

At the end of the day I canceled my appointment to re-visit the dress and said, “forget it” (in a more expletive fashion) and went shopping for anything unrelated to our wedding with my husband-to-be.

Little did I know THAT day I would find my dress.

Whether you went in knowing exactly what wedding dress you wanted or surprised yourself with something completely different (my story), you did it.

Now comes the decision to drape yourself in the wedding dress you schlepped on and offline to find, hauled across borders and wore as you became a Mrs. OR start the journey over again.

I wanted a blank canvas that I could wear while being draped in what else, jewelry!

Just saying it makes me want to RUN and start my collection…alas, I have many designs to complete for clients before my journey begins!

Thinking of purchasing an alternative dress for your Trash the Dress shoot? Here are some tips based on my own research, experience and at times downright frustration:

Look for Inspiration:

If you’re TTD-ing underwater you may want to look for a gown that lends itself beautifully to the current of the water. Del Sol of course has some very heart pumping photos that show traditional and some non-traditional underwater goddess gowns.

Don’t Feel That You Need to Necessarily Wear a “Bridal Gown”:

I’ve talked to so many brides who stress out about what they feel they should be wearing. Whether it is because a family member insists on it or you’ve just been inundated with bridal magazines, don’t get pigeon-holed. Just because a gown is in color doesn’t mean it can’t be designed in white – email the retailer or designer and check!

ANY Gown Can be “GLAMMED Up” With Jewelry:

This is my own story. After doing tons of searches I realized I wanted more of a canvas. As a designer my story is told through jewelry – and I didn’t want something as special as a TTD to be the exception! You don’t need to spend $5k on a gown for it to look bridal and glamorous – just add jewels. Fabulous earrings in jewel tones, gorgeous multi-strand bracelets, bold necklaces and sexy barefoot jewelry are all pieces to build your own custom glam look. Don’t forget the Exotic Hair Couture either!

How to Wear Your Fabulous Wedding Gown but Create a New Vision:

I’ll say it again – the jewelry! This is when you can switch out your gorgeous pearl and crystal jewelry for bold colors. Maybe you want your wedding colors represented? Maybe you loved your custom bridesmaid’s necklaces so much that you want one for yourself? Do it. Don’t be afraid of color. The camera loves it.

My unexpected wedding gown. I envisioned a Mermaid style wedding dress and instead purchased a gown by red carpet designer Marc Bouwer. It happens!

Photos courtesy of Del Sol:

Check out Falling in Love Three Times: Husband, Wedding, Trash the Dress – 007 Style to see what I chose to rock!