During a fashion show held in Rome recently, the company unveiled a bevy of bridal gowns that ranged from dainty and romantic to the daring and avant-garde. The pinnacle of the runway collection was a towering wedding dress that featured an arch at least six feet high where people could walk through. It was a grand entrance indeed, and left audiences thinking about the concept of a statement wedding dress that engages guests.
The relevance of bridal fashion in weddings is unmistakable. For years, women have placed such high importance on the wedding dress that selecting one has become a process of its own. The wedding dress isn’t just another frock to wear on a formal occasion, but a symbol of a woman’s grace, personality, and beauty.
It has always been about what the bride feels in a dress, but the concept of a bridal gown entrance takes it further by considering audience impact. This may sound strange, but considering the trajectory of wedding trends, we believe that it was bound to happen. Curating an immersive experience is the main goal of weddings now, so it was just about time that bridal fashion did the same thing.
The epic ball gown at the Justin Alexander show points to the potential of wedding dresses: that they can create surreal moments of fantasy and awe, transporting guests into an otherworldly experience. The grandeur of Justin Alexander’s arch design also proves how such dresses can be visually arresting yet elegant at the same time.
Justin Alexander was established in 1946 and has since been creating timeless fashion for brides around the world. If the arch design was too theatrical for your taste, the brand’s general portfolio of gowns provides pared-down drama that suits all sorts of fancy. Think backless dresses with long trains and peplum details, and swaths of tulle embellished with floral appliqués. A mix of classic romanticism and modern opulence.
Although the entrance gown concept is new, celebrities have achieved a similar effect in the past through their grand wedding dresses. Lily Collins’ vintage-inspired lace frock was utterly enchanting, and so was Hailey Bieber’s more modern and sensual version. Nicola Peltz took the minimalist route with a sleek train, and Paris Hilton channeled her inner princess with a full skirt.
Think of the bridal gown as another element of the wedding experience. It should create as much impact as, say, the entertainment and decor. Here are some tips for designing your show-stopping bridal gown:
Go crazy and imagine the wildest designs you can dream of. This way, you get to understand your preferences and trim down details later on. Is it the skirt you want to highlight? Perhaps it’s the veil? You can focus on a specific element and start from there.
Defining your limitations is part of this step: think about the extent of adventurousness you’re willing to take. Remember, a grand gown isn’t for everyone; so if it isn’t for you, that’s totally okay!
Justin Alexander’s big moment made sense because of the controlled environment of a fashion show. But things would be different in an actual wedding because the bride’s comfort is still top priority. So before creating a 12-foot train made of French lace or a skirt made of hundreds of tulle layers, consider if it’s appropriate for the ceremony and all the other areas you’ll be walking through. You wouldn’t want a stained white dress upon entering the aisle!
If you want guests to engage with your wedding dress, then ruminate on how it can be a meaningful experience rather than gimmicky. For example, maybe at one point, guests can sign the gown’s train and leave messages or add embroidery on the veil, which can eventually serve as a keepsake for the bride.
More than just being the moment, a dramatic wedding dress should be something every bride should proudly look back on. So before committing to any design, it’s crucial to consider how you would react to it years down the line. It’s also good to consult with the groom-to-be about the concept as it is his wedding as much as it is yours, and you wouldn’t want the dress to overshadow the event.
A head-turning entrance bridal gown sets the tone for an unforgettable event, leaving guests in anticipation for more fabulous moments. Brides-to-be should pay attention to this promising theme, as it just might be a new essential element in any wedding ceremony.
It’s also another avenue for brides to embrace their creativity and think outside the box–there’s no better opportunity to do so than on your big day. Drop a message on Wedded Wonderland Concierge for expert advice on daring bridal fashion and personalized wedding ideas.
A bridal gown entrance puts the spotlight on the wedding dress when the bride enters the ceremony venue. While this has always been a special moment, this promising trend leans toward avant-garde designs that elicit surprise.
It’s best to stop and think if such a bold move is aligned with your personality and preferences. If the answer is yes, list down your dream details and set boundaries for adventurousness to help your fashion designer conceptualize. It’s also advisable to consider the venue and account for comfort.
More playful wedding themes in less traditional settings (e.g. garden wedding, beach wedding) can accommodate a dramatic bridal entrance. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be appropriate for religious or formal ceremonies. At the end of the day, brides should think beyond theatrics and ponder how the entrance will be received by guests.
Search real weddings, venues and vendors from around the world.
Search Wedded Wonderland
