For the bride who simply can’t make up her mind when it comes to choosing her wedding gown, there’s hope in the form of the convertible dress, which brides are chatting about on Internet message boards such as Weddingbee.
This “twofer” option provides a solution to brides who want to act out their princess fantasy for the ceremony yet step up the siren factor for the reception.
In the past, brides who were on the fashion fence simply purchased two gowns for the main event. The downshift in the economy has put a damper on that option for many couples and their shrinking wedding budgets. So, a number of high-end designers have unveiled a twofer or two in their collections with the help of invisible zippers tucked into skirt tiers or side seams. Priscilla of Boston’s Fall 2011 collection showed off two convertible wedding gowns – one that leads to a romper and one that reveals a cocktail dress. Romona Keveza’s Spring 2011 line includes a gown made of silk taffeta and silk crepe, featuring a flower-shaped skirt with detachable floor-length tails.
The appeal of the dress is that it offers the best of both worlds for brides at one price point, say designers.
“It provides the bride with a classic look for the ceremony and another more modern, sleek look for the reception,” designer Romona Keveza says.
Romona Keveza’s gown sells for $4,745. If that’s a steep price point for brides, there are less expensive resources for them. CustomCoutureBridal.com lets brides pick and choose their styles, fabrics and beading, including a strapless, silky taffeta gown that metamorphoses from a mermaid style with a chapel train to a more sassy knee-length version. It’s priced at $1,899.
The convertible gown is a top seller at Alfred Angelo, priced from $649 to $749. The strapless lace gown has a high-low hem and can come with a removable satin skirt. It’s a popular style for destination weddings, says Amanda Sheronas, director of public relations for Alfred Angelo, who notes that the company may add more convertible gowns to the line-up.
“We’re always open to the possibility given the trend’s current popularity,” Sheronas says.
How brides reveal their “second” dress is up to them. They may make a showstopping entrance at their reception and whip off the extra layer on the dance floor. Others who don’t have a flair for the theatrical may just duck into their bridal room before the reception. They can also freshen up their accessories with bangles or let down their up-do or simply re-emerge and kick up their stiletto heels.
© CTW Features
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