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	Brides & Grooms Deciding the Day The Day Before The Day The Day After Home
	Designed to be picture perfect By Lynn Baumhardt There is probably no day in a woman's life on which she will be photographed more often than the day she gets married, so most brides take great care in selecting the most flattering wedding gown for her wedding day. The trend in recent years is toward simpler yet elegant gowns, and although there are some interesting uses of color, full-length white gowns remain the most preferred choice of brides. Luminaries in the world of bridal fashion like Vera Wang, Oleg Cassini, Jessica McClintock and Anne Namba offer creations that inspire and satisfy the dreams of any spring bride. Vera Wang's early designs this year are described as having "intense design forms in the train. Carefully proportioned godets [inserts placed in a seam to create fullness] and ties, cascades of handmade ruffles, panels of inset lace and crystal pleating all create drama and importance in even the most minimalistic dress ..." The diversity of the basic dress designs range from an almost Grecian-looking draped effect to a plunging neckline amply beaded gown which narrows at the ankles. "It's a collection for the most individualistic bride." Brides this spring can also shine in designs coming from the Manhattan studio of Oleg Cassini. Thanks to an exciting partnership with David's Bridal, as of February 2003, the Oleg Cassini Line will be available in 100 of the stores in the David's nationwide chain. Gary Schwartz, senior vice president of marketing, describes the new line as "rich in the elegance and simplicity that have been a Cassini hallmark." The line includes strapless and sleeveless gowns with empire and drop waists. Impeccable craftsmanship is apparent in carefully drawn and hand-sewn beading and crystal patterns. No design will reach a store without Cassini's seal of approval. Schwartz says, "Oleg's granddaughter was among the first to wear one of his new bridal creations at her wedding last year." Turning from the East Coast to the hills of San Francisco, this spring's brides may find the dress of their dreams in the beautiful, romantic creations of Jessica McClintock. McClintock describes her spring line as "contemporary, simple, soft and flowing." She is fond of the strapless look because she thinks it offers a flattering line to most figures, but also uses delicate small sleeves and spaghetti straps. "I add sparkle and a slightly retro look to some of my gowns," says McClintock, by adding "netting, crystal and embroidery." She says that crystal-enhanced tiaras with short netting are one of the most popular accompaniments to her lovely gowns. McClintock's personal warmth illuminates all of her designs. In an interesting design mix of East meets West, Anne Namba's exquisite gowns use vintage kimono fabrics and are often the choice of brides who marry in Hawaii. Her bridal creations always incorporate a traditional Japanese wedding kimono, usually white brocaded or embroidered, although an occasional color makes an appearance. "The motifs on the kimonos are often rich in symbolic meaning," says Namba. "For example, cranes, which mate for life, signify fidelity, and cherry blossoms [represent] new beginnings." Namba mixes other materials with the kimono fabrics and sometimes enhances them with beading, giving her designs a unique and modern look. She will design headpieces to compliment her gowns, although she notes, "brides in Hawaii usually choose to wear flowers." This is a lovely alternative that any bride may consider. The trend toward simplicity is also apparent in bridal accessories this season. When shoes are visible under a gown, David's Bridal recommends open-toed and/or open-heeled sandals. Often, the shoes will be embellished with beads or crystals that compliment the gown. Vera Wang, David's Bridal, Jessica McClintock and Anne Namba all have Web sites that will direct you to the boutique or store nearest you where you can find their designs. The sites also provide an opportunity to "window shop" some of their bridal collections. Wherever the state of matrimony is entered, brides can find the gown that will let them smile into the camera with confidence. © - Lynn Baumhardt is a Chicago-based freelance writer.
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