A round of applause, please! Being the extremely organized person you are, you’ve already nailed down your wedding date and coveted location. So the most crucial — but always fun — undertaking is next: finding the perfect dress to complete your dream wedding, especially since your very Instagrammable backdrop is all set.
Because, on your big day, “it’s all about you,” as Head Designer Sharon Sever said, during the Galia Lahav Spring 2020 presentation at New York Fashion Week: Bridal. The upcoming collections for Galia Lahav House of Couture Couture and little sister line Gala were inspired by the musical Dreamgirls — hence the collection title “Make a Scene” — and Alice in Wonderland, respectively. With such visionary inspirations — plus next-level design techniques and fabrications — both collections offer a wealth of sensational wedding day options to channel your imagination, sense of adventure, boundless creativity, confidence and self-expression.
But, like landing the perfect role (sorry, couldn’t help it) finding the ideal wedding dress may take some searching, kind of like falling down the rabbit hole (did it again). So we did a bit of heavy lifting for you and matched looks from the Gala and Galia Lahav House of Couture Spring 2020 collections with any and all types of weddings.
Landmark Locale Wedding
You’re making history in more ways than one by tying the knot in an iconic library, spectacular museum rotunda, legendary opera house (like where the House of Couture campaign was shot) or perhaps a majestic castle for your modern princess moment. So make a grand entrance with the most stunning details — dazzling hand-beading and fringe, intricately embroidered french lace, billowing layers of silk tulle, glimmering embroidery and even a hint of blush — on show-stopping mermaid and trumpet silhouettes.
Of course, the appropriately-named Gaga, from House of Couture, with its architectural double-corset, voluminous tulle ball gown skirting and stunning 3D lace embroidery was just made for the spotlight.
If you’re getting married on a beach during a romantic sunset, aboard a luxurious vessel or seaside at your local yacht club, you’ll want a dress that channels the freedom and adventure of the open water. An A-line silhouette with ballerina-esque layers of tulle and dotted with shimmery sequins or gorgeous lace appliqués allow for movement — and makes for the best Instagram moments for a run along the beach.
For a mermaid shape ideal for the setting, opt for skirting with light, ethereal and floral-embroidered layers. Show off your arms (and enjoy the sun) with a strapless or off-the-shoulder silhouette, but don’t forget the sunscreen.
For a walk down a petal-strewn aisle at a lush botanical garden, charming park or the manicured grounds of a sprawling estate, a floral motif feels right on theme. But think of out of the box blooms with a corset dotted with 3D silk florals paired with soft pink degradé silk ballerina skirting, oversized flower embroidery on shimmering on layers of ruffles or lacy blossoms scattered on off-the-shoulder straps and onto ethereal layers of tulle.
Or be told and go short and playful — it is a relaxed outdoor wedding, after all — with sunlight-catching 3D sequin florals on a mini-balloon-skirted frock with whimsical tulle puffed shoulders.
Whether you’ve booked the glorious ballroom in a landmark hotel or the hottest venue overlooking the city skyline, you’ll want a gown to make your grandest entrance. To shake up the classic, opt for embroidered or 3D appliquéd French guipure lace on a sultry trumpet or mermaid silhouette. But go full glamour with a voluminous, dramatic train for your essential photo moment. (Psst: It’s conveniently detachable for once the DJ hits the turntables.)
Surprise your audience — we mean guests — with unexpected details, such as, topping your beaded and lace appliquéd mermaid gown with a matching bolero with ‘80s-inspired power shoulders or stun in an immaculately tailored, sequin embellished and pleated ruffle gown with an oversize bow at the neckline.
You’re the main character starring in your storybook nuptials overlooking the Tuscan countryside or the sweeping vineyards of Sonoma. To complement the picturesque backdrop, opt for a romantic silhouette with the most breathtaking of details that rival the view. Make a mermaid shape that much more alluring with off-the-shoulder straps, refined corsetry and jaw-dropping lace and 3D floral appliqués.
Billowing layers of tulle in an A-line silhouette add all the drama, but maintain that feeling of free-flowing ease to match the setting — and the wine. But a word of advice: Stick with sparkling or Sauvignon Blanc, just in case of spills.
A bucolic locale — a luxurious ranch, a pastoral farmhouse, a breathtaking mountaintop or a far-flung safari — offers the opportunity to be playful, bold and adventurous. Experiment with textures on a vintage-inspired corset A-line gown by mixing French lace, pleated tulle, silk velvet on piping and beaded lace appliqués. (A puff-sleeve, velvet-trimmed bolero both keeps you warm in a cool breeze, and gives Edwardian style a modern twist.)
Alternatively, play with color — and pay homage to the verdant setting — with a sunset-evoking nude, blush and ivory gown adorned with 3D floral embellishments.
Obviously your wedding isn’t going to be just one single event. Bring the celebration into the after-party, but let loose in an iridescent asymmetrical jumpsuit that lets you do you on the dancefloor.
Take the glamour up about 10,000 notches in a leg-baring, off-the shoulder column gown with seductive illusion panels detailed with opulent silver lace appliqués. Bravo!
