Bam! Walk into any gown shop and at first, it may be overwhelming. Ball gowns explode from one section; bohemian sheaths coo in another. Mermaids flutter on one rack, while fit-and-flares flirt from a turn-style.
Wait. Consider yourself lucky. Like fashion’s runways, today’s wedding scene bursts with styles to fit any personality. “Lace is still all the rage and I don’t see that phasing out anytime soon,” says Gateway Bridal manager Barbie Berg. “Gowns with dramatic backs are another big trend I see. Also, flowing sheaths made with soft tulle and chiffon have garnered much attention.” And the princess brides need not worry. Berge says, extravagant ball gowns are staging a comeback.
So, relax. Untangle yourself from the frock-filled forest. Let us introduce some high-altitude fashion that will have any bride thinking this gown-shopping gig isn’t so bad after all.
Mountain Fever
Opt for lace served up with a side of boho. And don’t forget an all-green bouquet. Beaded Chantilly lace bodice with silk organza ballgown skirt.
Summit Siren
Add drama–and maybe sound an alarm or two– with an exaggerated sweetheart neckline and edgy jewels. Strapless gown with empire waist, fitted bodice and long a-line skirt.
Windswept
Style hair down and let nature–the Park City Mountain Resort breeze in this case– do what it wants. To offer some alt-mountain flair, Enzio founder Cynthia Dean says, “Add volume to hair and use a deep red lipstick for a sexy, vamp look.”
Waist Deep
Keep the ‘rock’ in the Rockies. This studded stunner shows off the back and glitters in the sun. Ivory pleated English net A-line bridal gown featuring studded trim detail, a keyhole back and a halter illusion neckline with lace applique.
Wanderlust
Surrender to snowy white. With all the rage in off-white gowns, polar-hued ones– like this 1940s-style dress–remain classic. Chiffon micro-pleated full-length gown with natural waist, wide midriff and blouson bust.
Fireside Fox
Go with the flow. Take in all the mountain majesty in a flowing sheath that shows off sun-kissed shoulders. Halter neckline, chiffon gathered bodice with satin-jersey soft A-line skirt.
Pocket Full of Posies
Add hillside color. Before an aisle walk, pluck a few wildflowers and quickly tuck into hair. Bateau neckline with pockets of silk satin organza embellished with Alençon lace.
Mountain Fever
Suprise him. An outdoorsy girl can like ruffles, too. Laser-cut lace applique through the bodice with ruffled full tulle skirt.
Golden Rule
Style hair half-up, half-down. Enzio‘s Cynthia Dean keeps ends loose and wavy, but slicks back the top for formality. Say farewell to the bridal updo for now. She says, “I’m drawn to simple, effortless [hair] styles on brides.”
Crop it Like it’s Hot
Try a two-piece. Customize a look all your own with a skirt-and-crop-top combo. And better yet, trade out one or the other for an entirely-new reception ensemble. Champagne silk dupioni pleated full skirt.
Photography: Mikki Platt
Venue: Resort Property Management, The Canyons Colony Home #116
Hair and makeup: Enizio
Florist: La Fleur Design
Models: Dani Braun and Anna Gee
Styling: Val Rasmussen
Intern: Alexandra Adamson
Gowns: Avenia Bridal, Gateway Bridal & Prom, Betsy Couture and Alta Moda Bridal
Jewelry: O.C. Tanner Jewelers, Apt. 202 and Sharpewerks
Need housing for your wedding party or family? With 11,400 square feet and seven bedrooms, Colony Home #116 is an entertainer’s paradise. This Park City luxury mountain chalet sits slope side offering ski-in/ski-out access in the wintertime and a bubbling stream plus large pond in the summer. Contactresortpropertymanagement.com to reserve.
