Are you a left coast bohemian with a fashion sense to match? Or maybe an ardent urbanite with dreams of a black tie New York wedding? From bow-wearing prepsters to elegant iconoclasts, we’re giving you cues to guarantee your wedding matches your personal style.
California Dreamin’
For a wedding with a go-with-the-flow, West Coast attitude, it’s all in the easygoing details. Whether a couple exchanges vows on the shores of Malibu or a Willamette Valley vineyard, the bride in Douglas Hannant’s goddess-like, one-shoulder wedding gown will radiate low-key elegance ($6,600; The Bridal Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue, 212.940.2269). She’ll leave the embellishment to a few subtle accents that will be a part of her wardrobe even after the wedding, like pastel coral earrings from Brazilian jewelry designer Jack Vartanian (price available upon request; jackvartanian.com), a delicate minaudière with graceful metalwork by Raven Kauffman Couture ($1,995; info@gregmillsshowroom.com) and flat, jeweled sandals by René Caovilla ($795; neimanmarcus.com).
Bridesmaids in Catherine Malandrino’s draped tie-dye dress ($225; bergdorfgoodman.com) will leave accessories to a minimum—just a simple woven clutch by Kotur ($279; shopkotur.com) and a turquoise bangle by Ippolita ($4,200; ippolita.com) will do the trick.
The groom and guys in the bridal party will get the same polished, relaxed look by donning a khaki vest and trouser combination in Irish linen from J. Crew ($59.50 to $128; jcrew.com). Pairing the look with a refined desert boot by Cole Haan ($228; colehaan.com) and Ray-Ban sunglasses ($130; sunglasshut.com) in muted multicolor—for after the ceremony—completes the picture.
Boulder, Colorado-based jeweler Todd Reed is the ideal choice for this pair’s wedding rings ($6,100 to $38,500; toddreed.com); he's known for using only ethically sourced materials and a predilection for raw diamonds.
New York State of Mind
There’s no better backdrop than Manhattan for an all-out formal big city ceremony. The sophisticated bride who chooses a venue as iconic as The Four Seasons’ Pool Room or St. Patrick’s Cathedral requires a dress that makes a grand gesture. Sure to attract attention even in the most spectacular settings, Vera Wang’s strapless two-piece silk gazar gown, with its tiered peplum bodice and skirt of cascading, architectural ruffles, is just as striking as it is romantic ($5,900; verawang.com). Diamond and South Sea pearl earrings by Mikimoto ($6,600; mikimotoamerica.com) and Harry Winston’s Attraction engagement ring are a match for this bride’s brand of urbane glamour (price available upon request; harrywinston.com).
In Amsale’s diaphanous, floor-length silk dresses ($290; amsale.com), metallic pumps from Jimmy Choo ($525; jimmychoo.com) and Leiber clutches emblazoned with thousands of crystals ($3,995; judithleiber.com), bridesmaids will be supporting players with understated glitz.
For the men, it’s the ultimate occasion to get in touch with their inner movie idol. Ralph Lauren’s trim shawl collar tuxedo evokes Cary Grant’s signature roles ($95 to $2,150; ralphlauren.com). Shod in tasseled velvet loafers by Harrys of London, the groom and ushers will feel like leading men from head to toe ($695; harrysoflondon.com). Final flourishes, like enamel cuff links from Tiffany & Co. ($2,350 to $4,550; tiffany.com) or a dapper IWC watch on a black alligator strap ($8,300; iwc.com), ensure unassailable chic.
Perfectly Preppy
Never one to forget to send a thank-you note or leave the house without every last hair in place, the prototypical preppy bride is happily bound to tradition and won’t walk down the aisle looking anything less than ladylike. She’s happiest in updated versions of retro looks, like Jewel by Priscilla of Boston’s tea-length organza gown with satin pleats ($1,450; priscillaofboston.com) and Kate Spade’s silver pumps topped with perky bows ($320; katespade.com). And her jewelry will look like something handed down from her grandmother: McTeigue & McClelland’s diamond Belle Epoque engagement ring and aquamarine earrings—for something blue—are instant heirlooms ($9,000 to $24,500; mc2jewels.com).
Look to the ultimate Palm Beach outfitter, Lilly Pulitzer, for bridesmaid dresses ($248; lillypulitzer.com). The brand’s bright floral Regency bubble dress will pass muster at the country club, especially when matched up with a J. McLaughlin clutch in any number of pop-y colors ($165; jmclaughlin.com) and a Kate Spade bracelet that recalls 60s cocktail hour finery ($175; katespade.com). Smythson’s diminutive photograph key ring in an upbeat saffron hue is a pretty, sentimental gift for each attendant—especially when the bride puts personalized pics in each one ($175; smythson.com).
Dressed in crisp, timeless blue and white seersucker with a bright shirt and contrasting bow tie, the groom will be the pitch perfect counterpart ($49.50 to $398; brooksbrothers.com). Such a traditionally dressed gentleman has only one real choice when it comes to shoes: G.H. Bass bucks in pristine white suede ($79; basshoes.com).
Offbeat Bridal Style
Some women thrive on breaking the rules when it comes to their bridal look. An immediate way to shake up wedding day fashion formulas is to pick a gown in a standout color. Alberta Ferretti’s vintage-inspired, pleated violet dress establishes a dreamy tone ($6,880; available at Alberta Ferretti in West Hollywood, CA, 310.652.9000). Matched with embellished Manolo Blahnik black satin flats ($945; bergdorfgoodman.com) and a feather-strewn clutch from Roger Vivier ($5,200; available at Roger Vivier in New York, 212.861.5371), the look shows off a romantic, eccentric sensibility. Olivia Collings Antique Jewelry’s emerald, diamond and yellow gold ring is the ideal engagement jewelry for a woman with an out-of-the-ordinary approach ($22,900; barneys.com).
Choosing to dress bridesmaids in white brings a fresh look to the ceremony, too. Ferretti’s short satin dresses share black ribbon and crystal detailing with the bride’s gown ($3,515; available at Alberta Ferretti in West Hollywood, CA, 310.652.9000) and are a nice match for lace peep-toe pumps from Valentino ($885; neimanmarcus.com) and dramatic Miriam Haskell chandelier earrings ($340; miriamhaskell.com).
The man who sees eye to eye with this offbeat bride won’t be one to slip into an ordinary suit and tie. A colorful character will be at home in a jewel-toned paisley tuxedo from Salvatore Ferragamo ($490 to $2,400; 800.628.8916 for stores). The most fashion-forward of men may dare to go full throttle with the look and pair it with mixed patterns in similar shades of plum, green and iris. Editor’s note: Groomsmen should stick with solid colors to be sure the man of the hour stands out.
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