Designer wedding dresses

I was browsing on The Knot's site on Saturday night. I was taken away with the abundance of wedding gowns available and definitely by the insane prices many brides are willing to pay for the latest styles especially designer gowns!

Yeah sure, if I was a Datuk's (or a filthy rich man's) daughter or fiance, or a celebrity or even royalty, I'll do the whole she-bang grand wedding with the latest and finest things I'd be able to afford. But I am not and I am fine with it. It just makes things a little more difficult but nothing that isn't manageable! See... I am wayyy more positive than I used to be. =)

Saw several dresses that I just had to share with you guys in case you were looking for one, too! If not, you can always keep it for future references! I've actually blogged some of the gowns below before in DREAM WEDDING DRESSES, just that I had forgotten to name the designers.

Get the idea and style you fancy, find an awesome tailor/seamstress, and get your dream wedding gown custom made for a lower price!!

Unless you opt for the bridal houses poofy gowns which is easier and more convenient. My mistake of not doing so. Hence, my mad scramble to find one that I like and compliments my pudgy body.

• #1 - ny bridal fashion week 2011 - monique lhuillier 4
• It is a white, lacey ball gown with sleeves. Conservative and yet classy. Similar to Kate Middleton's wedding gown but with a different neckline. According to The Knot's site, 'these hot-off-the-runway dresses may not be available until 2012'. From most of the gowns that I have browsed which supposedly suits my pear shaped frame, Monique Lhuillier's designs tend to capture my fancy. I have blogged several wedding gowns by her before, just that I never did label the gowns.

• #2 - ny bridal fashion week 2011 - vera wang 1
• Simple gowns are what that attracts my eye and Vera Wang's designs scream just that. A simple assymetric neckline, white ball gown with a sash to emphasise slim waists. Once again, according to The Knot's site, 'these hot-off-the-runway dresses may not be available until 2012'.
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• #3 - halo australia - h7857
• I remember blogging about this wedding dress by Halo Australia. It's empire style with a Sweetheart neckline. According to The Knot's site, 'this dress features rouching and weaving on bodice, asymmetric layers of chiffon drape over the skirt. Size 8 - 28. $1,100 - $3,800'. You can always head to Halo Australia's site for more info and selections.

• #4 - FIORENZA - REECE
• This strapless ball gown that extends to the floor with a Sweetheart neckline has a bit of a poofiness in the skirt bit. There is just something about sashes/ belt like waist that attracts my attention. Something about enhancing the dress without making it look too simple and boring. The white flower on the right side below the waist is an added distraction to the gown. I reckon they should remove it OR remove the sash bit and put the flower at that area instead. Then again, I am no famous designer, it is just my humble opinion.
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• # 5 - HALO AUSTRALIA - H7859
• I love a different style that detracts from the all too familiar wedding dresses we see brides wearing off late and this dress is one that definitely ooze simplicity in a classy way. Empire style with beading for embellishments. I gather this dress comes with a v-neck neckline but I couldn't find the picture of the front. According to The Knot, this dress features sheer beaded panel under bust and centre, and also in the back, chiffon sash. Size 8-28. Costs about $1,100 to $3,800'.
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• #6 - amsale : spring 2010 - 4
• Another ivory and white tulle wedding dress that is strapless with a sweetheart neckline. Comes with a gown waist that is dropped and Chapel train length. See what I mean about sash? And a silk taffeta one to boot! I don't fancy the dropped waist bit though. Feels neither here nor there look - waist ish or hip ish.
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• #7 ny bridal fashion week 2011 - lela rose 5
• This simple strapless, A-line, lace dress is stunning. Need I say more about less being more?! And lace dresses seem to be a hot favourite among brides this past year. Once again, The Knot noted that, 'these hot-off-the-runway dresses may not be available until 2012'.

• #8 - HENRY ROTH 'URBAN CHIC' - INGA
• A strapless Henry Roth, A-line dress with embroidery made of tulle and satin fabric. Sizes from 2 - 18 and plus sizes of 20 - 30. Gown show is ivory and gold in colour but also available in White/White and Ivory/Ivory. Yet another simple, strapless gown. After awhile, you get what gowns I am favouring though I am not sure how I'd look in one since I've pretty broad shoulders with flabby arms!

#9 AMSALE - DALE

• Strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and embrodery embellishment. One of the few poofy skirts I wouldn't mind. But this gown will look stunning on a slim woman blessed with endowed bossoms.

#10 - JENNY PACKHAM - ROSALIND

A classic empire, stapless dress from Jenny Packham's Spring 2009 collection. And yet for such a simple dress, one pays the price for the elegance of it. Referencing The Knot, 'this dress features beading and tie under the bust. From $5,500'.

• #11 - oscar de la renta 2011 - 3
• Aaaah finally, a blue ish ball gown! Nothing much to shout about and yet, there is something about it that makes me think 'chic and classy'. The cut, colour and design...
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• #12 - HENRY ROTH - ZOE
• I've blogged this dress before as I loved it then, and I still am digging the whole cheeky and chic look now! This is more to something I would really wear. Don't think I do elegance and regal look well... more of a cheeky, cutesie look and this would be it - a satin polka dot 50's inspired ball gown that costs $1175. If I can't find a dress in time, perhaps, I'll get this custom made when I go home in August/September but with a blue sash at the waist part.

#13 - provonias 2012 collection

And just when I thought #12 is the one I love... I stumble across this Provonias collection! Have I mention how I love laces and I am SO loving the top lacey bit! This one, totally, chic and classy all in one! If I were to ever get this, I would use a different material from satin as the above 'cos for my 'full' aka chubby figure, satin shows my lumps all too well.

VERDICT:

For my ultimate dream dress this round, I would combine #13's lace top and #12's bottom skirt. I would prefer chiffon or tulle like skirt for an A-line look hiding my big hips minus the polka dots or it'll be too much!

And I really have to do something about my unflattering, portruding tummy or people will think I am preggers! FYI, in case you're wondering, I AM NOT PREGNANT and won't be for a few more years, if I can help it!