wedding |ˈwediNG|

noun

A marriage ceremony, including associated celebrations.

dress |dres|

noun

A one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.

If I could tell you one thing about purchasing The Dress for your big, bad, special day, I would tell you to bring out your true essence from within. What on earth is this single gal doing, giving you marriage advice? Well, my sweet princess-for-a-day, I do happen to know one thing for sure: On your wedding day, if you fake it... You won’t make it. I mean this. You are starting your next phase in life, with the love of your life. If you are a classic Jackie O, then bring it out! If you are a sultry Brigitte Bardot, by all means, pout it out and pouf it up.

It’s hard enough sometimes to be the center of attention (drink it in, baby!), but you really mustn’t be the center of attention for all of the wrong reasons. This is a celebration with your closest friends and family---you do want them to recognize you, right? 

Always follow you. You are your very own leader in life. If you choose to take along an entourage to the bridal boutiques, then I want you to be absolutely confident that you will:

• Carry no guilt.
• Take all opinions with a huge grain of salt.
• Listen to your intuition. If you get the “butterflies” when trying on gowns, that’s a good sign.
• Mind the money, but don't be a slave to it. Budget is key, but brilliance is the goal.

A lot of thought goes into this special day. It’s so special that we often get overwhelmed with all of the massive decisions there are to make.

That is why your Style Guru is behind you the whole step of the way!

First off, some of my Kansas City favorites to get your frock on:

• Ida’s
• The Gown Gallery
• Altar Bridal
• Wedding Bliss

Now here are a few things to remember.

• There's this red wedding dress trend going on right now. Brides will almost always find a "neopolitan" of choices out there---variations of beige, ivory, white and light pink---but choose what goes with your style. Color is okay, now more than ever, if you are daring enough to pull it off. If you aren't into the traditional dress, embrace it confidently.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• There's also no reason you have to be followed all night by a long train. If you love your legs or you plan on dancing the night away, go for a short dress!
  
  
  
  
• Saying "yes" to the dress might mean also saying yes to a belt, sash, brooch or even a shawl or bolero like the one below. Don't wait for a fairytale dress to sweep you off your feet. If you like a dress but feel like it's missing something, think about how just the right final touch could make it the dress of your dreams.
  
  

  

  
  
• Finally, and most importantly, don’t lose touch with why you're out shopping in the first place. Don't get me wrong, a beautiful dress goes a long way toward making your wedding day special, but your heart will speak much more beautifully!
  

xoxo,
Katherine Brown

Top photo courtesy of Vera Wang. All other photos by BHLDN.

 Katherine Brown is the owner of Chanari, a personal-styling and life-coaching company. She received her professional degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Her style inspirations include the spunk of Audrey Hepburn, the classic chicness of Jackie O., and the flair to be daring of Sarah Jessica Parker. She lets KC Magazine readers shop her wisdom in the exclusive "Style Guru" blog.