There is an intriguing new trend on the wedding gown scene: the convertible bridal gown. This is a dress that is a traditional long gown for the wedding ceremony with a breakaway skirt which can be removed to create a shorter party dress for the reception. Learn more about this clever wedding gown design, and find out if a convertible wedding gown is right for you.
Are you torn between a gorgeous full length wedding gown for your ceremony and a fun shorter style for your reception? Or perhaps you love the two dress trend but cannot afford to purchase two special wedding gowns for your big day? Then the convertible wedding dress might be perfect for you!It is certainly a great way to have your cake and eat it too!
The convertible gown is the updated version of the detachable train gowns which were so popular in the 1960s. The '60s gowns were generally column or A-line silhouettes which featured long trains flowing from either the waist or just below the shoulder (otherwise known as a Watteau train). After the ceremony, instead of bustling the train, it was simply unhooked from the gown, leaving a floor length dress which was the same length all the way around. The difference with the modern take on this older style is that when the lower portion of the skirt is removed, it leaves a dress which is shorter than floor length, usually tea length or to the knee.
Many of the convertible or breakaway wedding gowns are fairly full skirted. They typically have some sort of detail on the skirt which allows the seam and attachment for the removable section to be concealed. This could be done by flounces, ruffles, or layers of rosettes. A breakaway skirt is generally not done with a very simple skirt design, as the seam would be impossible to hide neatly. So the first thing that a bride must consider is whether she prefers a more detailed gown or one which is very simple. If you like movement and flourishes on the skirt of your gown, then a convertible gown might be just your cup of tea. If a very streamlined bridal gown is more your style, however, you are probably not going to like the detachable skirt wedding dresses.
What makes the convertible gown so much fun is the great reveal as the bride and groom enter their reception for the first time. The traditional bride from the ceremony will be replaced with a sassy bride who is ready to hit the dance floor! Make the most of the change by also changing your accessories and possibly your hairstyle. Swap out the classic pearl bridal jewelry for a stack of Swarovski crystal bracelets. Slip into a fabulous pair of jeweled high heels with crystal embellishments to complement your Swarovski crystal bracelets and earrings. You may even wish to literally let your hair down; ask your stylist about creating an updo which is designed to be released after the ceremony.
All in all, the convertible wedding gown has a lot of potential. They are not yet widely available, but a few designers are starting to offer them in their collections (I first learned of them when I saw a David Tutera breakaway gown on "My Fair Wedding"). If you are looking for a bridal gown that offers two looks for the price of one, the convertible gown might be exactly what you desire. Bridget Mora
