Photo: Joy Robinson Singer
From the best wedding dress styles available to the latest designer trends to finding the best gowns for your body type, we're talking about the ins and out of wedding dress shopping with bridal boutique owners from across the country. They're sharing their top insider secrets, hottest local intel, and everything else you'll need to have a blast finding your wedding dress (Think mani-pedi with your mom, brunch with your bridesmaids, and cocktails with your besties!).
Owner Betsy Robinson carries more than 35 designers in her salon, which is the go-to for Maryland and D.C. brides. Here, her top dress shopping tips!
Brides: What are your brides looking for?
Betsy Robinson: Dresses with details on the shoulders: beadwork or maybe pretty cap sleeves. They also want more coverage—we make custom lace jackets, which are very popular.
Brides: Why are strapless gowns so popular?
BR: The silhouette really does flatter all body types. And for curvy women, the clean lines of a strapless bodice will make their arms look thinner. And it's easier to dance—you can raise your arms and do the YMCA!
As for places to visit in the Baltimore area? Check out Robinson's suggestions below.
Lunch at Linwoods: "A great spot to celebrate after you've found your dress."
Stationery from The Pleasure of Your Company: "This boutique, located in the nearby Green Spring Station shopping district, has a fabulous variety of wedding invitations."
Wedding shoes from Matava Shoes: "They have a huge selection and carry designers like Stuart Weitzman and Claudia Ciuti."