Bridal Belts

At Love Couture Bridal, ladies are adding a dash of extraordinary to their wedding day style with bridal belts. Maryland women aren’t the only ones setting trends - notable newlyweds from Kate Middleton to Chelsea Clinton have been spotted wearing them.

images left to right: Kate Middleton, Chelsea Clinton, Haute Bride belts - Love Couture Bridal

Clearly, bridal belts have become the new must-have accessory, and it’s easy to see why!

From simple to elaborate, they transform the look of a wedding dress. This little accessory also boasts big versatility. It’s perfect for changing things up between wedding and reception, plus it lives on beyond your wedding day. After all, a fabulous bit of sparkle goes with everything – especially party dresses.

images left to right: Glam Haute Bride belt - Love Couture, elegant Haute Bride Belt - Love Couture, Lazaro Bridal Belts - Love Couture

To see our collection of delightful bridal belts by Haute Bride, Lazaro and more, book a one-on-one appointment by calling (301) 610-568, or pop by our Potomac bridal boutique!

Love Couture Bridal Styling Night with Engaging Affairs

Love Couture Bridal had the pleasure of hosting a private styling night with the Weddingistas of Engaging Affairs, a Washington, D.C. award winning wedding planning firm who recently introduced "Lifestyle Wedding Planning" for their brides-to-be.

Engaging Affairs "Weddingistas"


As brides arrived, they were whisked away into one of our dressing suits to consult privately with hair and makeup designers, Carl Ray, Nikki Fraser, Hair by Gizelle and Bridal Hair by Ramona. (Talk about TALENT!)

 Nikki Fraser- Beauty 'N The Bride


 Carl Ray

For fashions we debuted hot off the runway 2012 bridal gowns by Kenneth Pool, Lazaro and Matthew Christopher. Accessories were by Haute Bride and Enchanted Atelier.

Kenneth Pool - Flirtation


To top off the fun, The Sweetest Affair gave us all yummy “eye candy” with their elegant and tasty lolly pop buffet.

The Sweetest Affair

It was a true pleasure to host such a fun event! The ladies of Engaging Affairs- Laura, Sara, Amanda and Christine are a talented team of wedding planners who truly believe that experiences like this really make wedding planning fun and memorable for their clients. Love Couture Bridal was thrilled to host the event. Thank you to everyone involved who helped make it a success~

Love Couture Bridal Staff

Sandy Leone, Laura Weatherly and Amanda Smith

Photography by Daniel McGarrity

Love Couture Lazaro Bride - Melissa

We’re so proud and excited to share a Love Couture bride on our blog! It seems like just yesterday we opened the doors of our new bridal boutique to DC area brides.

Melissa & Marc, Lazaro 3050 & Haute Bride EC707 earrings - Love Couture, image - Moshe Zusman

When Melissa visited Love, she chose a sophisticated, romantic Lazaro bridal gown and glam Haute Bride earrings. Absolutely perfect for the intimate wedding she had planned at the always elegant Four Seasons in Georgetown.

Melissa's Lazaro 3050 - Love Couture, image - Moshe Zusman

During Melissa’s fittings here at Love, she took our breath away. As you can see, when her husband-to-be first caught a glimpse, his heart skipped a beat, too. He must have had a hard time taking his eyes off her from their photo shoot at Union Station to the end of their celebration!

Melissa & Marc, Lazaro gown - Love Couture Bridal,

image - Moshe Zusman

Melissa, Lazaro 3050 & Haute Bride EC707 earrings - Love Couture, images - Moshe Zusman

Melissa & Marc, Lazaro 3050 & Haute Bride EC707 earrings - Love Couture,

image - Moshe Zusman

Melissa & Marc, Lazaro style 3050 - Love Couture Bridal,

image - Moshe Zusman

Thanks so much for choosing Love Couture Bridal, Melissa, and the very best wishes to you both!

What is a Bridal Bustle?

The wedding gown you fell head over heels for has arrived. You’re standing before a mirror with Love Couture Bridal’s amazing seamstress when she asks:

“What kind of bustle would you like? American or French?”

What does she mean?

Created during alterations using snaps, hook and eye closures or ribbons, a bustle allows your gown’s train to be down when you want it and tucked away when you don’t!

There are two basic kinds of bustles, the American and French.

When a train is picked up and attached on the outside of gown, it’s called an American bustle. Depending on the length of the train and fullness of the gown’s skirt, there can be one or more fastening points.

American bustle with one fastening point

Generally using three or more closures, a French bustle lifts the train by securing it underneath the gown’s top layer.

French bustle with several closures

Have more questions about bridal alterations or still searching for your wedding dress? Call us at (301) 610-5683.

4th of July Bride

Inspired by this weekend’s fireworks, we decided to extend the 4th of July with glam red, white and blue bridal style.

In place of sparklers, we chose Haute Bride’s dazzling B901 cuff adorned with sapphire gems. A nostalgic, dreamy wedding gown like Matthew Christopher’s Peggy Sue reminds us of balmy, firefly nights gone by. And, of course, no Independence Day bride is complete without fabulous red shoes. Mix in some whimsical, patriotic wedding details, and you’ve got a look that sings summer in July!

image credits clockwise from upper left: Utah Bride, HGTV, Haute Bride Bride B901 - Love Couture Bridal, Pintrest, Matthew Christopher Peggy Sue - Love Couture Bridal

If you’d like our help with your wedding day style, call 301-610-5683 to book a consultation with one of our bridal stylists!

Cage Veils

Seen on vintage-inspired and modern Love Couture brides alike, our current obsession with cage veils is actually nothing new. Made popular in the 1940s by starlets and fashionable ladies, these dramatic, dainty pieces have been spotted over the years on runways and in the glossy pages of couture fashion magazines.

glam french net cage veil

Happily, couples planning their weddings today are all about personality, using what moves them as a muse. So, ladies have been taking their cues from fashion, both old and new…which brought back the divinely chic cage veil!

Depending on the accessories, bridal gown and styling it’s paired with, a cage veil can add an air of mystique and a dash of Hollywood glam to almost any wedding day look.

cage veil and flower bridal fascinator by Haute Bride

Most commonly, the cage veil is worn (somewhat saucily) off to the left side of the crown of the head. Depending on its length, the net can then sweep over both eyes, cover one, or simply skim the eyebrows. However, ladies who want things a bit more classic often pin it at the back of the head right above their updo.

french net veil and feather bridal fascinator by Malis Henderson

To see our collection of fabulous Haute Bride and Malis Henderson cage veils, call 301-610-5683.

Bridal Gown Necklines - Part II

To help Love Couture brides choose the neckline that suits them best, we've created Bridal Gown Neckline CliffsNotes. In Part I, we shed some light on sweetheart, portrait, off the shoulder, bateau/sabrina, and halter necklines.

Below we're profiling a few more popular styles, but keep in mind, any given gown can have more than one neckline. Some are strapless and sweetheart, others portrait and scoop. Similar to a hot fudge sundae, certain flavors are decadent together! Just make sure the separate ingredients are palatable to what's best for you.

Strapless:

Just as the name implies, this ever popular style is sans straps. Fantastic on a diverse assortment of body types, it’s at its most fetching when paired with a sweetheart or gentle scoop.

strapless neckline, Lusan Mandongus

Scoop:

Sloping from shoulder to shoulder in a soft U-shape, adaptability is this profile’s middle name. It can glide just above the bustline or dip just below the collarbone and is lovely on almost any body. We should mention that the scoop, like a V-neck, is a splendid non-strapless option.

scoop neckline, Pronovias - 3808

One Shoulder/Asymmetrical

Modern and chic, the asymmetrical neckline showcases one shoulder while the other remains under wraps. The single sleeve can be long, short or anywhere in between. Just about anyone can wear an asymmetrical gown, though some fuller busted ladies find it imbalances their shape.

one shoulder neckline, Pronovias - Fiona

Jewel Neckline:

Closely circling the neck while providing total coverage to the rest of the upper body, this style is also known as the “T-shirt.” Ideal for smaller busted women, like the Sabrina, this neckline has a tendency to make the bust look fuller.

jewel neckline, Enzoani - Emily

Crumb Catcher

Though not technically a neckline, this little number deserves a category all its own. It's a decorative insert of fabric pleated, draped or ruffled along the bust that adds panache. Because the crumb catcher increases volume, it’s at its best on women with medium to smaller busts.

crumb catcher, Kenneth Pool - Lovely

Spaghetti Straps

These little straps named after pasta are exactly what they say they are. Delicately providing a little support and peace of mind, spaghetti straps harmonize wonderfully with just about any figure.

Spaghetti strap neckline, Jenny Yoo - Dana

If you'd like more help finding the right gown for your unique shape, call 301-610-5683 to book your one-on-one consultation!

Bridal Gown Necklines - Part I

Though it may seem inconsequential compared to other details like really fabulous French lace, a wedding gown’s neckline is pivotal when it comes to flattering.

A neckline frames the face, highlights the neck, shoulders and bust and provides structure for the gown. Add to the mix that most pictures taken on your wedding day are form the waist up, and you see what we mean.

The trouble is there are several to choose from. But don’t fret! Love Couture’s Bridal Gown Neckline CliffsNotes are here to help. Be sure to check back next week for more necklines explained.

Sweetheart:

Shaped in varying degrees like the top of a heart, a Sweetheart accentuates the décolletage. Especially fantastic for fuller busted women, it softens the line across the chest, which reduces the “shelf” effect and lengthens the neck. Plunging sweetheart necklines are often draped with a sheer material like organza, creating an alluring illusion neckline. In addition to being enchanting and sophisticated, this elongates the torso and further highlights a girl’s assets.

sweetheart neckline, Kenneth Pool - Flirtation

Off the Shoulder:

Framing the face and collarbones, an Off the Shoulder neckline dips below the collarbone and extends to either side just at the shoulders. Flattering to almost everyone, this style is marvelous for ladies who want a little arm coverage.

off the shoulder neckline, Matthew Christopher - Elodie

Portrait:

Sister to Off the Shoulder, the Portrait leaves shoulders completely bare, in a graceful upper arm to upper arm scoop. Tricky for ladies with a broader frame, this neckline is lovely on most. Just make sure you have enough range of motion to dance cheek-to-cheek comfortably!

portrait neckline, Blue by Enzoani - Davenport

Halter:

This neckline, made famous by Marilyn Monroe, is characterized by a strap that closes at the nape of the neck and leaves the back open. Usually featuring a plunging neckline, halters are also seen with a front panel similar to a straight across strapless. Most becoming on women with broad shoulders, a halter can also add height and length by drawing the eye upward.

halter neckline, Stephen Yearick - 13143

Bateau/Sabrina:

Named after the French word for boat, a Bateau curves gently just below the collarbone. Also nicknamed after a dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Sabrina, this classic style provides a varied range of coverage. In its classic form, the Bateau is ideal on small busted and framed women.

sabrina neckline, Reem Acra

V-neck:

An excellent Halter alternative, this timeless neckline ranges from a deep, Jennifer Lopez-in-her-green-Versace V to a subtler, criss-cross that just hints at décolletage. Delightful on women with medium to full busts and average or tall frames, depending on the straps, this silhouette can sometimes overwhelm petite brides.

v-neckline, Matthew Christopher - Gatsby

If you can't wait for next week's Bridal Gown Neckline CliffsNotes Part II to help you find the right wedding dress, call 301-610-5683 to book your one-on-one consultation!

Reem Acra at Love Couture

Reem Acra’s legendary, glamorous style will soon be at Love Couture! We’re beyond excited about offering Washington DC area brides her sumptuous wedding collection.

clockwise from upper left: Olivia Wilde, Nicole Richie, Dianna Agron, Eva Longoria, Taylor Swift

Remember Olivia Wilde’s stunner at the Emmys and Eva Longoria stopping hearts at the Golden Globes? We don’t know about you, but at the Academy Awards last year, Nicole Richie rendered us speechless. And who could forget Dianne Argonn at in silver at Golden Globes?

All those women have one thing in common (other than memberships to the Screen Actors Guild) – Reem Acra.

Clockwise from upper left: Ali Larter, Halle Berry, Olivia Wilde, Christina Applegate, Mo'nique (images source)

That same, dazzling design and couture craftsmanship that has bewitched us on the red carpet for years will now grace Love Couture’s racks. If timeless glamour and elegantly executed dramatic details make you weak in the knees, Reem Acra is the answer to your wedding-dress dreams!

Our new Reem gowns will be arriving soon, so call 301-610-5683 to book your appointment, and check back here on our blog for updates.

Pronovias 2010 Bridal Gowns at Love Couture

Pronovias’s new 2012 gowns have arrived at Love Couture Bridal! We’re big fans of Pronovias’s sumptuous, timeless aesthetic, but their 2012 collection is particularly filled with marvelous wedding dresses.

Pamela and Pampa’s decadent ruffles and delicate lace are made for swirling on the dance floor, and the aptly named asymmetrical Paris gown is so chic she could go from red carpet to aisle with ease.

Pronovias Pamela, Pampa and Paris

If we had to use one word to describe our new Pronovias Puebla gown, it would be romantic. Her lovely hem detail, sweet ruffled jewel neckline and sleek shape would be amazing for a whimsical, modern wedding.

Pronovias Puebla

Porto has dramatic entrance (and exit) written all over her. This gown’s rich, draped fabric, bejeweled halter neckline and vavavavoom shape smolders with the same elegance as Salma Hayek.

Pronovias Porto

Pretty fabulous, right? And these are just a few of the 2012 Pronovias gowns at Love Couture Bridal. To see the rest, call 301-610-5683.

Lusan Mandogus at Love Couture

We’re delighted to announce that Lusan Mandogus is coming to Love Couture!

Lusan’s bridal collection is so special that her Hong Kong design house has become an international name known for its unique, timeless, couture gowns.

Lusan Mandogus bridal gowns, Love Couture

As her exclusive Washington, DC retailer, Love Couture will have Lusan Mandogus’s chic, romantic and modern collection all to ourselves. Which is a good thing since we can’t get enough of its enchanting, imaginative quality. So, girls, if you have an appreciation for fashion and a flair for the dramatic, get ready to be wowed!

Lusan Mandogus bridal gowns, Love Couture

Our Lusan Mandogus gowns will soon be arriving! Call 301-610-5683 to schedule your appointment.