What would Kate do?
For brides looking to channel none other than the duchess of Cambridge, might we suggest Temperley Bridal’s Jean bridal dress (seen here)? It’s part of a centuries-spanning bridal exhibit at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, which includes gowns worn by Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani and Dita Von Teese. The Jean gown is available at San Francisco’s own Marina Morrison (at 30 Maiden Lane).
At your fingertips
While customizing nails is a relatively novel concept, the adage “something old, new, borrowed and blue” has reached hands and feet, thanks to Butter London’s Sweet Somethings collection, which can be layered (Doily creates a patterned lace effect) or doled out to willing bridesmaids to create a consistent look. $35 (fashion-size set), Nordstrom or www.butterlondon.com.
Big day Dos & don’ts
According to the annual “What’s on Brides’ Minds” survey from retailer David’s Bridal, 44 percent of brides are taking a cue from Kim and Kanye by having a say on which social media messages can – and cannot – be broadcast during the big day. Here are some other social stats:
62%
Percent who believe bridesmaids should not post photos of the bride in her dress before the ceremony
58%
Percent who believe the bride and groom should be the first to post a photo from the wedding
32%
Percent who say “no” to any video content on YouTube
14%
Percent who ban cell phones during the ceremony.
P.S.: A Zoosk survey of more than 3,000 of its users finds that people who have attended a wedding in the past year are 34 percent more likely to want to get married.
$592
Average amount guests will spend on weddings this year. An average of $109 of that will go for gifts. Miss Manners tsk-tsks such fundraising, but 55 percent of newlyweds prefer the gift to be greenbacks, data show.
Source: American Express data
Mod Bridesmaids
Despite a bad reputation, bridesmaids dresses are increasingly getting customized for the wearer. Enter local e-tailer ModCloth, known for eclectic dresses and more than a hint of vintage inspiration. The company’s ModStylists have been assisting bridesmaids who come with a color in mind but a yet-to-be-determined silhouette; the stylist helps find a dress that fits them – and their future party plans.
Suite Makeover
Nob Hill’s historic Huntington Hotel is the latest of the area’s hotels to get an update. Singapore owner Grace International unveiled the Scarlet Huntington and its $15 million renovation (stylishly modern interiors with vivid reds, yellows and purples) May 22 with a fashion show by local designer Karen Caldwell. (Fun fact: Caldwell’s husband, Oliver, proposed to her at the hotel’s Big 4 restaurant.)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle