Dress Decadence

photo courtesy Canta Bridal and Fashion

There was a time when the only things women traditionally bought in pairs were shoes and earrings. But if a current trend continues, there could be another item added to the list: bridal gowns. Patrice Catan of Catan Bridal and Fashion in Strongsville reports that the practice of buying two wedding dresses - one for the ceremony and one for the reception - instigated by the rich and famous of Southern California a couple of years ago has finally reached the Midwest. Early last year a doctor in her late 20s gave the bridal megasalon its first such sale. Today, approximately 10 percent of its customers are doing the same thing.

"Bridal designs have become either real full or real slinky,€VbCrLf Catan explains. "The girls love them both. They want the Cinderella look, but they also want the sexy look. And the only way they get both is going to two dresses. If a girl has the money, that's exactly what she'll do.€VbCrLf

Contrary to what some may think, the bulk of the budget isn't always spent on what's worn down the aisle. Laura Smith, co-owner of A Bride's Design in Westlake, says her first two clients to buy a pair of dresses last year requested custom designs for the receptions. One woman ordered a plunging halter-style "mermaid€VbCrLf affair (think the dress Morticia Addams wore on "The Addams Family,€VbCrLf but in a shade of white with more leg room) of silk charmeuse overlaid with Alencon lace. The other wanted a sleeveless '50s frock of silk dupioni with a V neckline and full tea-length skirt.

"They wanted to express themselves a little bit more at the reception,€VbCrLf Smith says.

Catan estimates the average two-dress bride spends approximately $5,000 in her couture department, depending on the designer. That figure doesn't include the shoes and accessories for each gown.

"Every dress has to have its own accessories,€VbCrLf she declares.

Ladies, start saving your pennies.

- Lynne Thompson