The New Rustic Bride Is Anything But Basic
Rustic, barn, boho...whatever the moniker, these selvage wood-floored, garland-adorned, mason-jar accented weddings were all over Pinterest the past five years. And to the fashion-forward bride whose ahead of the curve (read: you), they've come to mean one thing: basic.
Think of barn affairs as the pumpkin spice latte of weddings–they're great and all, and at times they really hit the spot–but they're everywhere. They're just fine, but they're a little too sweet at times. Their popularity has rendered them far too pedestrian to appease the bride who dares to go bold–until now.
Enter David Beahm, event designer extraordinaire and owner of Thistle Dew Farm, who partnered with BAZAAR Bride to turn the barn wedding dressing on it's head. Turns out, gauzy lace, slim silhouettes, flower crowns, and festival-inspired dresses aren't the only thing that works on the farm. Here, the new risks on rustic wedding dressing worth taking–and how to stand out in one of the most popular wedding settings.
Florals are nothing new in the world of weddings–but the boldest bloom prints in the colors of your setting are a fashion-forward way to pop on the day-of. Still married to wearing white? Slip into a scene-setting look for the reception, instead.
Dolce & Gabbana printed organza gown, $8,595, SHOP NOW; Chopard "Copacabana Collection" earrings featuring 88.82-carats of pink sapphires and 4.18-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold, price upon request, chopard.com. Stephen Russell engagement ring, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.
Glam, over-the-top embroidery has its place in the great outdoors–especially when it calls to the textures of your location. Don't be convinced that you need to keep things casual; a gown that delivers drama in large doses elevates the look and feel of your event.
Naeem Khan "Mirage" sleeveless gown with crystal floral detail and all-over plush ostrich feathers, $19,995, SHOP NOW; H.Stern earrings, price upon request, hstern.net.
In Chinese culture, red is a sign of good luck. In Indian culture, red it's color of purity and the hue many brides don on their wedding day. If you aren't into white, consider this auspicious hue to stand out at any of your wedding events surrounding the ceremony.
Carolina Herrera off-shoulder multi-tiered tulle dress, $4,990, SHOP NOW
The Pinterest-obsession with all things barn weddings ushered in the rise of the blush bridal gown, the only non-white shade that's deemed just as aisle-worthy as alabaster. But just like white, the same shade of blush won't suit every skin tone. Break the rules–choose the shade that flatters both you and your style.
J.Mendel golden off-the-shoulder layered tulle gown, $8,990, SHOP NOW; Wendy Yue multicolor sapphire floral earrings, $10,200, SHOP NOW; Stephen Russell engagement ring, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.
Introducing the girl everyone wants to be–in her bridal version. Think Victoriana, and puff sleeves–without it feeling festival-inspired. This look is the subtly bohemian, but with a polished effortlessness we haven't seen before.
BEAUTY NOTE: A smokey eye works in an organic setting when done in neutral, matte tones that add depth and dimension–without a metallic sheen.
Valentino Fall/Winter 2018 Look 16 dress, $10,000, SHOP NOW; Chopard "Palme Verte Collection" rings in 18k fair-mined gold, $2,380 each, chopard.com; By Romance "B.B." boater hat with veil, $275, lohobride.com.
Civil ceremonies, after parties, and rehearsal dinners aren't the only times when sleek tailoring makes sense. Choose a fabrication that feels a little more effortless than a stiff silk–like a delicate lace–and bring a strong sense of sharp style to an outdoor affair.
Marchesa blouse, price upon request, pant, $1,095, and jacket, $2,290, available upon special order at Bergdorf Goodman: Christian Louboutin "Hilconico" white patent leather ankle boot, $1,095, SHOP NOW; Colette 18k gold wing studs with tsavourites, $2,700, colettejewelry.com.
The fashion fairy nymph hints at this trend–but this look is infinitely more regal. Rolling hills and endless expanses are just the type of setting to handle a major fashion moment. Turn up the volume on ruffles, bell sleeves, and high collars; add hints of velvet in rich tones, and opt for a train while you're at it.
Erdem "Mirabelle" gown, $4,960, SHOP NOW; Wendy Yue 18k gold ruby ear climbers, $6,200, SHOP NOW.
Loads of beading, sultry silhouettes, and plunging necklines feel more Great Gatsby than Great Expectations–but with the right styling, they suit lush landscapes. Skip extra accessories that will only add formality and sparkle–and keep hair and makeup at their most natural.
Gucci silk satin georgette long sleeve, deep V-neck dress with crystal embroidered appliqués, price upon request, gucci.com.
Surprise and delight your guests at every turn. Skip the predictable ivory, white, blush, and the like and opt for a bold pop of color that not even your most discerning guest will expect.
Monique Lhuillier lime puff sleeve embroidered bodice A-line gown, $6,590, moniquelhuillier.com.
While dip dye and intense ombré are a bit passé, subtle swaths of pale tones enable you to avoid settling on just one hue, and amp up a nude-toned gown for a look that feels special yet subtle. In natural settings, stick to easy hair and polished yet barely-there beauty.
Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition gown, price upon request, albertaferretti.com.
Sometimes it pays to be a bit of a bridal badass. Make a barn wedding your own by edging up this otherwise playful and garden party aesthetic. Hits of black, over-the-face-veiling, and a bold lip merge your street style with your new role as a bride.
Oscar de la Renta black velvet and enchanted forest printed chine gown, $13,990, SHOP NOW; Valentino Garavani shoes, $1,245, valentino.com; By Romance "Cara" boater hat, $245, SHOP NOW.
Creative Director Carrie Goldberg; Photographer Christian Oth; Created in collaboration with David Beahm; Hair Stylist Michael Thomas Lollo; Makeup Artist Victor Henao; Starring Melie Tiacoh & Esther Heesch for NEXT Model Management; Casting Direction Dante + Onell; Stylist Assistant Stephanie Alexandris; Photo Assistants Derick Marquez & Bryce Noakes; Special Thanks to Matthew Pattison & Jim Beahm.
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