Extravagant Bridal Designs

N E W   Y O R K, July 16, 2003 -- Do you want a wedding fit for a Hollywood star?

Millie Martini Bratten, the editor in chief of Bride's magazine says some everyday ladies want their special day to be full of extravagant details. Of course, in many cases, women can't afford to hire their own celebrity wedding planner on top of all the other costs, but Bratten says ladies can pull it off without help.

Before they get started, Bratten says women who want extravagant weddings should prepare themselves to pay more than the average bride for the dress, flowers, jewelry and just about everything else.

On average, the bride's total look — dress, shoes and accessories — costs about $1,200, or about 7 percent of the total wedding budget, says Bratten.

Bouquets can range from less than $100 to several hundred, although the average spent on wedding flowers is about 6 percent of the total wedding budget.

Extravagant ensembles will cost considerably more. Check out the details on the extravagant wedding ensembles that Bratten showed off on Good Morning America:

Vera Wang:

This gown is an ivory tulle design with beaded floral sequins over satin-faced organza. It features on-the-shoulder straps, a square neckline, and a tank bodice with full A-line skirt. It retails for about $8,900. The bouquet that goes with it is simple and delicate. It's constructed of roses in a contained form (small clutchshape) and a short pearl tassel effect hanging off the bouquet. The colors are soft and peach-based and the whole look is simple, subtle, modern and opulent all at the same time.(http://www.verawang.com)

Romona Keveza:

This strapless silk Mikado gown has ruffles at the bodice, and hem which lead into tiered ruffled train with a beautiful coordinating veil. It's a modern take on a Victorian look, with a bustle that's all about ruffles. Silk Mikado is a crisper fabric than satin, and has a little weave to it. It retails for about $5,000. The bouquet that completes this look is a medium-size clutch of large cream-colored dahlias with a faint hint of lavender. (http://www.romasposa.com/romona_kevesa.htm)

Badgley Mischka:

The dress shown on GMA was developed by the couture design team at Badgley Mischka. The ivory strapless gown with embroidered ribbon and lace retails for about $5,000. Badgley Mischka gowns are available at Badgley Mischka Bride at Escada, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Monique Lhuillier:

This two-piece long-sleeved gown features Alencon lace and a V-neck wrap top with a full organza pick-up skirt that features lace trim and a satin sash. It retails for about $5,300. The matching bouquet features white French long-stemmed calla lilies, and fabric that matches the dress sash. (http://www.moniquelhuillier.com/)

Anthony La Bate for Francesca Couture (photo top):

This dress, a couture custom-made gown, features diamonds around the bust line and neck. The diamonds on dress were provided by Elle & Co (www.elleandco.com). The detachable skirt is 50 yards of bias cut petals in six tiers. The fabric is silk organza. The dress with diamonds goes for $300,000. If the diamonds are replaced by crystals, it drops to $30,000. For the flowers, a small loop of stephanotis were attached to the cuff bracelet. The shoes are from Chuckies in Brooklyn, N.Y. (www.francescacouture.com).

Diamonds, Flowers, Shoes

The following diamond pieces David Rudy-Limited, located at 1689 East 5th St., Brooklyn, N.Y., were shown with some of the above ensembles:

The 13-carat square cut engagement ring-GVS1 retails for $340,000.

The diamond cuff bracelet, 2 inches wide, has 17½ carats of diamonds. It goes for $25,000.

The Victorian-style diamond tiara with scallops of diamonds costs about $18,500. It can also be worn as a necklace.

The chandelier diamond earrings retail for $42,000.

The diamonds on the dress by Anthony La Bate for Francesca Couture were provided by Elle & Co. (www.elleandco.com).

Other diamond pieces shown on models are by Stephen Russell, 962 Madison Ave., New York City.

The flowers shown on GMA were from Urban Flora Design, located at 226 East Third St., New York City. Bouquet prices are determined by design and materials.

The shoes that went with the dress by Anthony La Bate for Francesca Couture were provided by Chuckies in Brooklyn, N.Y.