Weddings: Priscilla of Boston

As a “modern” woman, it has been ingrained in me that I shouldn’t care about the idea of a wedding. And, in fact, I have spent much of my late teens and early twenties publicly denouncing any notion that I might ever tie the knot. “An ancient institution and a disgustingly expensive way to express your love,” I would say.

The truth is, although I am not sure that I could ever be that perfect, beautiful bride with the floral encrusted, 250-person wedding, I would be a liar if I said I didn’t think about what I would wear should that day ever come.

In fact, I think about it more than I'd like to admit. The first time I can remember it being an idea in my head was when Carolyn Bessette married JFK, Jr. I can remember the 1930s-style sheath, by then-unknown designer Narciso Rodriguez, splashed on the cover of magazines—I was only thirteen years old, but I thought it was so beautiful! Since then, I have loved following what celebrities wear on their wedding days. I loved Nicole Kidman’s romantic Balenciaga, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s decadent hippie Vera Wang, Gwen Stefani’s pink-stained John Galliano gown, and Tory Spelling’s Gatsby-inspired Badgley Mischka gown from her first wedding. And I chime in with advice and excitement as my own girlfriends go through the routine of buying the ideal dress for their big day.

 

But, as illustrated in the above paragraph, from minimalist sheaths to romantic layers of chiffon to avant-garde pools of pink taffeta, my tastes run the gamut. But what I loved about all these dresses is that they embrace and explore the style of the individual who wears it. As much as we ladies might think about what we will wear on the big day, we won’t know exactly what it will be until we’ve tried a few on and found our favorite.

Luckily for Twin Cities brides-to-be, there’s one more place to scour when you're in search of your perfect gown. On Monday, May 5, Priscilla of Boston will open its new boutique at 50th & France. The store, which originally started in Boston sixty-two years ago by Priscilla Kidder (who is best known for designing the bridesmaid's gowns for Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco and the bridal gowns for presidential daughters Luci Johnson and Tricia Nixon), will feature four groups of dresses as well as bridesmaid and flower girl gowns and accessories.

A few weeks ago, all four of the collections to be carried at Priscilla of Boston were sent down the runway. Here are a few of the dresses I can’t wait to ogle in person.

  

In addition to wedding gowns from Priscilla of Boston ($3,500—$6,000), Melissa Sweet ($3,500—$7,000), Platinum ($4,000-$13,000), and Vineyard (all gowns less than $2,900), the boutique will also carry attendant dresses; some of my favorites are below.

  

Priscilla of Boston, 3926 W. 50th St., 952-922-2106

Comments

[Liz Doyle]

I am right there with you. I don't ever see myself in the tiered ball of fluffy mess. If I do decided that the institution of marriage is for me, there is something about P of B and her timeless and ornate gowns that catches my eye. Monique will finally have some competition!