Vera Wang On Weddings (Hardcover)
From Publishers Weekly
For many a bride-to-be, "gown by Vera Wang" conjures
an image of style and luxury and above all a feeling of elegance.
Vera Wang on Weddings is an examination and explanation of the
whole event. from proposal to honeymoon, full of advice and
anecdotes. The designer and former Vogue editor says that even
though the tradition is centuries old, each wedding is an individual
event shaped by those involved, and anything is possible today.
Her gowns and design ideas are splendidly displayed in Paolo
Roversi's photography, and the photos from her own and other
weddings add to the luxurious, intimate feeling of the book.
Foreword by Anna
Book Description
The world's most successful bridal gown designer shares
her vision for this most important event -- the wedding. Rather
than a soup-to-nuts approach with endless lists of what to do,
Vera Wang details each aspect of the wedding with her thoughts
and ideas, culled from years of experience in the wedding business.
From budgets and bouquets to cake and communication,
Vera imparts her wisdom and advice. All the traditional parts
of planning a wedding -- invitations, registries, and music
-- are included, but what sets this book apart from all the
others are the little things she pays attention to. The First
Dance. The Bride Who Wears Glasses. Fittings (and weight fluctuations!).
The Garter (“Do I Have to Do That?”)
A wedding book by Vera Wang wouldn't be complete
without detail on the bride's gown. She explains how to select
the right neckline, construction, length, bodice, and waistline
for each bride's figure. What fabrics are appropriate for certain
times of day. How to choose among a veil, headband, flower blossoms
or bows for a headpiece. All of this is accompanied by hundreds
of photographs that illustrate Vera's vision.
Review: Makes Itself Helpful By Presenting Each Aspect
Of A Successful Wedding In Minimalistic Sections.
This book became the Bible of a certain bride I knew when she
was getting married in a VERY big service and I was one of her
friends involved early on in much of the planning. We had about
three other mass market wedding books as well as a hired advisor/planner
but those were quickly cast aside in favor of this one. Soon
more faith was placed in this book than in tomorrow's sunrise.
"What's Vera say about..." became the catch-phrase
of the season.
Vera Wang and her staff not only create beautiful
wedding dresses, but they know the occasion of wedding from
A to Z. Fair warning, this book does pre-suppose that some serious
money is going to be invested in the service and reception,
but for those who are planning a once in a lifetime event they
want special in every way, I know of no other source I'd put
more faith in than this. Everything is compartmentalized and
arranged so that the important aspects merit more attention
than those that can simply wait till later. I also liked the
"take it easy, things will be all right" message that
kept popping up almost subliminally in the little reassurances
that were scattered about. Those were really appreciated by
those of us who were dealing with a perpetually freaked out
bride, and in a few cases, made a real difference.
I'm in favor of something more minimalist when
it comes to weddings, but for those who want an elaborate service
and don't mind spending a lot of money to get it, then this
is a book that prove worthwhile more times than you'll be able
to count.
Review: Elegant Fabulousness
Beautifully presented... a wonderful showcase of blissfully
simple yet incredibly elegant gowns... also features glimpses
into fabulous famous brides & their weddings.... very inspirational
& truly lovely ....
Review: A beautiful coffee-table
style book with some helpful info.
As other reviewers have said, this is a gorgeous book. It's
very oversized--larger even than most coffee-table style books--and
has lovely pictures throughout which cover every aspect of wedding
celebrations. Included, of course, are many samples of Wang's
own work as a bridal gown designer as well as photos from her
own wedding. As a wedding planner, however, this book is less
useful. Although Wang does include her own commentary, some
of which is interesting and helpful, there really isn't enough
information for the book to be used as comprehensive planner.
Furthermore, the organization of the book is somewhat confusing,
as it does not follow a typical wedding planning chronology.
Despite these issues, brides-to-be and others are likelyto enjoy
this book, if only to "look at the pictures."
Review: Very lovely it is, but
not very useful
This book is a beautiful piece of publicity for Vera Wang but
the scope of content is rather myopic. I enjoyed seeing the
brides Vera Wang has dressed, but was pretty disappointed with
the amount of actual content for those planning a wedding. The
book as a graphic piece is exciting and wonderful; the use of
overlays is ethereal. But if one is trying to get to the details
of wedding planning in anything but a very formal city affair,
one should seek a different resource. The guidelines are far
too sparse in this one.
Review: Not only astonishingly
beautiful, but astonishingly useful
Fashion mavens know Vera Wang as the designer behind the wedding
gowns of such famous folk as Karenna Gore, Sharon Stone, Kristi
Yamaguchi, and more--and VOGUE readers throughout the 1980s
and early 1990s remember that she served on the editorial staff
there. But those who consider Wang to be little more than a
dress designer--however talented a dress designer she may be--will
be not only pleasantly surprised, but astonished at Wang's accomplishment
in the form of this book. "Vera Wang on Weddings"
just may be the only wedding book any bride will ever need.
Clocking in at nearly 300 pages and a hefty 10" by 13.5",
this is a substantive book not only in size and weight, but
in information as well.
Expecting Wang to help you out on choosing a gown? She doesn't
stop there. She gives you the benefit of her vast wedding experience
on topics ranging from choosing engagement and wedding bands
to coordinating flowers with other decorative elements at the
wedding and reception to wedding cakes to music to the formality
inherent in wedding ceremonies held at different times of day
and in different types of venues. Her expertise is enormous
and detailed, but she doesn't pelt you to death with bits of
information--the lay-out is such that it's easy to pick and
choose what you want to learn more about without being deluged
with other information.
There is information here that I've never seen
in another "bride guide." Sure, it's easy enough to
find out all the different veil lengths if you want--ranging
from fingertip to cathedral to royal and every length in between--but
what other book shows you, in detail, the twenty-six (twenty-six!)
different types of necklines? Or the twenty-three different
types of sleeves? What other book takes into account different
personal styles in such a clear-eyed manner (asking the reader
if she is a modernist, a minimalist, a traditionalist, and so
forth)? Wang covers second-time brides, pregnant brides, military
weddings, and even gives every bride permission to relax no
matter what her age or any other status: "White is always
appropriate." And so it is.
The book couldn't be handsomer. Harper Collins
did Wang proud by having art and design director Bridget de
Socio in charge of the book. It's clear that an enormous amount
of thought and effort went into making "Vera Wang on Weddings"
not only useful--first and foremost--but a feast for the eyes
as well. The paper is heavy and creamy--subtly echoing perhaps
the duchesse satin of a bridal gown--interspersed with occasional
sheer pages. The sheer pages feature lovely photographs of all
kinds of different items, from slender kid leather gloves to
sparkling rings to butterflies and rose petals. Through these
photographs, you then see the next page of regular paper. The
effect is transforming, and subtly echoes the manner in which
a sheer bridal veil helps put into motion the age-old metamorphosis
from woman to bride.
Review: Delicious
Vera Wang presents weddings that make you want to find YOUR
GUY right away. If you are already married, it may fill you
with regrets. The layout is large and inspiring. In terms of
details, you will be happy. I do agree about using the vows
and song in Ken Agori's novel (carried by Amazon). I understand
a CD is available and Celine may record it...Vera will make
you a romantic, even if you're cynical
Review: As Luxurious and Elegant
as Her Designs
This book breathes Vera Wang. The team that assembled this clearly
understood her design philosophy: deceptively simple, clean
lines, creative craftsmanship and of course, finest quality.
The book has a large format, about 10" x 14", that
showcases the glorious photos wonderfully well. It has the feel
of a chic, glossy, fashion catalogue with much more of an artistic
edge. For example, throughout the book, there are a few translucent
vellum sheets with images of jewels, crystal goblets, or lace
veils printed upon them that are beautifully superimposed over
images on the following page. Very nice effect that is done
occasionally on wedding invitations or programs.
Vera Wang covers not only fashion, but all aspects of wedding
planning in nicely formatted, concise text that does not compete
with the collages and full-page spreads that are an elegant
visual testimony to her own wedding celebration as well as those
of celebrities, royals and socialites. There are several familiar
photographs of her gowns which were used in ads, but the layout
of the book makes them feel larger than life. You can almost
feel the buttery satin of an ivory gown and almost see the changing
glitter of a crystal beaded bodice in the light. Her appendix
includes thumbnail sketches of necklines, sleeves, skirt shapes
and veils. She also includes a very practical page on tipping!
In my own planning process, this was my favorite
"inspiration" book. Even if you're not getting married,
looking at this book is a pleasurable experience from the great
cathedral aisles to the lusciously decorated cakes. Actually,
this is probably the least expensive way to immerse yourself
in Vera Wang style!
Review: Complete, but for the vows
and music...
check out Katherine's wedding scene in Defenders of the Holy
Grail (skip the rest of that novel if you want). Really, Wang's
book is very thorough and will help you, although it's a bit
pricey....
Review: For those who expect the
best
This book is a must have for those who enjoy weddings and the
celebration that surrounds them. Ms. Wang not only provides
a detailed description of the perfect wedding but also shares
her insight on receptions, invitations, guest lists, flowers
and bridal jewelry. The second half of the book is devoted to
the construction of wedding finery and gives the reader a glimpse
into the House of Vera Wang.
Review: Lavish, Elegant, Stylish,
Wonderful
This is a gorgeous book for anyone who is getting married. Naturally
I was most interested to read what Vera Wang had to say on the
subject of wedding gowns - and I wasn't disappointed. Every
element of the gown is broken down and discussed, plus the section
at the very back of the book is an invaluable resource. The
photographs are exquisite.
Review: Lush Design-Solid Content
Vera Wang on Weddings is as sumptuous and refined as the designer's
dresses. From the sheer white vellum page overlays to the beautiful
photographs of flower girls--including her own two adorable
daughters--along with reception sites featuring shimmering pools
filled with floating candles and flowers, majestic cathedrals,
and of course dress after amazing dress, this a design lover's
book.
Wang shares her lifelong love of fashion and her personal experience
as a bride, but she is not self-indulgent. The focus is on the
splendor of brides and weddings in general. Apart from the lush
pictures of her clients' weddings, there is an illustrated glossary
of dress terms, and Wang offers straightforward opinions on
which silhouettes flatter which figure.
Although the book addresses everything from grooms' cakes to
the cocktail hour to the morning after brunch, in terms of wedding
planning it is mainly an inspiration book that provides a general
overview with timeless advice. While it is an excellent fashion
resource, some brides may find Martha Stewart's Best of Weddings
highlights a wider range of reception ideas--especially for
less formal weddings--with more detailed planning tips.
Review
What a fitting tribute to a classic American designer. Vera
Wang has forever changed the way we see our brides with her
elegant and graceful designs. It's wonderful to see that someone
still believes in the glamour and whimsey that accompanies,
what for many people, is the most beautiful expression of love.
The photography is a marvel and the cover is surely bound to
turn heads. It begs the question of who is the woman under the
veil and leads to this next: Who took the cover photo? I was
saddened to not find the credit for this extraordinary photo
and feel that someone should get credit for this wonderful piece
of art. All in all this will grace many coffee tables of the
would be, soon to be and already betrothed of this land. A beautiful
addition to anyone's collection, that triumphantly speaks to
the magic of a wedding.
Review: breathtaking
This book belongs in your collection if you love beautiful things.The
design of the book gets a 10.Put it on your coffee table it
certainly does not belong in a book case it needs to be enjoyed
and experienced.Vera capures the very essence of what a wedding,
is the fairytale without the tackiness.the photograpers seem
to capture the heart and soul of all the couples featured.There
is a section at the back that features her garments-beautifully
shown in black and white-they are art forms on their own.Buy
it for someone this christmas and see how they respond(they
will love you)
Review: Vera Wang has outdone herself
again and again...
As an event designer, Ms. Wang's book is the most thorough,
simple and elegant book I have ever read pertaining to the topic
of weddings. She has covered all the important topics that every
bride is curious to know. I enjoyed reading every page and admired
every picture. The book was so good that I'd finished it in
one sitting. Since then, I'm still admiring the book and have
re-read all the topics 5 times. She is an amazing designer to
say the least. Ms. Wang is no doubt the leader in the wedding
gown design industry. A must have for every bride-to-be to read
and enjoy before her wedding day. Everything about the book
is elegant and chic, just like the clothes she designs. Ms.
Wang, you are uncomparable!!!
How to Buy Your Perfect Wedding Dress (Paperback)
IT'S TIME TO BUY THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS!
Every year, Kleinfeld helps more than five thousand
brides find the perfect look for the biggest day of their lives.
Women from all over the world flock to the famous Brooklyn store
to choose from among their vast selection of gowns and take
advantage of the expertise of their renowned staff of bridal
consultants. This book takes you through every aspect of that
unparalleled experience so that when you finally buy your wedding
dress, you will be thrilled with your choice.
Let the owners of Kleinfeld help you define the
style that best suits you -- be it classical, romantic, or contemporary
-- and that is most appropriate for the season and setting of
the wedding. Their detailed advice covers:
WHAT DRESSES ARE BEST FOR SPECIFIC BODY TYPES, INCLUDING SILHOUETTE
AND SKIRT LENGTH
COLORS, FABRICS, AND DECORATIONS, FROM THE SIMPLEST UNADORNED
SILK TO LACE WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS
ACCESSORIES -- INCLUDING THE VEIL, SHOES, GLOVES,
JEWELRY -- AND UNDERGARMENTS
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING TRIP
AND WHETHER OR NOT TO BRING MOM
WHAT TO EXPECT AT FITTINGS
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GOWN BEFORE AND AFTER THE
WEDDING
Whether you're getting married on a beach or in
a cathedral, whether you want to look sexy, chic, or like a
fairy princess, How to Buy Your Perfect Wedding Dress can help
all your dreams come true.
Review:Quite insightful!
"How to Buy Your Perfect Wedding Dress" by Ronald
Rothstein, et al, basically deals with the the selection of
a wedding dress. The authors went into details of what dresses
are suitable for what body types and they touched on factors
such as the silhouettes, sleeves or no sleeves, trains, the
back, necklines and bodies. They also provided information on
accessories such as veils, shoes, lingerie, and gloves which
are quite helpful to the bride-to-be. In addition, the authors
also gave advice on where to get the wedding dresses, and how
to take care and preserve the them.
I think this is a useful book to have for those (including me)
who have no idea of how to select the right wedding dress. The
authors provided basic to very detailed information that I think
would be good to have before actually selecting a dress. At
the very least, I learn some useful terminologies that will
help me when I actually want to talk to the wedding consultant.
Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques
for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear (Paperback)
Amazon.com
Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction,
this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking
skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other
types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details
all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics
of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information
on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary
first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves,
and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation;
and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents
all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles.
The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here,
and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not
required--the author works her transformations on purchased
patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding
gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're
hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this
an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career
should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Amy
Handy
Review: bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding
Gowns and Evening Wear
This is a very good book with all the details you ever want
to know on how to sew a wedding gown.
I would recommend it.
Review: fine techniques but out
of date style for Europe
If you have a strong interest in making bodices this is a good
book to add to your collection.
For me, the only problem is the limmited amount of techniques
being described.
Susan Khalje for me is someone who really knows what she's talking
about, but she seems a little conservative. ( style wise ) Then
again, i'm European and i have this problem with more books
from the us.
But, i am glad i have bought it.
Review: A MUST HAVE for all sewing
enthusiasts
I bought this book never having heard of the author before.
I was fairly "blown away" by the high quality of the
information offered, the wonderful works shown and the fact
that this author obviously cares about those who will use her
book. She provides her readers with some of the best, complete
and accurate information I have ever seen written in a book.
The reader (in this case me) knows that she/he is being provided
with information of the highest standard, the author doesn't
withhold important facts and obviously loves what she does as
seen in the quality work she produces. Sewing from the soul.
I don't do Bridal Sewing but am interested in Couture Sewing.
This book is one of the finest on the subject. I highly recommend
it.
Review: Everthing I hoped for!
As an experienced amateur seamstress I was looking for a book
that would guide me through both designing and sewing a wedding
dress for my 6'3" daughter. This book was exactly what
I needed to accomplish my goal. Step by step I was able to complete
each part of the gown. The final product was stunning and much
of the beauty of the gown was because of the construction techniques
on the inside that no one would know about eg. lining the fabric
(bodice only) with white baby flannelette and treating it as
one piece. The beautiful, smooth, princess seams were perfect.
In reading the details and applying them to my situation I was
able to create a lovely gown. With a good sewing background,
a passion for perfection, love for my daughter and her dream
dress AND this wonderful book it was everything I had hoped
for and would highly recommend it.
The Wedding Dress (Hardcover)
Review: Beautiful Quotes
The book has various photos of gowns dating back in history
and until now, some photos are more wedding snapshots. It has
a little bit of history behind the wedding dress and what i
found the most exciting was that on every second page was quotations
about celebrating love and marriage. I found the quotations
more interesting than the photos themselves.
The Knot Book of Wedding Gowns [BARGAIN PRICE]
Book Description
What's the real difference between an $800 gown and
an $8000 gown? Is Dupioni better than Duchesse? When do you
need a crinoline, and what is a crumb catcher? From the creator
of the #1 online wedding resource, The Knot Book of Wedding
Gowns provides the answers to these questions and thousands
more. The perfect gift for a bride-to-be, this lavishly illustrated
book--more than 250 color photographs and illustrations--tells
her everything she needs to know about the single most expensive
and important piece of clothing she will ever own. The only
fully comprehensive book on the subject, The Knot Book of Wedding
Gowns dissects the construction of the dress; profiles the numerous
styles; defines and illustrates hundreds of varieties of fabrics,
laces, embellishments, and accessories; and provides straightforward
counsel on which cuts work best with which fabrics, and what
styles look best on which body types. In addition, informative
sections explain how and where to search for a dress, how to
pull everything together to achieve the perfect look, and how
to care for the masterpiece when the wedding is over. Fascinating
bits of history throughout unveil the traditions and significance
of this most important piece of clothing.
Review: Just ok.
The book is okay for casual browsing but it not imformative
enough to use as a reference guide. I would have liked to have
seen more discussion of various styles and types of gowns for
various ceremony settings, body types, time of year, etc. Not
to mention, the dresses used as examples are not very current
or fashion forward; they appear rather dated. And the use of
mannequins to display the gowns rather than actual models I
found to be very cold and impersonal. It is rather boring to
read and gives more a broad history lesson of wedding gowns
than something an actual bride can use to assist her in her
gown search.
Review: Great for learning the basics
As someone who didn't know anything about wedding dresses, I
really loved this book. It describes all of the basics -- dress
silhouettes, bodices, skirt shapes, fabrics, etc., including
illustrations -- and discusses which types look best on different
body shapes. It also explains the different types of fabrics,
details, and train lengths. I am sure that this knowledge will
be really helpful to me when I go dress shopping. The bridal
shops have so many types of dresses, that it is nice to be able
to narrow down my choices a little beforehand.
Review: Alright I guess...
This book was okay, I would suggest reading through it in a
bookstore. No need to spend the money.
Review: best book I've seen
Great pictures and good explanations of how to shop for and
what to look for in a gown. It helps you understand why they
cost so much!
Bridal Gowns: How to Make the Wedding
Dress of Your Dreams (Paperback)
Review: A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought
this book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is
well-written. However, if you are a novice you do not want to
ACTUALLY attempt a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other
books to walk you through. This is written for those who truly
understand patterns and sewing. However, if you don't sew it
is a great book to understand what things you should be looking
for if you are having it made by a dressmaker, and the types
of fabric/necklines/veils, etc. If you're expecting a step-by-step
this is not the book for you.
Review: Wonderful!
Well written, clearly illustrated, great on all the details.
Obviously written by a pro who is very creative! Highly recommended
even if you don't plan to sew your own--you will get lots of
ideas to have the perfect dress made for your special day!
Review: New to the Game
This book seems to be very helpful. It is very detailed about
the different types of fabrics to be used with suggestions of
ease for each material. The section on lace is also very good.
The section on headpieces is rather scimpy, though. I only wish
that there were more color pictures of actual gowns (there are
two), lace, and headpieces. Overall, this book gives you the
confidence to go out and actually design your own dress and
then to make it. (I'll update my review if I have gone over
my head.)
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