Wedding season is quickly approaching and while planning a wedding can be a daunting task, it doesn't need to be. Good organization and some research makes everything easier - even enjoyable. Since most girls start dreaming of their wedding dress from KG, we thought this would be the right place to start the planning process. To set us off in the right direction, we chatted with the general manager of Pronovias in CityStars, Doaa Mostafa. The first question that comes to mind: Go traditional, trendy or both? Proposing with a diamond ring has not always been the ritual. Rubies, the gem of love, were once the norm and are slowly making a comeback. Same goes for wedding gowns: white was not always the color of choice. According to Mostafa, vintage is really popular now. Classic themes always find their way back to the catwalk, making it possible to mix traditional looks with what's in vogue. "Lace is always sexy and silk never goes out [of style], she said. "Pronovias is taking embroidered tulle to a whole new level. It's rich and glamorous. There was a time when women of the gentry decked their gowns with beads, gems and fine materials to boast their family's wealth. However, for years now, designers have leaned towards the simple and elegant, using the bare minimum amount of material and focusing on the cut. This year, personalizing wedding gowns is all the rage, with monograms and embroidery down the back taking precedence. "The Spanish style is popular with a lot of ruffles. Long veils are in and definitely ivory rather than white, Mostafa said. The more daring bride can even take it beyond ivory: Some top designers are offering citrus gowns, with yellows, pinks and purples growing in popularity. Metallic themes will shine in the coming months. Whether you want to add touches of silver or gold to your gown, or even drape yourself in shimmer, the sky is your limit. "One of my customers wore champagne and her bridesmaids were wearing white, Mostafa continued, "It was a piece of heaven on earth. I really thought it was beautiful. Green is popular too, but in a different way. The latest trend for wedding planners is to keep the event as eco-friendly as possible. There are a number of ways to do this, from printing invitations on recycled paper to donating your gifts. Maybe a green dress made from organic fabrics; a quick search can help you figure out what makes an environmentally sound fiber. Of course, it's just as important to save your pocketbook. Mostafa said some women sell their gowns after the ceremony while others choose a dress that can be worn again. This is easier to do now since big, puffy gowns are out, making way for tea length skirts and form-fitted lines with an emphasis on the waist. With the opening of more outlets like Pronovias, brides-to-be need not leave the country for designer dresses, now found increasingly in Egypt's malls. "I have many friends who traveled to Paris and Greece just to order their dress from Pronovias before we had a store here, explains Mostafa. "Now you can save the cost of a trip to Europe and use it to get your dream dress right here in Egypt. The same goes for bridesmaids' dresses, which you can find at the same boutique where you buy your own gown. A good tip is to choose one color and let each girl pick the cut that best suits her body type. Order the pieces from the same designer so that the materials and colors are a perfect match.Planning ahead is key. Pronovias suggests you start looking at least six months before the big day, even though the process shouldn't take more than three months. No matter which trend you decide to follow, there are a lot of options and very few rules. Just remember to heed the advice that works best for you. Happy hunting!
