By Sasha Charnin Morrison
In 2020 brides were absolutely shell-shocked when all their plans for venues, ateliers, florists, and caterers were shut down. The word got out via Instagram that the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic was to wed privately at home, on the stoop outside your house, or in a field somewhere, and then go to a burger joint for your "reception." Waiting six months to a year for a dress by a couturier was just not in the cards.
But with this ghastly lockdown, something wonderful and sweet emerged: new ideas based on old traditions. Brides pulled it all together, became extremely resourceful, and focused less on the Big Show and more on what they were doing all this for in the first place—marrying the ones they loved.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Enjoy 4 Digital Plus 2 Print/Digital Issues Of Watch Per Year— For Free!
Brides flocked to vintage stores, ordered online, or yanked something from the closet that was much more understated. This eased the pressure of wearing a cast of looks: a dress for the rehearsal, the getting-ready, the actual wedding gown, the after-hours dress, and the honeymoon departure tracksuit. Classic minis, maxi dresses, gowns, and kimonos could be worn more than once. Deliveries arrived in some cases either same day (net-a-porter.com premier delivery) or in two to three business days. Many resources catered to all shapes, silhouettes, and sizes, and online DIY gown design became a thing. It was OK to wear the legendary Hangisi cobalt blue pumps by Manolo Blahnik you'd always dreamed about or even lace-up booties or sparkly sneakers. All the rules that brides abided by were broken and everyone could stop stressing.
When Dynasty star Elizabeth Gillies had to postpone her wedding to Michael Corcoran due to coronavirus, she whittled the guest list to 10, drove in an RV to a quaint location near their families, and went from an extravagant look to something classic and simple by Britt Wood Designs. She added an Oscar de la Renta veil, blue jewels, and Jimmy Choo slip-ons. The ring bearer? The couple's dog. "I'm very happy with the way ours turned out," Gillies told Vogue. "I don't think I would've had it any other way. At the end of the day, it's about you and the person you love. The rest doesn't matter."
Watch new episodes of Dynasty on The CW Fridays at 9/8c. Stream new episodes the following day on The CW.
This article first appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Watch Magazine.
16ARLINGTON feather-trimmed knotted crepe midi dress, $1,075, net-a-porter.com
Photo credit: Net-a-Porter
Schitt's Creek star Noah Reid and Clare Stone on the shore of Lake Huron
Photo credit: Inna Yasinska
Schitt's Creek's Noah Reid (in his own Gucci suit) married Clare Stone (in a minimal Alexandra Grecco gown) on Lake Huron, Ontario, in July 2020.
Schitt's Creek streams on poptv.com.
Basketball Wives star CeCe Gutierrez at her wedding to Lakers great Byron Scott
Photo credit: Soul Love Photography
Basketball Wives star CeCe Gutierrez married LA Lakers great Byron Scott in an intimate wedding ceremony that was livestreamed for friends and family. The gown was designed by Netta BenShabu. Bride and groom both wore embellished face masks.
Stream Basketball Wives on Paramount+.
Lily Allen and David Harbour on their wedding day
Photo credit: Instagram
Singer Lily Allen wore a vintage Dior double-breasted cream tuxedo dress with black heels to marry actor David Harbour. Fat Elvis officiated and her small wedding party snacked on In-N-Out burgers.
Needle & Thread Leilah mini dress, $550, net-a-porter.com
Photo credit: Net-a-Porter
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Enjoy 4 Digital Plus 2 Print/Digital Issues Of Watch Per Year— For Free!
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Watch Magazine.
