Picking right gown is trying experience

Women find out what it will feel like to star in their own wedding.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
MINNEAPOLIS --"You look beautiful!" said Christina Normile to her older sister, Lisa. Lisa had just wriggled into a full-length, off-white silk Mikado dress with ruffles layered down the back, held up by one delicate button.
"Ooooh! Don't cry!" Christina said.
A few tears were unavoidable. That's what happens when girls gather in a dressing room at the Marshall Field's Bridal Salon -- as they have for more than 100 years-- for a ritual shopping experience. Surrounded by hundreds of ball gowns in tulle, silk, satin and faille, brides on the hunt appear to be swimming in whipped cream. They also get a bit closer to finding out what it will feel like to star in their own wedding.
On this particular Saturday, emotions ran even higher: Renowned bridal designer Romona Keveza was having a trunk show. Her designs were only available to be tried on by appointment, and this was a chance for the approximately 40 brides-to-be in attendance to put a face with the name on the label.
This was the first appointment for Normile, 24, a medical student at the University of Minnesota. But her wedding date is July 15, so she knew she'd have to place an order soon.
Time to decide
In the dressing room next to Normile, Maplewood, Minn., resident Kelly Stokke, 23, was crowded in with her mom and her older sister. This is Stokke's first dress appointment as well. But she has more time. Her wedding is planned for June 9, 2007.
Finally the door opened and there was Stokke in a champagne-colored strapless dress, held together with the unromantic orange industrial clips standard for trying on sample sizes.
She liked the champagne dress, which surprised her.
"I didn't picture myself in a dress this color. I always thought it would be white."
Keveza's gowns are timeless, taking inspiration from classic fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. Her dresses cost from $2,900 to $6,000, with most falling between $3,000 and $4,200.
"One of the best sellers is a dress I designed four years ago," she said. "What's more important is how the bride looks and feels. Even Princess Diana hated her dress! When a bride looks at the photo she should still want to wear the same dress."
More options
One of the trends she sees is increased options for brides.
"For years, we've been doing mainly strapless," she said. "Now we see a wide variety, different silhouettes. From halter to boatneck, brides have the option to be covered up."
"I've always wanted to feel like Cinderella and wear a big ball gown," Stokke said. Will her vision fit into her budget? "I'm allotted $1,000 (by her parents). If I go over that, I'll pay the rest myself, and I probably might go over it a little bit. It's my day and I have to be in love with the dress."
Back in the empire-waist dress with ruffled back, Normile was curious if an embellishment could be added below the bustline. (It could.)
When Keveza came into the room, she looked inspired. "I can be so bold as to do your hair. Let us pamper you," she said. She poofed up Normile's hair and added a veil.
Accompanied by her entourage and Keveza, Normile walked down the hallway toward a three-way mirror.
No cover-up
"Hold your flowers at your hipbone, so you don't cover your dress," Keveza instructed.
More than 12 Romona Keveza gowns were sold as part of the trunk show, not including those that might go to brides who are still pondering their options (most don't decide until their second or third appointment).
After trying on five dresses, Stokke left without making a purchase, but will keep her eye on her champagne favorite.
Normile and her entourage also left orderless. They went on to Neiman Marcus and another local bridal shop that day, and the next day made two more stops.
Success at last
With the trunk show over, Normile tried on her top choice again, and a few others. After two days and about 50 dresses, she found it: a white silk-shantung gown by Watters & amp; Watters for $1,200. The flowy "pick-ups" (tufts of fabric) at the bottom reminded her of one of the Romona Keveza gowns she loved. "It's more in the med-school budget," Normile explained.
"When I walked out of the room to show my mom, and saw myself in the mirror, I realized that's what my fianc & eacute; would see and that's exactly what I wanted."