Romona Keveza has become an icon in the bridal fashion industry. Not only because her gowns are gorgeous, but also because they stand the test of time. We sat down with the designer during New York Fashion Week to talk shop and find out how she does it.

“Fabrics are not common, they are becoming more and more rare. The Romona Keveza Collection is really the best of the best, silk crepes, one woman starts and finishes the dress, it’s not an assembly line, this is atelier processing.”  Romona opened her show with an introduction that really expressed what makes her gowns the fine garments that they are. Take a look….

The Fall 2020 Romona Keveza Collection consisted of gowns perfect for the customer that truly understands quality garments that are investment pieces.  “Using the best techniques and made in North America,” the gowns are for women “who value investment pieces, she’s the one who buys a limited-edition Gucci bag and she’ll probably never wear it, she’ll have it in her closet, but it will probably be worth triple the amount of money within ten years.”  Not only that, but Romona’s sustainable fabrics (which she has always been using), such as all natural silks, and techniques (all made by hand) are the key elements that make these gowns so incredible.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my 19 plus years in the business, it’ll be 20 years next year in 2020.”  Romona might have seen changes, but has resisted it all along when it comes to how a garment is made. Passionate about “using the best techniques and having them made in North America” she cares about the quality of the fabrics, and the conditions of the workers. She also broke down her other lines for us with clear descriptions of who that particular bride is.

“Romona New York line is for that girl who doesn’t want to spend more than $3,000, the free- spirited girl, more relaxed, she could be getting married on a yacht in Greece, or on a vineyard, she could be jumping into the ocean after her ceremony, it’s that kind of a look, with a very New York vibe regardless of where the wedding is.”

“Legends is very classic, it’s timeless, it’s the kind of dresses that Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy became famous for. You don’t see them beaded from head to toe, you didn’t see those women in beaded gowns head to toe, and here it is 70 years later and they are still in style. So that’s what my inspiration is for Legends.  I can say with great certitude that the dresses I made 20 years ago are still in style today, tomorrow.  And that’s what I aspire to.”

So without heavy ornamentation, here are some of the beauties from Legends:

As for what’s in store for her 20th anniversary, we’ll have to wait and see.  She did tell us about a fabric she has, called reticella lace, for which there’s a two-year waiting list because there’s only one loom of it. Found on a farm in Italy, “It’s very delicate; ’reticella’ means fishnet, and it was used purely for royalty” the designer explained.  She has been holding on to for the right moment, and for the right gowns.  So maybe the 20th anniversary, a milestone many designers aspire to, is the perfect time to break out that amazing lace? Stay tuned to find out!

Sometimes etiquette rules for weddings can be a bit difficult to adhere to in today’s social situations.  In this article I will explain why sometimes it’s okay to make modifications or changes.

True Story –

There was a time when both Matthew and I were preparing a wedding party; and the father of the bride and his daughter to walk down the aisle.  As the doors closed after the maid of honor began making her way to the altar it was time to get the bride and her father in position to open the doors for the big moment.  As I was smoothing out the hem of the skirt I looked up and realized they were on the wrong side!  The father needed to be on stage right and the bride on stage left.  It was also at this time I realized I was caught right in the middle of their Father – Daughter moment…Oh My God how do I do this?  There was no other way and quickly I said, “You are on the wrong sides – switch!”  In the end before the doors opened we were all laughing – a stress reliever to say the least and all was good for them to ascend the aisle.

So in planning a wedding, couples always have questions about what are the correct etiquette rules for different aspects of the wedding ceremony and reception.  We have a saying, “As long as you know the rules you can change them with caution to navigate certain situations.”

Here are two frequently asked questions of “when and how do we do this” during the wedding.

Which side am I on?

The rule for what side the bride and her father stand on go WAY BACK in time where the reason the bride was on her father’s left arm was in case someone tried to steal the bride his right hand was free to grasp his sword to defend her.  Today, we still see the same time honored tradition but I actually like to do the reverse – and the part that allows me to change this is that, I don’t think today too many fathers are walking their daughter down the aisle carrying a sword.  The main reason to switch sides from the traditional American way is about easy transition for the father of the bride.  This allows him to step back after giving his daughter away and step into the pew or the row of chairs.  This helps with the long train and long veil as we have all seen the moment when the father of the bride steps on the bride’s train or veil and her head jerks back as she goes to move toward the groom for their vows.

When should we cut the cake?

The order of the reception is always a question and what to do with the cocktail hour, when to plan the cutting the cake along with the welcome speech and the blessing.  Usually the cake cutting is done in private with the photographer coming up to you saying – we need to cut the cake.  Wowa!  Let’s make this an experience for everyone to be a part of and enjoy!  There are a couple ways to do this.

1. During the cocktail reception have the cake be the center of attention – after you, of course, as a couple. When it’s time to cut the cake make an announcement for everyone to gather around and take part in the cake cutting.  You can vocally gather their attention or you can use chimes, etc.  Once the cake is cut it can be removed from the area when your guests go into the reception area for the dinner.
2. If you would like to have your cake cut during the reception/dinner timeframe here is what I recommend. When the wedding party is announced for their procession into the reception they should take their seats.  When you are introduced have the cake carried in on a silver tray by two chefs or wait staff.  Or you can have the cake displayed on a cloth covered table in the center of the room or dancefloor.  If the cake is being carried in the, chefs or wait staff should follow behind you.  When you arrive into the center of the room the welcome speech should be given and the cake cutting should follow with a champagne toast by the groom to the bride as their new life together begins. This can be followed by the introduction of the blessing and dinner can be served while the cake is removed from the room.

It just goes to show you that you can have your cake and eat it too!