AS REPORTED BY RACHEL LEONARD & SALLY KILBRIDGE FOR THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

VIEW THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE: http://observer.com/2017/12/5-festive-holiday-bridal-gowns-from-elie-saab-naeem-khan-and-more/

A holiday wedding comes with a special brand of delight and good cheer. It’s not just the aesthetic of candles, silver garlands and evergreen boughs that lends itself to celebrating a union—although there’s no denying a winter landscape has “bridal” written all over it. For couples beginning a new chapter together, the season’s focus on family and friendship is the perfect emotional backdrop. From frothy feathers to glittery minis, here are five festive ways to dress for a holiday wedding.

MONIQUE LLUILLIER

This is how a contemporary snow queen makes an entrance. The fur and ostrich feather jacket cinched with a jeweled belt covers a slim gown in ivory crepe-back satin. With its slip-dress silhouette and dramatically low back, it’s ideal for lounging fireside at the after-party.

INBAL DROR

Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean a bride needs to go under cover. Exchange vows in flagrantly flirtatious fashion in a red-carpet gown from Inbal Dror, who uses plenty of sparkle and tulle feather accents to make it New Year’s Eve-worthy. The strapless, sweetheart neckline and extreme mermaid shape give the whole concept of making it legal a sexy overhaul.

REEM ACRA

Reem Acra uses the most elaborate jeweling of the season to create a fantasy worthy of a czarina. The jacket’s illusion neckline and collar, encrusted with multiple strands of pearls, floral medallions, and sparkled scallops, leads to a sheer bodice and full, layered skirt and tulle train embroidered with sequins

ELIE SAAB

Epic heroines always seem to have a hooded cape in their wardrobe. In an enchanting twist, Elie Saab crafts a storybook ensemble of a simple V-neck gown and lavish cloak from organza embroidered in sequins, stones and beads—the house’s signature technique. If a little light for wandering in the forest, it would be stunning on a cathedral aisle.

NAEEM KHAN

There are a couple of great reasons for planning a New Year’s Eve wedding. For one, you’ll always have an excuse to stay home and celebrate a deux. Second, you’re expected to break the rules, whether that means walking down the aisle to a show tune or wearing a dress that’s more Beyonce than bridal.