“The mothers-of-the bride and groom who come to us are looking for only the newest and best. This year, we've noticed an interesting trend that weddings have moved from more traditional venues out to the farm,” said Anastasia Cucinella, Manager of Mary Jane Denzer in White Plains. "People no longer want weddings at hotels or country clubs; a wedding at a farm is the in ultimate ceremony for 2016/2017."
It's important to remember that farm weddings don't mean it's time to break out the boots and flannels though. "These brides are going for rustic chic, so you can't dress up the same way you would at The Plaza Hotel," said Cucinella. "We recommend a dress that's short or mid-calf, but always something festive and elegant."
Some designers lend themselves to the occasion better than others. Cucinella notes, "I had one mother of the bride wear an incredible jumpsuit by Neil Bieff and another who wore a strapless dress by Pamela Roland." When deciding what to wear, fabric plays an important role, along with stunning prints and vibrant colors, she says.
This year, Cucinella and Mary Jane Denzer have dressed mothers-of-the-bride or groom for nearly 20 farm weddings, both in the U.S. and abroad. For couples who want to keep it local, weddings have been held at Blue Hill Stone Barns in Pocantico, N.Y. or Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Conn. as well as Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Mass. With close proximity to the New York Metro area, many of these bucolic weddings become a weekend escape for guests. "People want to make a weekend out of it. The event becomes a vacation for everyone," said Cucinella.
As with any dress, its primary job is to make you feel beautiful. Visit Cucinella and the staff at Mary Jane Denzer in White Plains to look your best before heading to the farm this summer.