Royal Wedding Fashion: Hinsdale Bridal Shop Weighs In

Many Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills residents woke up before the crack of dawn this morning to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton in what many are calling the wedding of the century. However, local brides don't have to travel all the way to London to up the elegance at their own weddings.

Hinsdale bridal shop  has been catering to local brides since the 1950s, and Patch spoke with employee Valerie Baudo to get her take on the royal wedding.

Baudo said that Middleton's dress hasn't set any trends for future brides—yet.

"The dress just came out today!" she said. 

Baudo, who fills in for Francia owner Camille Francia Connolly when needed, was surprised at how understated Middleton's gown was. She was also interested to see that Kate's lady-in-waiting, her sister Pippa, wore a white dress, because "no one wears white to a wedding." 

For brides closer to home, Baudo said the trend remains strapless gowns. One of the most popular dresses at Francia right now is a mermaid-style dress with a black flower detail at the waist made by designer Enzoani.

For bridesmaids, short dresses are popular. At Francia, many bridal parties choose dresses from the After 6 line by designer Alfred Sung. Baudo says that a brown cocktail-length dress from the line is a favorite for many bridesmaids. 

While Middleton worked directly with her dress's designer, Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen, most brides don't have that luxury. Baudo said that brides can come in any number of times for alterations to their dress before the big day.

"It can be once, twice, three times; it depends on what they want to have done," she says. 

Of course, Middleton's most breathtaking accessory was the tiara that topped her veil, a piece made by Cartier in 1936 for the Duke of York to give to his wife, the Queen Mother. She later gave it to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth, on Elizabeth's 18th birthday.

Francia sells a variety of tiaras for brides who want to add a royal touch to their big day, which Baudo says are a favorite accessory.

For brides just beginning their search for the perfect dress, Baudo recommends not looking at too many dresses. The more styles brides-to-be try on, the more confused they get. Baudo also advises them to work with a small salon.

"If you stick with an individual bridal shop, you'll get individual attention," she said. 

In other royal wedding news, the Daughters of the British Empire in Illinois stayed at a Burr Ridge hotel. Check out the Burr Ridge Patch story .