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Check out these Updates from Armchair Commentary for June 10, 2010.

Memorable Movie & TV Wedding Gowns: Say 'I Do' or 'I Don't' June 10, 2010 June is Wedding Month. Whether you're Bridezilla, the mother of the bride, the beleaguered groom, a bridesmaid--sigh, again--or just a hopeless romantic, everyone indulges in the occasional matrimonial mania. In light of that I've made my top 10 list of the most memorable wedding gowns captured on film. For better or for worse, as they say, and in no particular order. Note: Click images to enlarge. Something Old... 1. Gone with the Wind (1939) Although Scarlett O'Hara's wedding gown enjoyed less than a minute on screen, Walter Plunkett's creation deserves a mention if for nothing else than historical authenticity. The dress--featuring over 30 yards of French ivory silk, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and a hand-stitched oak-leaf overlay--was fitted to the actress who played Scarlett's mother. The gown hung too long on the diminutive Vivien Leigh as an example of marriages made in wartime haste. Scarlett's first marriage, unfortunately, didn't last much longer than the scene did. Of course, that didn't stop everyone's favorite Southern belle. 2.  High Society (1956)    Scarlett wasn’t the only character on this list to wed more than once. Grace Kelly's  Tracy Lord was marrying for a second time, which called for a more subdued bridal ensemble. Hers was a soft, yellow, diaphanous affair with a sprigged floral design. The shorter length and three-quarter bell sleeves gave it a more casual look, though of course Grace was stunning as always. In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, the film’s designer Helen Rose also created the gown Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly wore to wed real-life royalty Prince Rainier of Monaco later that year.  3.  Funny Face (1957) Fashion icon Audrey Hepburn doesn't actually walk the aisle in this Givenchy gown--as Parisienne model Jo Stockton in the movie she merely walks the runway. Hepburn's perfect clothes-hanger figure made her the French designer's muse, and with good reason--this simple, feminine, ballerina-length frock floats on the willowy actress. The cap sleeves, full skirt, and ballet flats keep Givenchy's masterpiece moment flirty and fun.  And it doesn't hurt to have a Gershwin score as backup. 4.  Funny Girl (1968) We go from a funny face (not really) to a funny girl (really) in this 11-year cinematic leap. Barbra Streisand's portrayal of Fanny Brice follows the comedienne's career from the lower eastside to the Ziegfeld Follies to becoming a beloved star of stage, screen, and radio. Her empire-waist gown is accented by a tape-lace overlay and abundant orange blossoms at both bust and brow. It's a classic look that stands in perfect complement to the Follies-esque backdrop of all-white stairs, urns, and drapery. Something New... 5. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) Lucy's wedding dress is an eternal classic--literally--since she wears it from altar to grave and beyond. This lavish, multilayered confection is one reason the film won the Academy Award® for Best Costumes that year. The gown is pure Transylvanian fantasy, complete with an Elizabethan lace ruff and elaborate headdress that emphasize the vampire-bride’s ethereal looks. Sapphire-blue eyes and blood-red lips are optional. 6. Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout (1994)  In this movie spinoff of the popular BBC series AbFab, Eddie’s long-tortured daughter thinks she’s finally free of her domineering mother when she gets engaged to a noble young Spaniard. Not to be outdone, Eddie commissions couturier Christian Lacroix (who makes a cameo appearance) to create Saffy’s magnificent duchess silk gown. In a departure for the French designer, the simple V-neck bodice is accented only by a sheer lace-trimmed wrap, a string of pearls, and an Infanta-worthy crown. Too bad both dress and daughter were upstaged by mum’s wedding-day antics. 7. Muriel’s Wedding (1994) Oddly enough the gown in the film’s cover art and publicity posters is not the one Muriel--self-styled Marial--wore in her actual wedding. That dress is far prettier and more detailed, with silver beads dancing a fanciful arabesque down a lace-covered front.  Although the wedding itself was a sham, the truly transforming power of a beautiful gown is evident in Toni Collette’s radiant face. 8. Corpse Bride (2005) And I’m not talking about Victoria’s high-necked, puff-sleeved prissy lace monstrosity in Tim Burton’s animated dueling-brides classic. Despite a little wear and tear here and there--years of rot will do that to a frock--Emily’s wedding dress stole the show. With its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, this gown proved that Emily wasn’t afraid to show a little skin (and, well, bone) to have a good time. 9. Sex and the City (2008)    With SATCII just out in theatres, it’s hard not to look back at its predecessor and admire Carrie’s Vivienne Westwood original. Dame Westwood’s triumph consisted of a low-cut gold-backed ivory silk-satin corset top rising above floor-sweeping asymmetrical layers of Radzimir taffeta. Quirky turquoise feathers were the finishing touch. How could Big say "I don't" to that? 10. Bride Wars (2008)    Although Emma may have lost her shot at a wedding at the Plaza (not to mention a fiancé), her dress was a winner with me. Vera Wang’s ivory one-shoulder gown with asymmetrically draped neckline was fitted to the knees before flaring dramatically, mermaid style. A stunning look that flattered Anne Hathaway’s tall, slender frame, the dress required little ornamentation, so accessories were wisely kept to a minimum. Question is: Did she wear it when she married Liv's brother? We'll never know. Something for You Four Weddings and a Funeral (1999) Could a single film offer more diverse wedding-dress options? I am hard-pressed to find another. If you could make it past Charles’s floppy hair and sleepy eyes and Carrie’s scene-stealing black hat, there were at least four to choose from, not counting the outtakes and Carrie’s try-on frock frenzy. You decide. Angus and Laura __ Is she lovely? __ You’re blind; she looks like a big meringue. Bernard and Lydia __ Is she a lawful wedded wife? __ Or is she an “awful” wedded wife. Hamish and Carrie __ Is it to die for? (Sorry Gareth) __ Or does it just make you want to die. Charles and Duckface __ Is it just ducky? __ Or is it just yucky. Agree or disagree with any of the Top 10 above? Comment away. --Daniel

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