Calling the fashion police!

Something that I see on the way to work every day: at least nine wedding gown/fancy dress stores within a 15-minute walk's radius of my apartment. It was initially baffling why there are so many of these in such a small area, especially since there aren't many fancy-dress occasions for young people (e.g. Homecoming or high school proms) and there are often 2-3 of these stores together in a row. What we found out however, is that couples apparently love going to these stores to rent out a bunch of outfits, then going around shooting photos in various scenic spots. The couple doesn't even have to be engaged - they could do it just for fun - but it's pretty expensive so I imagine most people only do it if they're serious.

A couple going out on photo tour
(I've seen others photographing at Venetian, Grand Lisboa, and Senado)

What astounded me even more was the, uhh, vast range of styles. There are a few I actually wouldn't mind wearing, with simple, flowing lines and not too much ornamentation. For example, the red strapless dress (second from the left) in the picture below, or the navy blue v-neck gown (pardon the glare from the shop windows). For all photos, click to get a larger version if you wish to see the gowns in their "full glory" =P
Most of the dresses I've seen, however, would make even the most jaded bridesmaid cringe. It's not that the fabrics are cheap or slathered in sequins (although some are) - it's usually the style of the design and/or the unfortunate combination of bright colors that should never go together. I'm constantly reminded of Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, despising dresses with "weeds here, weeds there." He would be horrified at these...I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Wrapped in Romaine (lettuce)?

Country-girl calico

The second one (from L) isn't so bad, but the rest...

No peach, please.

Seafoam green bell skirt with ruffles *shudder*

No clue what this designer was thinking

How women wearing these would actually walk/dance without crashing into things (especially wearing high heels) I'm not sure, but that's a question for another day.