The Traditional Bride
Some brides have been planning their wedding day since they were little girls: imagining the ballgown-style dresses they will wear, the way they will waltz and twirl around the dance floor with their new husbands, and how, after tossing their bouquets, they will drive away into the night in those fancy old cars you always see in the movies. These brides may best identify with the traditional or “princess” bride -- one who imagines a day that is elegant and classic, like something out of a fairy tale. If this resonates with you, here are some of the best options in Seattle where you can gather inspiration or perhaps even book your services for a traditional-style wedding and happy ever-after.

Venues
The Washington Athletic Club is a Seattle landmark, portraying elegance and time-honored tradition ever since the 1930s. Having your wedding at the WAC is a wonderful way to ensure you will have a classy, all-inclusive wedding celebration. Hold a rehearsal dinner at the Top of the WAC, with a stunning view of the Puget Sound, and stay overnight in the boutique hotel. The next morning you can be pampered in the spa before celebrating your vows in the Crystal Ballroom (named for its shimmering crystal chandeliers), and top it all off with a family brunch the day after the wedding, before leaving on your honeymoon. The Washington Athletic Club is an elegant and timeless way to tie the knot.

Since arriving on the Seattle scene in 1924, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel has been synonymous with style, class and elegance. This utterly romantic hotel is known for its outstanding customer service, and for hosting some of the most spectacular weddings that Seattle has ever seen. There are several gorgeous spaces within these historic walls for ceremonies and receptions, including the Spanish Ballroom, a stately ballroom with crystal chandeliers, oak walls, twenty-foot ceilings and Palladian windows. The sumptuous richness of this extraordinary location (while perhaps best suited to royal budgets) is the perfect fit for a princess bride.

Dress
La Belle Elaine’s Bridal is a glamorous, fit-for-a-princess kind of shop filled with sophisticated and elegant designs, at mid- to high-end price ranges, from dozens of the top wedding dress designers, like Badgley Mischka, Rivini and Ines de Santo. The staff provides top-notch service, and the elevated, lit runway with mirrors on each end, in the center of the store, is a great place to view your dress and imagine walking down the aisle to your future hubby.

Rings
With locations in Bellevue and Seattle, E.E. Robbins is known for its outstanding diamond selection and exceptional customer service. The staff is laid-back and cares about truly helping you find the right ring for you. You can also rest assured, knowing that all E.E. Robbins diamonds are conflict-free, obtained according to World Diamond Council guidelines. There is a wide selection of classic rings (and prices!) to choose from, and all are offered with a lifetime warranty.

Cakes
Since 1960, Morfey’s Cake Shoppe has been producing classic, stylish cakes that taste as amazing as they look. Using only the highest quality ingredients and time-tested recipes, the staff at Morfey’s is known for its attention to detail and excellent customer service. Nothing is ever over-the-top, and all designs – whether custom or not – have an element of the classic and elegant to them.

Music and Dancing
Shannon Knauss, a nationally certified dance instructor and competitive dance judge, runs Dance Experts, with instruction that will make you look both poised and beautiful on the dance floor at your wedding. If you dream of twirling around a ballroom like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Dance Experts can teach you how to do it with grace and style, for around $85 per private lesson.

As a traditional bride, you may imagine a wedding with a live band for music instead of a deejay. If that’s the case, consider hiring the Jason Parker Quartet. This ultra-classy band, led by trumpet player Jason Parker, has an extensive jazz library that includes everything from Porter and Gershwin to Ellington, and more. Their repertoire is extensive, their vibe is sophisticated, and they are incredibly professional.

Transportation
Add a classic and luxury touch to your wedding with a “getaway” car from British Motor Coach. Whether you choose a Bentley or a Rolls Royce, this company will get you where you are going with style and class. These guys know weddings – since 1987, their well-tenured chauffeurs have been squiring brides and grooms around Seattle with abundant warmth and patience. Not to mention, a ride in one of their vintage cars will only cost you around $110 an hour – a lot cheaper than owning one! Their cars are stocked with monogrammed champagne glasses, a bucket of ice and even a jar of Grey Poupon – just in case anyone asks.

Bridesmaids and flower girls
Bella Bridesmaid is a San Francisco-based chain that brings dressing your bridesmaids to a new level of sophistication at an affordable price tag. With dresses that are so stylish they truly can be worn again, this intimate and upscale boutique has a leg up on the competition. There are dozens of designer options from the likes of Amsale, Jenny Yoo, Lela Rose and Lula Kate, all of them chic and classy. The shop also has accessories like satin-lined pashminas and monogrammed bags – perfect gifts for the maids

The Flower Girl Boutique is an online shop that carries flower girl attire that is both affordable and wearable, while remaining classic and simple. There are eight different design options, in white, ivory or pink and 15 different sash colors to choose from. Each of the eight designs is basic and fun, with pretty embellishments like tulle skirts, cap sleeves, ruffled hemlines and bubble skirts. With these dresses, the flower girl may rival the bride for best-dressed.

Accessories
Ann Marie Lingerie carries an exquisite collection of fine European lingerie – perfect for the honeymoon. This girly boutique, a little slice of Europe in Madison Park, is stocked full of bras and panties, camisoles and robes, and bustiers and thongs that are elegant and sophisticated, from high-end lines like Fleur’t, Huit and Chantelle. There is lace, there are ruffles, and all of it is tasteful and luxurious.

Debbie Turnbull of Timeless Weddings considers it a privilege to be involved in one of the most important events of your life. Weddings are her passion, and so she creates classic embroidered and monogrammed veils that a traditional bride will be sure to appreciate. From stunning cathedral lengths to birdcage styles, her veils will become beautiful heirlooms, with her careful stitching and embroidery. She can also do ring pillows, linens, handkerchiefs and more. Prices range from $75 to around $1,000, depending on the type of veil and the work done.