Bridal stylist Francesca DiSpirito is a people person. This is clear to anyone who’s witnessed the supportive relationship she fosters with her clients as they search for the perfect wedding gown. Whether it’s a curve-hugging mermaid dress, a voluminous ballgown, a flowy A-line dress, or anything in-between, DiSpirito works with the bride to find the right silhouette for her to look and feel her absolute best.
It’s a skill she has honed for years, first as an undergrad at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, followed by jobs as a bridal store manager, fit expert, and design consultant. “I’ve loved bridal design and bridal wear for as long as I can remember,” she said.
In 2021, DiSpirito took the leap from employee to business owner when she realized she wanted to do more than design gowns in a room by herself. At the time she was working for one of the top designers in the industry, Carolina Herrera. “I wasn’t going to leave the company to work for someone else. If I was going to move on, then I would do it for myself and knew if I didn’t do it now, then it would never happen,” she said.
Today, her business, Francesca DiSpirito Styling, based in New York City, supports brides throughout the process of selecting the fashion elements for a wedding – from the gown to the hairstyle to what the mothers and bridesmaids should wear.
To see if she and the client are a good fit, DiSpirito begins with what she refers to as a discovery call. “I create an open and welcoming relationship to ensure the bride feels as comfortable and excited about her shopping experience as possible,” she said.
Next, DiSpirito develops a proposal to serve a client’s specific needs. The initial investment for her services begins at $3,500 and can increase from there, depending on the scope of work. “I also offer one-on-one consultations for those looking for someone to bounce ideas off of or who want a little direction,” she said. “This is a great way for brides to navigate styling their way, but with a little guidance from an expert.”
Once officially hired, DiSpirito sets up a schedule of bridal appointments curated by where the client wants to go and boutiques DiSpirito recommends. Though based in New York, she is willing to travel around the country. “Most clients want to tap into the resources that we have in New York, but if they want to focus [on stores where they live], I do have relationships and a network that I can tap into.”
With her client’s vision in mind, DiSpirito uses her fashion expertise to navigate them toward the best designer for their wedding-day look. “If I have a bride drawn to clean, structured silhouettes with soft detailing, I introduce them to [dresses made by] Amsale, Oscar de la Renta, or Reem Acra,” she explained. “For a bride who has a more ethereal vibe and looking for softer fabrics and more movement in her gown, I am drawn to designers like Vera Wang, Liz Martinez, and Claire Pettibone.”
Once the perfect dress is selected, DiSpirito can help choose the veil, jewelry, or shoes that will complement the look, and even help pick outfits for other wedding-related events. “I am here to help shop for the rehearsal dinner, second looks for the wedding day, and bridal shower,” she said.
Bridal stylist Francesca DiSpirito selected three dresses from designer Weilu Fresolone for Susanna Becchio to model during a photo shoot in Edgartown. Sharon Becker did the hair and makeup, Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s provided the flowers, and photographer Jainé Kershner captured the looks – from ceremony (above right) to reception (top) to after party (above left).
Sometimes, DiSpirito continues to support the bride on her wedding day. “My job is to make sure all the logistics are in place and that the bride doesn’t have to worry about anything,” she said of her day-of services, which can be anything from ensuring the dress and veil are placed perfectly for a photo, to pressing shirts and pinning boutonnières.
“We hire facilitators to help plan the wedding, florists who are experts for the flowers, and musicians for the entertainment,” DiSpirito said. “Why not speak to an expert in fashion to give insight into what gown will make you happiest and how to get there?”
This past spring, while on-Island for the Martha’s Party Wedding + Event Conference, DiSpirito, along with photographer Jainé Kershner and makeup artist Sharon Becker of SB Beauty, collaborated on a styled photo shoot to showcase the expertise they can bring to an Island wedding.
Susanna Becchio modeled three bridal styles by designer Weilu Fresolone selected by DiSpirito: a strapless hand-pleated silk chiffon Mara ballgown with a ruffle neckline on a built-in corset; a silk, satin, and French lace–tiered column Josie gown with a low-cut square neckline; and a loose-fit all-over-lace Millie party mini dress with straps.
Kershner scoped out locations in Edgartown to suit the different styles. “The shortest dress felt the most fun and flirty, so we paired the model with some Mad Martha’s ice cream and walked around [downtown] Edgartown,” she said. “The pleated, flowy dress felt right at home on the beach and piers, while the striped lace dress fit in with any location.”
Becker gave model Becchio a chignon hairstyle for the day, along with glowing, naturally enhanced makeup. That look transitioned easily to the after-party dress. “For the last shot on South Beach, I styled her hair in loose waves to catch the ocean breezes,” Becker said.
The final images from the photo shoot emphasize three looks for a wedding day – from ceremony to reception to after party.
With years of experience, DiSpirito knows what it takes to make a beautiful dress, how it should fit, and how to help a bride achieve their wedding-day look.
“The journey for the gown is as special and unique as finding love,” she said.
