The wedding dress is a symbol of pure love and virginity. It is one of the most important dress decisions you’ll make in your life, and it will likely be a reflection of your personal style. Throughout the years, wedding dresses have reflected not only fashion trends but also cultural and economic factors. For instance, brides in the 1930’s and other eras when war was at its peak were more practical and chose shorter gowns with less embellishments. In the 80’s, Princess Diana set a trend with her giant taffeta silk dress with poufy shoulders and lace V-neck, and many brides went big with huge ball gowns in white or cream shades.
While some brides still adore classic silhouettes like mermaid and fit and flare gowns, others have opted for more daring wedding dress designs such as off-the-shoulder and off-the-shoulder with sleeves, asymmetrical necklines and sleeves, and even thigh-high slits. Then, there’s the color of your bridal dress that will have an effect on the overall look of your ensemble. The most popular choice for weddings is ivory, but it’s not the only color that’s available. Other shades like champagne and cream can offer a more muted, neutral look that is still classic and elegant.
Another factor to consider when selecting a wedding dress is the shape. For brides with curvy bodies, gowns that hug their figures will highlight their stunning silhouette. For slimmer brides, a fitted style like a sheath or column will create a sleek and sophisticated silhouette. A fit and flare gown is fitted from the bust to the hips and then flares out at the bottom for a more romantic, contemporary feel.
Wedding gowns come in all shapes and sizes to complement every figure, from petite to plus-sized brides. The lower half of a wedding gown is called the skirt, and its shape, size and length can also have a significant impact on the overall look of the wedding dress. For example, a full tulle skirt can add volume and weight to a dress for a fuller appearance while a sheath skirt can be slimming and form fitting for a sleek and minimal look.
A wedding dress can be adorned with a variety of embellishments to give it a one-of-a-kind feel. Beading, lace appliques and embroidery are all great options to consider for adding texture, romance and glamour to your gown. Choosing the right accessories to complement your dress can also help bring out your personality and elevate your style.
It’s also worth mentioning that while people often refer to dresses as gowns, technically a gown is a formal garment worn for a specific occasion, such as a graduation or a judge’s robe. Nevertheless, brides often use the term to describe their wedding gown because it best suits the tone and vibe of the celebration. That being said, a gown can also be worn by other women, such as bridesmaids and maid of honor.