A bride’s choice of wedding dress is a powerful symbol that signals her entry into a new life stage. As the ceremony bridges the past and the future, every element of the bride’s ensemble helps create an atmosphere of enchantment. The gown is a piece of art that will likely be photographed and remembered for generations to come, so it should not only be a stunning garment, but also one that fits well, flatters the bride’s figure, complements her other wedding choices, is elegant without being overly sexy or matronly, and flirty and feminine without crossing into provocative territory.
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is no easy task, and it is not something a bride can take lightly. Wedding dresses are not only a labor of love, but they also represent a major investment in a one-of-a-kind garment that will be worn just once.
The dress is meant to be a reflection of the bride’s personality, so it’s important to find a gown that speaks to her unique style. At the same time, a bride must be cognizant of her budget and the cost of the gown. This is why many bridal designers are embracing sustainable fashion, which is a movement that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the wedding dress by using ethically-sourced materials and creating gowns that can be worn again and again.
It wasn’t always so. In fact, until the middle of the nineteenth century, brides in Europe and other parts of the world wore whatever they wanted for their weddings. White was only embraced as the standard by Queen Victoria in 1840, and the style became a global norm. Today, however, many women are finding that they don’t want to commit to a dress that will only be worn once and may not be appropriate for all occasions, so more color is emerging as an alternative to the white dress.
Another popular choice is a slip dress, which is a thin piece of fabric that covers the shoulders and neckline. It’s an elegant look that can be worn as a stand-alone dress or paired with a veil. It’s perfect for minimalist to-be-weds who aren’t looking for a full and elaborate gown, but who still want a pretty look on their big day.
As time went on, the hemlines of bridal gowns began to change as well. During the 1930s and other decades when the economy was down, women opted to wear their Sunday best rather than a full and expensive gown. As a result, some women chose to just add a hat and veil.
Finally, the thigh-high slit came into popularity in the 1990s with the advent of the “Bridesmaids” franchise. It allows brides to show off their legs, but it is not a look for everyone. It’s not a look that can be easily pulled off, but it can be a great option for a confident bride who is comfortable in front of an audience and wants to make a statement in her dress.