One of the most important decisions a bride can make is choosing her wedding dress. It expresses her personality and aesthetic, compliments her body shape and will be preserved in photographs for years to come. It is no surprise that every bride wants to look her absolute best on her big day.
Historically, wedding dresses have been all white, as the colour symbolizes purity and innocence. This tradition started with Queen Victoria, who wore an all white satin and lace gown on her wedding day in 1840. Over the decades following World War II, styles and colours became more diverse.
The ’90s saw brides wearing tighter gowns and off-the-shoulder bodices, as well as princess-style skirts with large, full puffy sleeves. The decade ended with more casual attire like mini-length dresses and pantsuits.
In the years that followed, dresses began to become more sleek and modern, with a focus on texture and cut. The 2000s and 2010s brought a more relaxed approach to bridal fashion, with lace and floral patterns being popular. The 2000s also saw a rise in coloured wedding dresses, such as green and pink.
While modern and edgy styles have gained popularity, traditional brides are still looking to add some classic touches on their big day. Some of the most recent trends include the use of tulle, lace sleeves and embellished bodices.
Necklines are another crucial aspect of a wedding dress. The most common are V-neck, scoop neck and boat neck. A V neck is a classic and elegant option, while scoop necks reveal more cleavage. Boat necks are a flattering and versatile choice, as they can be worn with a veil or jewelry for a romantic, boho-inspired look. Barely-there sleeves, like cap sleeves and spaghetti straps, are a great option for brides who want to show off their collarbones or shoulders.
Aside from the main fabric, most wedding dresses have a lining as well. The lining is a layer of nude or white fabric that covers the dress, and it acts as a protective barrier between your skin and the lace, embroidery and other details of the skirt.
Once you have chosen your dream dress, it is important to keep it safe until the day of your wedding. White fabrics are notoriously difficult to keep white, so you will want to store it in a breathable garment bag away from light and moisture. A spare closet where your partner can’t sneak a peek is ideal, or you can store it at a friend or family member’s home. Some salons even offer to store the dress for their clients until they’re ready to wear it.
The process of finding the perfect dress can be emotional and stressful, but with patience and planning you will be able to find a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time and remember to step out of your comfort zone! With a positive attitude and an expert bridal stylist, you will have a wedding day you’ll never forget.