Choosing the dress for your wedding day is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. But the dress you choose isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a technical piece of clothing that comes with its own set of rules and expectations. Whether you’re a bride-to-be yourself or just an admirer of the many beautiful gowns we’ve come to see at every wedding, it’s worth taking some time to understand how your dress works and what makes it special.
For starters, there’s the fabric. A wedding dress isn’t just any sundress or maxi-length frock: It’s usually made of a heavy, white fabric designed to withstand long periods of time while still looking fresh and elegant. Unlike your everyday dress, it also likely has a lining, which is a layer of nude or white fabric that goes underneath the rest of the skirt and train to prevent the lace or other embellishments from showing through the skirt.
When it comes to the shape of your dress, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, depending on your body type and aesthetic preferences. For example, a figure-hugging fit-and-flare silhouette is highly flattering for most body types and is perfect for showcasing your curves. Other shapes include empire waists that sit right below the bustline for a more traditional look and drop waistlines that accentuate your torso. There are even some dresses that don’t have a waistline at all, such as the column and sheath styles.
The neckline and sleeves are another thing to consider when it comes to your wedding dress. A strapless dress shows off your collarbones and shoulders for a flirty, lingerie-inspired look while a V-neck is more classic and elegant. Sleeves can range from barely-there cap sleeves to maxi puffs that are perfect for creating a boho vibe.
Once you’ve decided on the overall shape and style of your dress, it’s time to start thinking about accessories. From veils to headpieces, there’s no shortage of ways to add a personal touch to your outfit. Whether you want to add sparkle with a beaded headpiece or keep it minimal with a simple veil, your seamstress will help you find the perfect accessory to complete your look.
One of the most popular wedding dress trends we’ve seen is brides wearing multiple dresses on their big day. For instance, Kim Kardashian wore three different dresses on her wedding to Kanye West—a beaded Givenchy Haute Couture gown for the ceremony and reception, then switched into a Balmain minidress for after-party fun. This option is also common for brides who are celebrating cultural or religious traditions and wish to wear a traditional red sari during the ceremony before changing into a white dress for the reception. If this is the case for you, your seamstress can create a detachable train that will let you easily change from one dress to the other throughout your wedding celebrations.