A wedding dress is a cherished symbol that marks an important milestone in a woman’s life. It is a rite of passage from the virginal realm of springtime blossoming into the fruitful adulthood of marriage and child bearing. Over the years, bridal gowns have been transformed and embellished to reflect a changing world and culture.
A bride’s choice of wedding dress is one of the biggest decisions she will make in her lifetime. Whether she knows instantly that this is the one or must try on many different styles before finding the right fit, the bridal process is one to be taken seriously. Choosing the style of dress will also influence the overall wedding vision and the tone for the day.
The silhouette of the wedding dress is one of the most important aspects to consider. It encapsulates the shape of the entire dress from the bust to the bottom of the skirt. There are a variety of shapes to choose from including trumpet, mermaid and sheath. A mermaid silhouette is tight from the bust to just below the knees and then begins a dramatic flare to the skirt. A trumpet silhouette is similar to the mermaid but more fitted from the shoulders to the hips and then less dramatic flare from the knees.
The neckline is another key feature to consider when shopping for the perfect wedding dress. Sitting right below the bride’s face it is one of the most prominent displays of her personality. A neckline can be adorned with various types of embellishments including beads, sequins and embroidery. It is important to try on a wide variety of necklines to determine what flatters the bride’s unique décolletage.
Lastly, the sleeves of the wedding dress can be worn in many different ways. Some brides like to show off their arms and go sleeveless while others prefer to cover up with a bolero or shawl. Sleeves can be embellished as well to create a look that is completely unique and the bride’s own.
Once the bride has selected her perfect silhouette and design, construction of the wedding dress can begin. This can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the whole process. At Amsale, the wedding dresses are hand-cut and sewn by expert artisans to guarantee quality. It can take hundreds of yards of tulle to construct the inner foundation of a gown including the inside skirt and petticoat. The outer fabric and any other details such as hand-placed lace are then added to complete the silhouette. The entire construction and design process can take months. The final product is a beautiful gown that the bride will cherish forever.