In a wedding, the dress isn’t just a garment—it reflects the bride’s innermost hopes and dreams for her future life. It’s not surprising that it’s a subject of great fascination for many.
Unlike ready-to-wear gowns that you can pick up off the rack, a wedding dress is made just for you and has details like boning and layers of fluffy tulle that aren’t typically seen in non-bridal wear. The process of finding the perfect dress can be daunting and time consuming, but knowing what to look for—and what to expect—will help you make the best decision for your big day.
Most wedding dresses have a lining, a layer of nude or white fabric that’s stitched to the rest of the skirt. It’s important because it protects you from anything underneath, such as beading or illusion lace, that might be scratchy against the skin. Plus, if you want to add a touch of color or pattern to your gown, the lining can serve as a blank canvas.
There’s no one-size-fits-all dress—each design is influenced by its time and place. For example, the 1930’s and 1940’s were eras of wartime economy and austerity, and women of modest means sought out practical wedding dresses that were more like their everyday clothes. They also favored less elaborate designs, with sleeves and long hemlines that echoed the styles of Hollywood actresses walking down movie theater aisles.
The neckline is the most prominent feature on a wedding dress, and it can be styled in a variety of ways to show off different aspects of your personality. A high collar will add a regal air to your ensemble, while a plunging neckline or sweetheart neckline can showcase a gorgeous décolletage. A scoop neckline, on the other hand, can be a chic and subtle choice that’s perfect for a more understated bride.
Sleeves can add a hint of drama to your dress, or they can be barely there, giving your dress a delicate, lingerie-inspired look. If you want to highlight your arms, consider a sleeveless or cap sleeve style. But if you’re going with a fuller silhouette, a dress with puffed sleeves or bell-shaped cuffs will give your look more volume and balance your curves.
Some brides opt to change into two different dresses for their special day, usually for the ceremony and the reception. This can be a fun way to incorporate a unique touch to your ceremony or to reflect the changing moods of the celebration.
There’s no one-size-fits-all shade of white, but if you are unsure about which hue is right for you, ask your bridal stylist to bring you samples of various shades in different lighting conditions. This will give you a better sense of what the dress will look like in natural light and under fluorescent bulbs, for example. It’s important to choose a shade of white that looks beautiful in all environments so that you can be confident your photos will turn out beautifully.