One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to wedding gowns.
Most brides have something in mind for their big-day dress. When a bride first steps into the flowing tulle of a bridal gown, she knows immediately if it’s the right dress or not. But a smart bride will also consider the cut of the gown, seeking one that is most flattering. After all, all eyes are on the bride during a wedding. This is one occasion when the dress must be perfect. In order to find that perfect dress, the first thing a bride must do is choose a bridal shop that can match her heart’s desire with just the right dress.
At the best bridal salons, designers work with vintage patterns, modern styles and with the brides themselves who may want something completely different than the market is showing. If the wedding budget allows it, a custom dress may be the answer. Look for designers who will work with the bride to find out what she is looking for in a custom-made wedding gown – and then set to work making her dreams a reality.
If custom-made is beyond the budget, there are some design houses that offer brides a wide selection of designer gowns from which the bride can find the perfect dress for her big day.
Gowns should be made once the order is placed. Trained cutters select the fabric and then cut the gown’s pieces by hand. This could mean as many as 100 pieces of fabric are cut for one gown.
After that, a bundler “pieces” together the various parts of the gown. Beaders are brought in next. Working with intricate types of lace and materials, beaders do the delicate work of applying the beading to add the sparkle to the gown. Seamstresses are brought in at this point, followed by hand-sewers who do the work that can only be accomplished with a single needle and thread.
With a design house selected, it’s time for the bride to look in the mirror and decide what type of gown best fits her shape – be it an hourglass, straight, pear or full-figured shape.
A-line gowns are those that disguise full hips. They form an “A” shape from head to toe, balancing the torso and bust. They will give the bride an elongated silhouette, giving the appearance of being tall and thin.
If the bride is curvy – and enjoys those curves – she should consider a form-fitting model like a mermaid gown. These gowns are form fitted down to about the calves, where a 12-inch-ruffle (or so) flares out down to the hem. This wide ruffle balances bigger busts and hips – and lets the bride show off her curves in a tasteful style that not everyone can wear.
All shapes will be flattered by a ball gown. Don’t know what “ball gown” means? Imagine Cinderella at the ball or a princess waltzing around the ball. Those are ball gowns and they flatter all figure types. These dresses are fitted at the waist and the skirts flares out. It is a very traditional look, but one that many brides have dreamed of wearing.
And speaking of princesses, consider the Princess cut if the bride wants to minimize her hips and/or stomach. The skirt falls from just below the bust and is slim and form-fitting. Because it has a high waistline, it hides the perhaps broader, natural waistline. The princess cut also works well for women who are slim and tall, accentuating their already tall and lean lines.
When any bride sets out to find the dress of her dreams, there are some other things to keep in mind, starting with the fact that just because a gown looks good in a magazine does not mean it is the best choice for every bride.
Brides should look for a dress that flatters their figure and also matches their personal style. If the dress is too fluffy – and that’s not the bride’s usual style – she may not be comfortable in that dress. And there are few things worse than spending one of the biggest days of your life in an uncomfortable style.
And finally, put the time and effort into finding just the right gown. Brides should select the dress they’ve always dreamed of wearing on their wedding day. After visiting four or five salons, a bride may not believe it, but there is a perfect gown out there for her. It’s your wedding day – and “close” is not good enough for your wedding day. If a sales person tries to talk you into a gown, promising some major alterations can make all the difference, move on. Shop at a salon that offers gowns by designers. There are enough selections that you will not have to settle for anything less than the gown of your dreams.
Wedding dresses are such an opportunity for any bride to show their unique sense of style and to really make a fashion statement. Gone are the days of the plain ‘meringue’ style wedding dresses with a little cute well-placed bow; now we are daring to be different!
In fact, one of the latest trends is to offer wedding dresses that can be used again. Not only is this a great idea from a budget point of view, but it is also reflective of the simple lines that are part of the modern trend in wedding dresses. Arguably, this fashion is due to the ever increasing age of first time brides as well as the large number of second weddings.
Wedding Dresses for the Winter Wedding
Whenever we think about wedding dresses, we automatically think of a warm, summer’s day, with a crisp, wafting white dress to match. However, there is a growing trend towards winter weddings. Winter wedding dresses may not be pure white and are often the preferred choice for second time brides.
Trends in winter wedding dresses include deep red colored dresses or dresses that include a large amount of black. Another great idea is to include a fur collar, or long fake fur coat. If you love a touch of luxury and you want something a little different, then winter wedding dresses may just be the thing for you!
Wedding Dresses for the Summer Wedding
The key to summer wedding dresses, this year, is color. Many wedding dresses are now using substantial amounts of colored fabric to add a classic touch to an otherwise traditional white or cream dress.
Weddings are becoming much more sophisticated; generally, brides will select a theme that they will maintain throughout all aspects of their wedding. Wedding dresses must, of course, fit into this theme and as such colors and accessories are vital. Popular, seasonal colors for wedding dresses include lilac, pink, blue and yellow. Often, brides will choose a half-color theme where the bodice is colored or the skirt is colored, but the other half of the dress is kept in a plain cream or white.
Subtle is the name of the game with modern wedding dresses.
Wedding Dresses – Standing Out From the Crowd
Today, wedding dresses are all different; no-one wants to look the same as the next bride and, naturally, brides go to extreme lengths to make sure that they stand out from the crowd. Of course everyone wants to do so in a classy and not trashy way! It seems that individually designed wedding dresses are the way of the future. By commissioning a made to measure dress you can make sure that it fits perfectly, is exactly what you want and above all, is unique.
Wedding dresses are an expression of your personality, so don’t hold back; let your imagination run wild!
When it comes to wedding dresses, many women follow the tradition of buying a white gown. But let’s face it, white gowns can be boring, and most brides-to-be look at dresses with intricate detailing, accents and gorgeous lace for extra pizzazz. But there’s another way you can make your dress pop – by incorporating color.
While more conventional brides may find it a bit too avant-garde to add color to something as elegant, pristine and traditional as a wedding dress, it’s actually an increasingly common trend. Adding color can be as simple as add a thin ribbon around the waist or colorful flowers in your hair that matches the heirloom broach your mom passed down to you.
To successfully integrate color into your outfit, you must remember not to go overboard. Want to add Victorian Lilac to your color scheme? Then think of adding a nice, flowing chiffon ribbon flowing down the back of your A-line wedding dress – and that’s it. Your dress will be a fashion disaster if you pile on the color.
There is a lot of fun you can have when incorporating colors. Like the example above, think of accents you can add to your dress. Are you wearing Galina’s stunning and ethereal white chiffon gown, with the chic one-shoulder floral detail, and want to add a little punch? Think about purchasing solid color beads that match the décor of your wedding and sew into the flowers.
Don’t want to alter the dress permanently? Purchase a separate floor-length chiffon slip in a contrasting color (since the delicate garb is very mythical, think of soft pastel colors, like lavender, baby blue or soft yellow). When you walk down the aisle, the slip with show through underneath, adding a hint of beauty.
But what if you’re wearing a satin A-line chapel train gown in ivory with beaded detailing and neckline bow? Then think about adding a complementary satin sash around the waist. Since the dress is a light, solid color and has subtle detailing, going with a rich color, like navy blue or deep burgundy, would make the garment really pop and break up the shape without being unflattering to your figure.
You can add a short sash that just goes around your waist, or a long one that ties in the back and flows down the length of your train. And sashes don’t only have to be added to the waist. You can purchase a separate, solid color sash and tie it around your neckline. If you go this route, it’s recommended you buy a long sash that flows down the length of your dress in the back for optimum beauty. One thing to remember, though, sashes work best with strapless gowns. Adding a color sash to a short sleeve or cap sleeve outfit, or dress with coordinating mini jacket would be too much, dividing the eye between details.
Another way of incorporating color is through piping, whether it is on the dress or on your veil. For example, if you are going to wear that striking soft white strapless organza A-line gown, personalize it with a color trim around the neckline, cascading apron back and bow (coordinate your veil to have matching color piping to your trim).
Since adding color to your trim will add drama to your piece, stay away from tones that contrast too much from the white (like black, deeper colors, like dark reds, purples, blues or vibrant colors, like bright yellows, greens or pinks), as it will make the dress look tawdry. To add slight drama to your gown, look towards lighter browns or flesh hues (think taupe and beige), lighter purples (think lavender and lilac) or lighter greens (think pistachio or peridot).
However, if you’re wearing a satin split-back A-line dress with beaded cuff, hem and inset in white or ivory, going with a vivid color would work splendidly, since the bulk of the color is centered in the spilt-back of the outfit, fading into the corresponding color inset, balancing the overall composition of the gown and enhancing its elegance.
If you want to incorporate color but don’t want to use color on the dress, look towards accessories, like veils, hair clips, flower clips and broaches. You can pipe your veil with color, find an exquisite broach with complicated detailing and translucent color gems, or wear a tropical flower in your hair. These little accents complement your gown without overshadowing its beauty. However, do not overdo it with the accessories. Remember that your dress should be the shining star of the ensemble.
If you’re a bride to be, don’t be afraid to take a chance and use color to make your bridal gown stand apart.
