Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and it's important to get it right. From the style and colour to the size and silhouette, there's a lot to consider. For brides-to-be, the process of finding the perfect dress can be daunting, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a fun and exciting experience. Whether you're opting for a simple and casual look or a glamorous gown, it's essential to choose a dress that reflects your personality and style. With a wide range of options available, from detachable trains to bespoke creations, the possibilities are endless. So, take the time to explore, try on different styles, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. After all, your wedding dress should make you feel beautiful and confident on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Bridal jacket, coat, shrug, bolero, shawl, cape, cardigan, blazer, duster jacket, pashmina, faux fur coat, wool coat |
| Features | Detachable train, rhinestones, pearls, fringe, sequins, lace, mesh, tulle, organza |
| Colors | White, blue, green, beige, black |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress silhouettes
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the different wedding dress styles and silhouettes on offer. A silhouette refers to how different parts of a wedding dress come together to create a unique shape. Knowing the names of different bridal gown silhouettes can be a big help when sorting through all the options available.
One of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes is the A-line, which is universally flattering and complements all body types. This style nips in at the waist and gently flares out into a skirt, creating a slimmer waistline and flattering the bust. It is a timeless favourite and is especially recommended for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides.
Another universally-loved silhouette is the empire waist, which is fitted through the bust and then flows away from the body, creating a light and airy feel. Like the A-line, this silhouette is flattering on every bride, elongating the body and making the wearer appear taller. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants to draw attention to their bust and suits those who love a vintage style.
The ball gown is another popular silhouette, featuring a fitted bodice that trails into a dramatic, voluminous skirt. This fairy-tale style suits most body types, balancing the fitted top with a fuller skirt that accentuates the waist and hides the lower body. However, petite brides may want to avoid this silhouette as it can overpower a small frame.
The mermaid silhouette is a good choice for apple-shaped brides, contouring the body at the bodice, waist, and hips, before flaring out at the knees. This style emphasizes the waist and hips rather than narrowing them, so Berry recommends choosing the right shapewear to go with it.
Other wedding dress silhouettes include the column dress, which is streamlined and simple, the trumpet, which hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh before flaring out, the midi, the mini, and the slip.
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Wedding dress colours
White is a bright hue with no mixes or shades of any other colour. A white gown will almost look a little blue in full light. Ivory is a more romantic and versatile colour, and it goes beautifully with lace. Blush is a popular choice as it is considered the most flattering and "bridal" colour. Diamond white can tend to look harsh on certain skin tones, so incorporating tulle into the wedding gown can help soften the overall look. Antique ivory is another option, as All Ivory can cause a dress to have an icy, almost blue effect in pictures.
For those who want to make a bold statement, red is a colour that represents boldness and passion. Orange conveys youthful vitality, strength and flamboyance, while yellow symbolises intelligence, wisdom and humour. Green represents nature, compassion and loyalty, and blue signifies peace, purity and stability.
Black wedding gowns have also grown in popularity in recent years, especially for edgier brides who want to emphasise the details of their gown.
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Wedding dress accessories
Accessories are a great way to showcase your personality and sense of style and complete your bridal look. A wedding veil is a traditional accessory that can elevate your wedding day look. There are many options to choose from, including different fabrics, materials, and lengths. You can also add a headpiece, such as a crown, to go with your veil. If you want to add some colour to your look, you can incorporate red or other jewel tones into your accessories. You could even embrace the 'something blue' tradition with your jewellery, wearing heirloom pieces with blue gemstones.
Statement earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can also add a modern twist to your bridal look. For example, a dangly statement earring pairs beautifully with a high-neck dress and a soft updo with face-framing pieces. If you have a sweetheart neckline, a simple pendant with a classic gemstone like a pearl or diamond can accentuate your décolletage. Angular necklaces or chokers look fabulous with dresses that have a square neckline, especially with slicked-back hair or a soft half-up, half-down hairstyle.
You can also add some drama to your look with a cape, a pair of vintage gloves, or a bold pair of bejewelled earrings. Oversized bows were all over the New York Bridal Fashion Week runways, from wedding dresses with detachable bows to bow-embellished veils. If you're looking for something unique and timeless, you could also consider adding detachable sleeves or a train to your gown.
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Wedding dress history
The wedding dress has a shorter history than weddings and marriages, and its evolution reflects the ever-changing fashion world. In the past, brides often wore their best outfit to their wedding, and it was not standard practice to buy a dress for a single event. Wedding dresses were often passed down through the generations. Medieval brides embraced bold colours, luxurious fabrics, and meaningful accessories. Royal gowns were trimmed with ermine, and red dresses were passed down through the generations. Green was avoided as it was thought to be unlucky. Dark dresses were frequently favoured since they would hide any flaws or stains in the event of an accident. Blue, which represented the purity of the bride, was among the most favoured colour choices.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, weddings had more to do with politics and promoting the family bloodline. The nobility arranged marriages that would benefit trade or strengthen political ties. The marrying age was much younger, and dowries served to protect land or the family fortune. Wedding dresses were usually fashioned from rich colours and elegant and/or rare fabrics. Velvet and silk were popular selections, and some designers incorporated fur. The extravagance of the gown was essential as the wedding became the venue to display the family's wealth.
In 1840, Queen Victoria wore a white bridal gown when she married her cousin, Prince Albert, marking a pivotal point for the modern bridal gown. White symbolised purity and virginity and was thought to ward off evil spirits. Women's magazines proclaimed that white was the best and most appropriate colour for a wedding dress and had always been so. Queen Victoria's slim-waisted, full-skirted silhouette is still considered the most recognisable "wedding" silhouette.
In the 1970s, destination weddings came into vogue, influencing wedding planning and dress design. In the 1980s, Princess Diana was a trendsetter with her ivory silk wedding dress featuring poufy shoulders, a lace V-neck, and a 26-foot train. In the 1990s, white was still the dominant colour, but dresses came in a variety of styles. During World War II, wedding fashion was limited by rationing, and brides of modest means had to settle for practical dresses. Queen Elizabeth, who got married to Prince Phillip in 1947, opted for a simple ivory silk and pearl dress to avoid looking too extravagant.
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Wedding dress shopping
Know Your Style and Vision
Start by thinking about your wedding day and the type of celebration you envision. Is it a casual backyard wedding or a glamorous ballroom event? Consider the venue, the level of formality, and any specific themes or styles that resonate with you. This will help guide your dress choices and narrow down the vast array of options available.
Understand Your Body Type and Silhouette
Different wedding dress silhouettes flatter different body types. A-line dresses, for example, are known for their universally flattering shape, with a nipped-in waist and gently flared skirt. Take the time to understand which silhouettes work best for your body type and make you feel confident and comfortable.
Take a Wedding Dress Quiz
If you're unsure about styles or silhouettes, consider taking a wedding dress quiz. Websites like David's Bridal offer quizzes that can provide personalized style recommendations based on your preferences and body type. This can be a fun way to narrow down your options and discover new styles you may not have considered.
Book Appointments with Stylists
Many bridal shops offer appointments with personal stylists who can guide you through the process of trying on dresses and selecting the perfect one for you. They can help you navigate different fits, fabrics, and sizes, ensuring that you find a dress that not only looks stunning but also reflects your unique personality and style.
Bring Necessary Undergarments
When trying on wedding dresses, don't forget to bring the appropriate undergarments. This includes items such as slips, adhesive bras for strapless gowns, and shapewear. Having these items with you during fittings will ensure that you get a true sense of how the dress will look and feel on your special day.
Consider Customization and Personalization
If you want to make your dress truly unique, look for options to customize or personalize it. Websites like Etsy offer made-to-order dresses and sellers who can add special touches to your gown, such as detachable trains, removable sleeves, or other bespoke details that reflect your individual style.
Remember, wedding dress shopping is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process. Take your time, seek expert advice, and trust your instincts to find the wedding dress that makes you feel beautiful and reflects the vision of your dream wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Etsy offers a variety of wedding overdresses, including bridal boleros, off-the-shoulder tops, bridal dress toppers, shawls, and jackets.
It is important to consider the wedding's theme and dress code. For example, a leather jacket may be suitable for a casual or cocktail event, while a faux fur shawl or jacket can add a stylish touch to a formal dress code during the colder months.
It is generally advised to avoid wearing colours that match the wedding party, off-white or very light colours, and extremely casual or formal attire unless specified.
The average wedding dress in the US costs between $2,000 and $4,000, but prices can vary from under $100 to $10,000.
The A-line wedding dress is the most popular silhouette due to its universally flattering shape, with a nipped-in waist and gently flared skirt.
