Junior Rasmussen
A petticoat is an important part of a wedding ensemble, enhancing the bride's appearance and completing the look of the gown. The right petticoat can create a slender waist, add elegance, and give the desired shape to the dress. With a wide range of petticoat options available, from different materials to various hoop styles, choosing the right one for your wedding dress can be a challenge. The type of petticoat selected will depend on the style, fabric, and silhouette of the wedding dress, as well as personal preferences for comfort and fullness. This guide will help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect petticoat to complement your wedding dress and create your dream bridal look.
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What You'll Learn
Try on your dress with and without a petticoat
Trying on your wedding dress with and without a petticoat is a crucial step in deciding whether to wear one and, if so, which type to choose. While some brides opt to forgo the petticoat, others find that it adds elegance and a complete appearance to their gown. Ultimately, the decision is a matter of personal preference and the desired look and feel of the dress.
When trying on your dress with a petticoat, consider the type of petticoat you choose. Petticoats come in various styles, including those with hoops, those without hoops, and those made of different materials like nylon or tulle. The number of hoops can range from one to six, and they can be paired with trains for longer dresses. The weight and material of your dress will influence the type of petticoat you select. For example, satin princess gowns typically pair well with petticoats that have hoops to hold the heavy fabric. In contrast, a tulle organza dress may be better suited for a petticoat without hoops to avoid adding unnecessary bulk.
Take note of how the petticoat affects the silhouette of your dress. Does it create the desired shape and volume? A petticoat should enhance the dress's natural shape rather than distort it. For example, an A-line dress typically pairs well with a petticoat to accentuate the tight waist and puffy skirt. Similarly, a ball gown often benefits from a petticoat with more hoops to create a fuller silhouette. However, be mindful that adding a petticoat can cause creasing in the front of the dress, so adjustments may be necessary to ensure a seamless look.
Trying on your dress without a petticoat will help you determine if it already has the desired shape and volume. Many wedding dresses have built-in slips or sewn-in petticoats, eliminating the need for an additional underskirt. If your dress already has the desired fullness and structure, a petticoat may only add unnecessary bulk and weight, causing discomfort and impacting the overall look and feel of the dress.
By trying on your dress with and without a petticoat, you can make an informed decision about whether a petticoat is necessary and, if so, which type will best complement your wedding dress. Remember, the petticoat should enhance your dress's natural beauty and improve your overall appearance on your special day.
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Consider the weight of the material
The weight of the material is an important factor to consider when choosing a petticoat for your wedding dress. The weight will determine the overall comfort of the dress and how it hangs.
Firstly, consider the weight of the petticoat material in relation to the weight of your wedding dress. If the petticoat is too heavy, it may weigh down the dress and cause it to lose its shape. This is especially important if your wedding dress is made of lightweight or sheer material. A lightweight petticoat will ensure the dress hangs correctly and will be more comfortable to wear, especially during warmer weather.
The number of layers in the petticoat will also determine its weight. A petticoat with one or two layers will create a subtle, natural look, while three or more layers will add volume and weight. If you are considering a petticoat with hoops, the number of hoops will impact the weight. Hoops can add structure and volume, especially to heavier or multi-layered dresses, but too many hoops may add unnecessary weight.
The fabric of the petticoat will also determine its weight. Nylon is a common material for petticoats as it is lightweight, while polyester is soft and flowing. For a stiffer, fuller look, nylon organdy or tissue lame are options, but these fabrics may be less comfortable. For a softer feel, consider a petticoat with a cotton lining.
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Assess the shape and silhouette of your dress
The shape and silhouette of your wedding dress are key factors in choosing the right petticoat. If you want a very poofy dress, you will need a petticoat that adds volume. For a full A-line skirt, for example, you might want to try an extra full or super full petticoat. If you want a less poofy look, a simple A-line petticoat will add some structure without too much volume.
The number of hoops in a petticoat also affects the silhouette of your dress. The length and silhouette of the gown determine the number of hoops. For small A-line dresses, a two-hoop petticoat is a good option. A-line dresses that are not very puffy can be paired with a three-hoop petticoat. A six-hoop petticoat suits a ball gown, while a one-hoop narrow mermaid petticoat is ideal for a slim mermaid dress.
The weight of the material is another consideration. Nylon is the most common material for normally shaped petticoats, which are better for creating domed silhouettes than hoop petticoats when paired with lightweight dresses. Tulle organza dresses, for example, are better suited to normally shaped petticoats. On the other hand, satin princess gowns, ball gowns, and gowns with chapel or royal trains are often paired with hoop petticoats.
Gowned with ruffled or crinkled skirts can create an impression of slimness and draw attention to the waist, so a bone petticoat is recommended for these styles.
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Decide how full you want your dress to look
The fullness of a petticoat is a key consideration when choosing one to go with your wedding dress. This will depend on the silhouette and style of your dress, as well as the overall look you want to achieve.
If you're wearing a fitted or sheath-style wedding dress, a petticoat will add volume and shape to your skirt, creating a more defined silhouette. In this case, you may want to choose a petticoat with a fuller shape and longer length. This will ensure that your dress falls gracefully over the petticoat, creating a beautiful, elegant line.
For a ball gown or princess-style wedding dress, you'll also want a full petticoat to enhance the dramatic effect. A multi-layered petticoat with plenty of volume will create a stunning, eye-catching shape. Consider the fabric of your dress, too; a heavier fabric will sit better over a more substantial petticoat, while a lighter fabric will be complemented by a softer, less voluminous petticoat.
If you're after a more subtle effect, an A-line petticoat is a perfect choice for adding a little volume to your skirt without creating a dramatic shape. This style is ideal for fitted dresses with a slight flare, and it will give your dress a beautiful, gentle movement. Alternatively, you could choose a petticoat with a shorter length, which will add volume only to the bottom of your dress, creating a fun, flirty effect.
For a more unique, modern look, consider a detachable petticoat. These are designed to be worn under your dress for the ceremony and can be removed for the reception, instantly changing up your look. Or, if you're set on a dramatic entrance, you could do the reverse: add a petticoat for the reception to give your dress a whole new look!
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Choose the right width slip to go under the dress
Choosing the right width slip to go under your wedding dress is important to achieve the desired look and feel. The width of the slip depends on the width of your wedding gown. If your gown has a built-in slip and you only need a little extra width, opt for a slip that is slightly smaller in width circumference. This will ensure that your gown remains comfortable and doesn't become too heavy, which can cause it to slide down or feel uncomfortable on your shoulders.
If your wedding gown does not have a built-in slip, you will need a fuller slip to create the desired silhouette. For a ball gown or princess-style wedding dress, a very full slip is usually required. The number of hoops in the petticoat can also affect the width and silhouette. The length and shape of the dress, including any trains or ruffles, will determine the number of hoops needed. For example, a dress with a chapel or royal train pairs well with a petticoat with a train, while a satin princess gown typically requires a petticoat with hoops.
The material of the slip is another important consideration. Slips are typically made of crinoline net, a stiff netting with tiers of gathered ruffles to add fullness. The liner can also have ruffles to enhance the fullness at the hem. Nylon is commonly used for normally shaped petticoats, as it is lightweight and suitable for tulle organza wedding dresses. For a more natural flow and movement, some brides prefer a slip over a hoop skirt. Satin and silk slips provide a smooth and sleek look, while slips with ruffles or crinkles can create the illusion of slimness and draw attention to the waist.
Ultimately, the choice of slip depends on your personal preference and comfort. It is important to consider the width of your wedding gown, the desired silhouette, and the material of the slip to create a cohesive and elegant look on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the style of your wedding dress. Most wedding dresses have sewn-in petticoats, so you may not need a separate underskirt. If your dress has a built-in slip, you may want to get a smaller slip to add a little extra width. If your dress doesn't have a built-in petticoat, you might want to get a fuller slip to achieve the look you want.
The type of petticoat you choose depends on the style and silhouette of your wedding dress. For example, a ball gown typically requires a petticoat with six hoops, while a small A-line dress may only need a two-hoop petticoat. If you want a slim-fitting dress with a small train, a two-hoop mermaid petticoat might be a good option.
Petticoats are typically made of nylon, crinoline net, or tulle. Crinoline net is a stiff netting with tiers of gathered ruffles to add fullness. Tulle is often used for petticoats with hoops because it is lightweight and helps to disguise the shape of the hoops.
