Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses have evolved over the years, with contemporary designs embracing minimalist and modern trends that emphasise simplicity and personal expression. The process of choosing a wedding dress can be overwhelming, with factors like silhouette, fabric, colour, and budget coming into play. The average wedding dress in the US costs $2,000–$4,000, but prices can vary based on style, designer, and materials. While white is the dominant colour for Western wedding dresses, symbolising purity and innocence, modern brides are free to choose any colour that reflects their personal style. With a wide range of options available, from trendy to timeless and casual to luxe, finding the perfect wedding dress is a unique and exciting journey for every bride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Silhouette | Ball gown, A-line, trumpet, drop waist, tea-length, mermaid, plus size |
| Neckline | Strapless, corset, halter, illusion, square, scoop, sweetheart |
| Hemline | Long, short |
| Details | Lace, cap sleeves, coloured sash, vintage, modern, minimalist, embellishments, crystals, tulle |
| Colour | White, ivory, ecru, eggshell, black, pastel, bold |
| Budget | Under $200, under $600, under $100, under $500, under $1000, $2000-$4000, up to $10,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress styles
A-Line Wedding Dress
The A-line wedding dress is one of the most coveted and popular silhouettes. It features a fitted bodice that showcases the waist, while the skirt flares gently in an A-shape from the hips. This style is universally flattering and timeless, making it a classic choice for brides.
Ball Gown
The ball gown style is perfect for those who want a fairytale moment. It has a full skirt, a fitted bodice, and a cinched waist, creating a dramatic and elegant look. This style is ideal for defining your waist and highlighting your bust.
Trumpet and Mermaid Styles
The trumpet style is fitted below the knee, showcasing the hips and waist. The mermaid style, also known as fit-and-flare, has a similar silhouette, hugging the body before flaring out at the knees. These styles are perfect for those who want to highlight their curves.
Column and Sheath
The column dress is a streamlined, fuss-free style with a simple, uninterrupted silhouette. It is often made from structured fabrics like taffeta or organza. The sheath style is similar but lighter and more effortless, with a natural waistline.
Empire Waist
Empire waist dresses are perfect for those who want a flowy, boho look. The dress is fitted at the bust and then flows away from the body, creating a light and airy silhouette. The higher waistline also elongates the body, making the bride appear taller.
Tea-Length and Mini
Tea-length dresses are ideal for elongating the figure, while mini or short dresses are perfect for brides who want to show off their legs or are having a beach wedding. These styles can add a fun and playful touch to the overall look.
Reception Dresses
Some brides choose to have a separate reception dress, especially if their ceremony dress is more traditional or elaborate. Reception dresses can be short cocktail dresses, sundresses, or even jumpsuits or rompers. They offer comfort and a chance to showcase the bride's personal style.
When choosing a wedding dress style, it's important to consider the setting, theme, and your own unique preferences. Whether it's a glamorous ballroom event, a beach ceremony, or a casual celebration, there are numerous options to find the perfect dress that reflects your personality and makes you feel beautiful.
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Wedding dress silhouettes
One of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes is the A-line dress, which is characterised by its fluid lines and balanced proportions. This style of dress is fitted at the waist, creating a slimmer waistline, and then gently flares out from the hips, forming an "A" shape. The A-line silhouette is universally flattering and can be adapted to suit various wedding settings, from casual beach ceremonies to formal church weddings.
Another popular silhouette is the ball gown, which features a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt that flares out dramatically from the waist. This fairy-tale style is perfect for those dreaming of a grand and elegant wedding. The ball gown silhouette is also versatile and can complement most body types, accentuating the waist and gliding over the hips.
For those who want to showcase their curves, the mermaid wedding dress is an impeccable choice. This contouring silhouette hugs the body from the chest to the knee, resembling a mermaid's tail, and then flares out dramatically. The trumpet silhouette is similar to the mermaid style, but with a more subtle flare that begins at mid-thigh rather than the knee. Trumpet gowns are a popular choice for brides with slender or hourglass figures who want to flaunt their curves.
Other wedding dress silhouettes include the column dress, which is streamlined and simple, often with a halter neckline. The empire silhouette is another option, featuring a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flowy and whimsical effect. Drop-waist dresses provide a relaxed structure and fit, elongating the torso and creating balanced proportions.
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Wedding dress colours
Wedding dresses come in a variety of colours and shades, or "colourways", to suit different skin tones and bridal visions. The colourway of a wedding dress refers to the colour of the base of the dress, which can be made up of lots of different hues.
While white wedding dresses are the most traditional option, dating back to 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white lace gown, they can come in different shades of white, such as ivory, antique ivory, and blush. These shades can vary depending on the colour of the thread used, any layers of glitter tulle, as well as the sheerness, structure, and silhouette of the gown. For example, a dress in the "All Ivory" colourway may have an icy, almost blue effect in pictures, so some brides opt for warmer shades like Blush or Antique Ivory. Darker shades of white can also make details like lace or embroidery stand out more.
Some less traditional brides may opt for bolder colours like black, or prints and patterns. One unique colour option is "Misty Mauve", a cool-toned shade with pinkish hues that is darker and cooler than the blush colourway. This shade has the potential to wash out certain skin tones, but can be flattering for others. Ultimately, the choice of colourway depends on the bride's preference and what they feel is most flattering.
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Wedding dress history
Wedding dress fashion has evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by aesthetic preferences, cultural trends, and technological advancements. During the Middle Ages, weddings often symbolized the union of families, businesses, or nations, and brides were expected to dress according to their family's status. Wealthy brides wore rich colours and expensive fabrics such as furs, velvet, and silk, while those from lower social classes wore their best church dress.
In the 19th century, before Queen Victoria's wedding, royal brides wore a variety of colours, with red being a popular choice. White dresses, on the other hand, were reserved for women being presented at court. Queen Victoria made a bold statement by choosing to wear a white lace wedding gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Her dress was made from Spitalfields cream silk-satin with a flounce of Honiton lace at the neck and sleeves, and it featured a slim waist, a full crinoline petticoat, and lace embellishments. This choice sparked a new trend, and white became a popular colour for wedding dresses, symbolizing purity, innocence, and wealth.
However, it took several decades for white wedding dresses to become common among middle-class brides in Europe and the US. The high maintenance of white dresses in the 19th century, as well as the fact that wedding gowns were often worn multiple times, made them less accessible. It wasn't until after World War II, when society became more prosperous and clothing production became cheaper, that the single-use white wedding dress became a widespread phenomenon.
The portrayal of weddings in Hollywood and the widespread circulation of celebrity wedding images also contributed to the enduring popularity of the white wedding dress. Iconic wedding gowns, such as Grace Kelly's in 1956 and Lady Diana Spencer's in 1981, inspired brides around the world and further cemented the notion that marriage and the white dress were intricately linked.
Today, while white remains the dominant colour for Western wedding dresses, brides are increasingly embracing a range of styles and colours that reflect their unique personalities and preferences. Minimalist and modern designs have gained popularity, and wedding dresses continue to evolve while retaining traditional elements, allowing brides to express their individuality.
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Wedding dress accessories
Veils
A veil is a traditional and iconic wedding accessory. It can add a touch of elegance and romance to your bridal look. Veils come in various lengths, from the dramatic cathedral veils that trail softly behind you, to shorter options like elbow-length veils. You can also choose from different materials, such as lace, pearl, or tulle, to match your dress and personal style.
Hair Accessories
Bridal hair accessories can include headpieces, headbands, and combs. They add sparkle and interest to your hairstyle and can be coordinated with your veil. Hair accessories can be a great way to showcase your unique style and add a touch of glamour to your overall bridal look.
Jewellery
Jewellery is an essential part of your wedding dress accessories. You can choose from a range of options, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Whether you prefer delicate, minimalist pieces or bold statement jewellery, the right selection can enhance your dress and showcase your personality. Jewellery can also be a thoughtful gift for the bridesmaids and other members of the bridal party.
Shoes
Choosing the right footwear is crucial for both style and comfort on your big day. Bridal shoes can range from elegant heels to comfortable flats, depending on your preference and the theme of your wedding. Shoe accessories, such as clips or decorative laces, can also be added to elevate your look.
Garters
Garters are a fun and flirty addition to your wedding dress accessories. They can be personalised and are often part of wedding traditions, such as the garter toss. Garters come in various styles, from simple and elegant to more ornate designs, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your taste.
Clutches and Evening Bags
A clutch or evening bag is a practical and stylish accessory to hold your essentials on your wedding day. It can be a simple, elegant clutch or a more ornate bag adorned with jewels or embroidery. These bags can also be a great way to add a pop of colour to your bridal ensemble.
When selecting your wedding dress accessories, it's important to consider your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and the overall look you wish to achieve. These accessories will not only enhance your bridal attire but also add special touches that reflect your unique personality and make lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by familiarising yourself with the different types of wedding dress styles and silhouettes. Compile a file of your favourite dresses, whether that's from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, or celebrity looks. Identify an overarching theme, such as lace or open backs, to help determine your bridal style.
Always keep the venue and theme of your wedding in mind. You don't want your dress to clash with the overall aesthetic. Be mindful of the cost of alterations and accessories, as these can add up.
Book an appointment with a consultant beforehand, as bridal stores don't usually allow customers to browse dresses on their own. Take photos of the dresses from all angles, and don't feel pressured to buy on your first shopping trip.
Be wary of how tightly the bridal consultant clamps the dress, as this can affect the way the dress looks and feels. Don't stand only on a pedestal, as this can change the proportions of the dress. Be cautious of any major changes the consultant says are possible.
A-line gowns are fitted at the waist and flare out softly, creating a practical and elegant "A" shape. Ball gowns are more dramatic, fitted at the waist or hip, and flare out for a Cinderella effect. Column dresses are streamlined with few seamlines, while empire waist dresses are flowy and fitted only at the bust.
