Rhiannon Hendricks
A fitted wedding dress is a dress that has been altered to fit the bride's body perfectly. This can be achieved through working with a designer, tailor, or bridal boutique that specializes in gowns for different body types, or by altering a dress to conform to the lines of the body. Wedding dress fittings are important to ensure that the bride feels confident and comfortable on her wedding day. During these fittings, a seamstress will help put the gown on and review the alterations needed, such as taking in the bodice and seams, adjusting the length, and creating a bustle for the train. The bride should also convey her preferences and comfort levels during these fittings to ensure the final version of the dress feels uniquely hers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To tailor the gown through alterations for a perfect fit that complements the body shape and enhances the best features. |
| Fitting process | A seamstress helps put on the gown and reviews the alterations needed, including taking in the bodice and seat seams, adjusting the hem, and creating a bustle. |
| Communication | It is important to convey preferences and concerns to the seamstress and ask questions to ensure comfort and style. |
| Number of fittings | Typically, two to three fittings are required, with the first fitting taking place about eight weeks before the wedding. |
| Customizations | Fit-and-flare styles, A-line, ballgown, trumpet, and mermaid silhouettes are popular choices, with options for different hem lengths, train lengths, and necklines. |
| Comfort | Fit-and-flare dresses provide a combination of flowing and fitted elements, allowing for movement and dance. |
| Body types | Fit-and-flare styles suit a variety of body types, including plus sizes, hourglass, athletic, and thin builds, while A-line and empire silhouettes flatter all body types. |
| Accessories | Accessories such as veils, earrings, bracelets, and shoes can complement the dress, with options for embellishments like beading and embroidery. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of fittings and alterations
A fitted wedding dress is one that conforms to the lines of your body, giving you a made-to-measure finish. Fittings and alterations are essential to achieving this perfect fit.
Firstly, it is important to remember that most wedding dresses are made in generic sizes, so it is rare that a bride's body will perfectly match a designer's dress. Alterations ensure that the dress fits the bride's unique body shape and enhances her best features. For example, standard alterations include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, and adjusting the hips to ensure the gown stays in place. The hem is also important, as this prevents tripping and gives the bride the opportunity to show off their shoes.
Secondly, fittings and alterations allow the bride to feel confident and comfortable on her wedding day. A bride should feel free to ask for a looser or tighter fit depending on her preference. It is also important to be direct with the seamstress about how you envision your dress looking and feeling, and any significant changes you want to make. This collaborative process ensures that the final version of the dress captivates visually and feels uniquely yours, empowering the bride to move with grace and confidence.
Thirdly, fittings and alterations are important to ensure the dress is ready in time for the wedding. Bridal salons and seamstresses recommend at least three fittings, with the first taking place around three months before the wedding, the second a month before, and the final fitting two weeks before the wedding. This allows time for any last-minute modifications to be made, ensuring the dress is perfect.
Finally, fittings and alterations can help to make the dress unique and special. Seamstresses can add custom fittings and hand-beaded embellishments to make the bride's wedding gown one of a kind.
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Fit-and-flare styles
Fit-and-flare wedding dresses are a classic style, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and couture methods. This silhouette is fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, with the skirt gradually flaring out around the knees. This subtle flare provides the perfect level of movement and drama, allowing brides to dance the night away.
Fit-and-flare gowns are often mistaken for mermaid and trumpet silhouettes, but the distinguishing factor is the gradual flare, rather than a noticeable one. This style emphasises the waist and hips, creating a beautiful, curvaceous silhouette. It is a versatile style, suiting a variety of body types, particularly those with an hourglass shape.
The fit-and-flare style is effortlessly romantic and tastefully sexy. It elongates the frame while hugging the body's natural curves. Brides can choose from a range of necklines, including sweetheart, high neck, off-shoulder, and strapless, to find a look that is uniquely theirs.
Fit-and-flare dresses can be customised with hand-beaded embellishments and other unique details. This style is all about combining a flowing skirt with a fitted bodice, creating an elegant and flattering silhouette. Whether a bride is seeking a classic, romantic look or a modern, fashion-forward style, the fit-and-flare dress is a versatile option.
During the wedding dress fittings, a seamstress will help review and pin the alterations needed. The bride should feel comfortable speaking up about any preferences or concerns to ensure the final dress captivates visually and feels comfortable.
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Trumpet and mermaid styles
Trumpet wedding dresses offer a more toned-down alternative to the mermaid style, as they don't have an overly dramatic flare. Trumpet gowns feature a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, resembling the shape of a trumpet. Trumpet styles are a popular choice for brides with slender or hourglass frames who want to accentuate their curves. Trumpet dresses can be customised with various necklines, such as open backs, off-the-shoulder, and V-necklines, and some styles even have removable skirts for easier dancing during the reception.
Mermaid wedding dresses are known for their dramatic skirts and trains, making them ideal for brides who want to feel sexy on their wedding day while staying true to their personal style. The distinctive style of a mermaid dress is usually skin-tight and flares out dramatically at or below the knees, creating a fishtail effect. Mermaid styles are perfect for brides who want to showcase their shape and create a show-stopping moment with their entrance and exit. Like trumpet dresses, mermaid gowns can be customised with various necklines and sleeve additions to create a unique look.
When choosing between trumpet and mermaid styles, it's important to consider the level of drama and sexiness you want to achieve. Mermaid styles offer a more dramatic and sexy look, while trumpet styles provide a slightly more subtle and toned-down alternative. It's also crucial to ensure that the dress fits comfortably, allowing you to walk, sit, and dance with ease. An experienced seamstress can help alter your trumpet or mermaid wedding dress to ensure the perfect fit and preserve the dress's proportions.
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A-line and ballgown styles
A-line and ballgown wedding dresses are two of the most popular silhouettes among brides. Both styles are floor-length dresses with close-fitting bodices, but there are a few key differences between the two. A-line wedding dresses are designed to showcase the upper body and loosely flow down the skirt, creating a beautiful "A" shape. This style is universally flattering and complements all body types, especially pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides. The A-line silhouette is perfect for brides who want a natural voluminous skirt without being too over the top.
Ballgowns, on the other hand, offer a regal and dramatic look with a fitted bodice that trails into a full, voluminous skirt, creating a fairy-tale-like princess feel. This style is also flattering on most body types as the voluminous skirt balances the fitted top, accentuating the waist and hiding the lower body. However, petite brides may want to avoid this silhouette as it can overpower a small frame.
When choosing between an A-line and a ballgown style, it is essential to consider your unique circumstances and needs, such as your body shape and the level of comfort you expect on your big day. Additionally, both styles offer the advantage of wearing any type of shoe since the skirts are fuller and will likely hide your footwear. However, one downside to these silhouettes is the inconvenience when going to the restroom, as you may need assistance from your bridal party.
Ultimately, the decision between an A-line and a ballgown wedding dress depends on your personal preference and the vision you have for your special day.
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Popular necklines and fabrics
The neckline of a wedding dress is an integral element for balancing out your neck and shoulders, drawing attention to your face, and complementing your body shape.
Some of the most popular necklines for fitted wedding dresses include:
- Sweetheart necklines mimic the shape of the top of a heart and are the most popular wedding dress neckline. They are flattering for all shapes and sizes, shine a spotlight on the décolletage, and are ideal for fuller-chested brides.
- V-necks are real power players, flattering the bust and adding height to the frame. They help balance out the hips of pear and hourglass-shaped figures and balance out the shoulders of brides with more rectangular or inverted triangle shapes.
- High necklines come up to the nape of the neck or cover it completely. They are elegant and elongate the shape of the bride, making them ideal for tall brides.
- Bateau/Sabrina necklines show just a hint of the collarbone and have an inherent regality about them, which is why they are popular with royal brides. They help to balance the appearance of wider hips and narrow shoulders, so they are popular with hourglass and pear shapes.
- Illusion necklines can be on a V-neck, plunge neck, sweetheart, or other strapless dresses with short or long sleeves. They have a Grecian flair as they drape over one shoulder.
- Bardot, portrait, and Queen Anne necklines are also popular choices.
The fabric of a wedding dress is just as important as its cut or embellishments. It can affect the silhouette, formality, and cost of the dress. Here are some of the most popular fabrics for wedding dresses:
- Silk is one of the most regal and elegant wedding dress materials. It is often used for dramatic ballgowns or fit-and-flare styles. Mikado is a thicker type of silk with a shiny finish that has gained immense popularity due to its ability to be moulded and multi-seamed.
- Chiffon is airy, sheer, and extremely lightweight. It is traditionally used as an overlay, in layers, or as an accent detail due to its sheer and transparent style.
- Organza is similar to tulle but not as stiff. It is traditionally made from woven silk and is perfect for creating volume and drama without too much weight.
- Tulle and lace are also popular wedding dress fabrics.
- Crepe is a mid-weight silk-blend fabric that clings to the body and drapes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for brides who want to flaunt their curves.
- Wool has increasingly become a go-to fabric for designers. It has the ability to keep a bride warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
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Frequently asked questions
A fitted wedding dress is a style of gown that hugs the bride's figure to create a dramatic statement. This style is often referred to as a fit and flare dress, which is fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, before gradually flaring out around the knees.
There are several types of fitted wedding dresses, including trumpet, mermaid, ball gown, and drop-waist. Trumpet and mermaid styles are considered sub-categories of the fit-and-flare style. Trumpet dresses typically flare at the thigh, while mermaid gowns flare at or below the knee. Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice that trails into a voluminous skirt, and drop-waist dresses elongate the torso, creating a balanced proportion for brides with long legs.
Fitted wedding dresses can suit a variety of body types, including plus-size, hourglass, slender, athletic, and thin builds. The fit-and-flare style, in particular, elongates the body while hugging or creating the illusion of curves. Trumpet gowns are also popular for those with hourglass or slender frames, while ball gowns complement most body types.
To get a fitted wedding dress that suits your preferences, it is important to work with a designer, tailor, or bridal boutique that specializes in gowns for your body type. You can also customize your dress with different hem lengths, train lengths, necklines, fabrics, and embellishments. During your fittings, speak up about any concerns or preferences to ensure that your dress not only looks beautiful but also feels comfortable.
