The wedding dress is the crowning glory of a bride’s big day and an opportunity to express her personal style. While pristine white gowns have long been the standard for Western wedding ceremonies, it wasn’t until relatively recently that women had the choice to wear any color they wanted for their nuptials. Many cultures around the world, however, have always opted for colorful dresses to celebrate their unions. Red dresses are a popular choice in India, Malaysia and China as they symbolize prosperity and good luck. In Africa, traditional Nigerian brides veer toward beaded blue and purple styles for their wedding day attire. Regardless of their cultural, religious, or financial traditions, most brides want to feel her best on her wedding day.
That means they’re often looking for a look that combines beauty with practicality, like the kind of dress that can be worn again. For this reason, many bridal designers are playing with the idea of introducing color into their designs. Pale blue and blush shades are a new favorite, with designers like Ines Di Santo and Amsale showing off cascading tiers of delicately constructed blossoms.
Unlike ready-to-wear gowns that can be bought off the rack, a bridal dress is custom made just for the bride. This process takes several fittings with a seamstress who will customize the dress to fit the bride’s body perfectly. Bridal gowns are usually made from high-quality materials such as silk, satin, lace, and tulle.
As a result, the dress has to be tailored and often requires intricate details that aren’t seen in other forms of formalwear. These can include boning, a train or layers of fluffy tulle that add volume. Considering the time and effort that goes into making these dresses, it’s no surprise that they can cost thousands of dollars.
Aside from a dress’s silhouette, neckline and sleeve shape are also important factors to consider when choosing a style. Some brides prefer a classic V-neck with lace, while others may opt for a more dramatic bateau or scoop neckline. As for sleeve shapes, brides can choose between barely-there cap sleeves and bohemian bell sleeves. For a sexy lingerie-inspired look, a strapless neckline is a great option.
The hemline is another thing that’s up for personalization, as brides can choose between a floor-sweeping sweeping skirt or a shorter cocktail-length dress. As for fabric, many brides prefer a soft and silky material such as lace or satin to give the dress a luxurious finish. But there are lots of other options as well, from textured chiffon to the more rustic cotton and taffeta.
As you browse different dress styles online, familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you understand what each design has to offer and make the most of your time with a bridal stylist. Plus, knowing the lingo ahead of time will come in handy during alterations fittings as you work to customize your gown with a professional seamstress.