A bride’s wedding dress is an important symbol of her love and commitment to her partner. It is also a chance to showcase her unique style and personality. But there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting this once-in-a-lifetime gown, including whether it suits her body shape and compliments the aesthetic of her other wedding choices. Moreover, the dress must be stylish but not too trendy, perhaps a little sensuous but not crossing the line into provocative, bridal but not matronly and practical — after all, it is only worn once!
The first question brides must ask themselves is what type of dress will best capture their personality. The answer can be determined by examining the dress’s silhouette, neckline and sleeves. The silhouette of a dress defines its fit and is important because it will influence the overall shape of the dress. For example, a sheath gown has a tight fit that contours the body from head to waist.
A mermaid silhouette, on the other hand, has a slimming effect and works well on most body types. A sheath dress with a sweetheart neckline or a V-neck is especially flattering for those who want to show off their collarbones and shoulders. A strapless sweetheart neckline is a beautiful option for those who want to reveal a hint of cleavage, while a bateau neckline will enhance the curves of a more angular frame.
Sleeves are another important factor to consider because they can make a big difference in the look of a dress. Sleeveless dresses are more feminine and are great for brides who want to wear a veil. Sleeves can also add a touch of drama and glamour to a wedding dress.
Once upon a time, wedding gowns were considered a way to display a bride’s family’s wealth. For this reason, they were often fashioned in expensive fabrics such as velvet or silk. As a result, wealthy brides often wore extravagant dresses that were adorned with elaborate ornamentation and details such as poufy shoulders and lace. The rise of photography also helped popularize white dresses, as the color appeared more distinct against the backdrop of black-and-white or sepia-toned photographs.
Today, it is no longer necessary to select a gown that’s solely white in order to symbolize purity and virginity. In fact, many bridal designers have started to embrace off-white shades such as ivory and cream. Others are even introducing soft neutrals such as ecru and taupe into their collections to accommodate the needs of a variety of brides.
In addition, brides can now choose sustainable fashion that’s as kind to the planet as it is to their skin. For instance, gowns made with ethically sourced materials and upcycled fabrics are becoming increasingly commonplace in the bridal industry. In the future, it’s possible that these practices could even become standard. In the meantime, we’ll continue to see brides selecting gowns that are as stunning to the eye as they are to the wallet!