Your wedding dress is one of the most important — and sometimes difficult — decisions you’ll ever make. The right gown can elevate your look, accentuate your best features and make the big day all about you. But, with so many styles and designs to choose from, picking a dress can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone – we’re here to help.
The neckline of your dress is where it all begins, framing the face and upper body. Certain necklines, like bateau, jewel, halter, sweetheart and V-neck reveal more skin (including some cleavage), while others — such as sexy off-the-shoulder or romantic portrait sleeve — offer a bit less coverage. If you’re unsure which neckline is right for you, ask your bridal stylist to show you some options that may flatter your figure and suit the vibe of your wedding.
Until the mid-1800s, most brides wore their wedding dresses only once. Then, Queen Victoria sparked a change. Her choice of a white dress and veil for her 1840 wedding signaled that she took the role of queen seriously and would be prudent and sensible. She also wanted to convey her love for her new husband by showing him that she cared for him as a person and not just his royal status.
Since then, most brides have followed suit and worn their wedding dresses again and again. Even if a bride had her wedding dress made especially for her, it was likely to become her new Sunday best — or at least be kept as an inconspicuous souvenir — until it fell apart or fashions changed beyond repair.
For modern brides, the dress is not only a symbol of love and commitment, but also a signifier of social class, cultural values and a sense of personal style. For this reason, it’s no wonder that bridal designers continue to look to the red carpet, runway and social media to see what brides are wearing and how they are styling them.
This year, a whole crop of A-list celebrities and rising stars stunned the internet with their wedding dresses, including Sophia Bush (of One Tree Hill) in a trendy off-the-shoulder botanical ball gown by Monique Lhuillier and Hailey Bieber (in a lace, figure-hugging long-sleeved number designed by Virgil Abloh for her 2019 nuptials to Justin Bieber). Whether you’re looking to emulate a princess or just want a dress that will be uniquely yours, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress. Besides a flattering silhouette, details like beading, lace appliques and embroidery can add a touch of luxury and personality to your look.