A wedding dress is more than just a piece of clothing worn for one day, it’s an iconic symbol of a bride’s style. It can also have a lot of meaning in the form of culture, tradition and even religious significance. There are many different types of dresses and the choice is totally up to you, but it’s a decision that will have a big impact on your day.
When choosing your wedding dress start by thinking about the style of your ceremony. The time of year, location and the type of venue will all have an effect on your dress style, as well as your personal preference. Do you want to keep it modern and sleek or do you prefer a more romantic, fairytale-like style? Once you’ve nailed down your style the next step is to choose your colour. The colour of your gown can create a completely different look and should be decided by how it makes you feel. Darker colours like black suggest power and wealth while softer tones such as pale ivory reflect a delicate, feminine nature.
The neckline and sleeve styles are then the final touches that will bring your wedding dress together. The most common neckline is the V, a flattering style that will highlight your shoulders and décolletage. If you’re worried about showing too much skin opt for a V neck with a sheer overlay or a beaded trim that adds a little more coverage.
Sleeves can be long, short, or capped and the length is again entirely up to you. Teamed with a sleeveless or strapless dress the sleeves can make a real statement but teamed with a more casual shift or petticoated rock and roll frock you can keep it simple and stylish.
Moving on to the waistline, this is where your dress shape will come from. From a ‘natural’ waist which sits just below your ribs creating a slimming effect to drop waistlines popular in the 1920s or empire waists that are flattering for larger busts, there is a wide selection of styles available. Some dress styles don’t have a waistline at all such as column, sheath or slip dresses that loosely skim the body without a visible seam.
The hemline is the bottom half of your dress and can be floor length, mid-calf or ankle length. Dresses with a floor length hem are considered the most formal while those with a mid-calf or ankle hem are more semi-formal. The hemline is also the perfect spot to add a little extra sparkle or show off a pair of gorgeous shoes.
The skirt of your dress can be fitted, flowing, frothy or a combination of the above and is what makes your wedding dress truly stand out. Longer skirts are a dramatic statement but can be easily removed to transform your gown into a chic cocktail dress for the reception. Shorter skirts are great for a city hall ceremony, elopement or if you’re a shoeaholic that can’t resist a pair of fabulous heels.