For a girl, her wedding dress is one of the most important dresses she will ever wear. It marks the passage from the virginal, springtime realm of girlhood into the fruitful world of marriage and motherhood. Throughout history, brides have celebrated this transition with elaborate and symbolic rituals that often involved a change of attire.
Today, most brides pay for their own wedding dresses as part of a joint budget with their partners, but the tradition is still alive and well. The bridal gown is one of the most important parts of a modern wedding, and choosing yours will require some careful consideration. To help, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about selecting a wedding dress.
While many of the factors that go into choosing a wedding dress are personal, a few common themes are prevalent:
The length and silhouette of the gown should be tailored to suit the bride’s body type, while also reflecting the setting and time period in which she plans to wed. The fabric of the dress is another big factor to consider. Certain fabrics feel heavier and more formal than others, and can affect how the gown fits on the body.
A bridal stylist will help the bride narrow down her options by identifying her style preferences, as well as her body shape. They will then recommend a few styles that fit her personality and body type.
According to the experts at Grace + Ivory, there are four basic types of bodices. Each will determine the overall look of a wedding dress:
A sheath or column is a streamlined and simple silhouette. It will usually fit tight around the natural waistline, creating an hourglass shape. It will most often be made with fabric that holds structure, like taffeta or organza.
Sheath and column gowns are both ideal for brides looking to exude effortless elegance on their wedding day.
For those looking for a more dramatic look, a ballgown is the way to go. The gown will feature a fitted torso, flared skirt, and be finished with a full train that trails behind the bride as she walks down the aisle. A sheath or column gown with a detachable train will allow the bride to remove it after the ceremony for a more casual appearance.
Lace is a classic bridal fabric, and can be used to create delicate details on a gown. It’s typically created by interlacing different types of thread, and comes in a wide variety of weaves and colors. In addition to lace, there are plenty of other embellishments that can be used on a wedding dress to add visual appeal and personality, such as beads, sequins, and intricate embroidery.
It’s no secret that the wedding gown is one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of a bride’s wardrobe. But did you know that there are actually a few lesser-known traditions that come with the dress? From what color brides should choose to the significance of the something blue, we delve into some of the most intriguing traditions associated with the bridal gown.