When a bride is getting married, the dress she wears will be in pictures that could last a lifetime. That is why most brides choose a gown that is perfectly tailored and unique to them. But a wedding gown is not just a piece of clothing; it’s also a symbol of transition from single woman to dependent wife, and a reflection of the values of the couple getting married.
With so many options and considerations to make, finding the perfect wedding dress can be daunting for any bride. But the right dress can also make the whole day more memorable for everyone involved, including the newlyweds themselves.
The most important step before purchasing a wedding dress is to finalize your budget, according to the bridal team at Pantora Bridal in Brooklyn, New York. This will give you a clear picture of what you can spend on a dress and avoid the temptation to buy something that you cannot afford.
Once a bride has a budget in mind, she can be more laser-focused on the dress shopping process. Another common mistake is choosing a gown that is too big or too small, which can cost extra in alterations and be difficult to alter to fit the bride on her big day.
One of the most important aspects of a wedding dress is the neckline, which frames the face and shoulders. There are a variety of necklines to choose from, including bateau, halter and off-the-shoulder styles. These necklines tend to be more classic and formal while portrait, sweetheart, and V-neck styles reveal more of the neckline and cleavage.
Sleeves can also add a lot to the look of a dress, from barely-there cap sleeves and spaghetti straps to maximalist puff or boho bell styles. Sleeves can be long or short, depending on the style of the dress and the desired look of the bride.
The shape of the wedding dress is an essential decision, as well. A mermaid-style dress is tight from the bust to the hips, and flares out in the lower half of the dress. A fit and flare dress is similar to a mermaid but is more streamlined from the bust to the waist and hips, then flares out at the bottom of the dress.
A bride can add a lot of personality and personal touches to her dress with details like embroidery, beading, lace appliques, and fringe. These details can be a beautiful accent that makes the dress stand out.
A bride can also add glamour to her dress with a veil, which is a long white piece of fabric that covers the head and face of the bride while walking down the aisle. Some brides choose to keep the veil off for photos and then wear it in a more dramatic way during the ceremony, while others prefer to have it on all the time. A veil can also help the bride to feel more confident and comfortable while having her picture taken.