A wedding dress is one of the most important—and memorable—pieces of clothing you’ll ever wear. But it’s also one of the most technical pieces of apparel, with multiple different parts working together to create a specific look and convey your personal style.
The body of the gown starts with a bodice. While they vary in shape and structure, each is designed to highlight the waistline and create a silhouette. Some, like the empire waist and drop waist styles, help create the illusion of a longer torso. Others, like the sheath and column dresses, skim over the body with loosely draped hemlines for an understated, modern effect. And there are even dresses that don’t have a waistline at all, like the slip dress, which is perfect for brides who want to show off their curves with a slimming, elegant silhouette.
Next up is the neckline, which can make or break the entire dress. The square neckline, a recent trend, can be a flattering choice if you want to show a little cleavage but still keep things understated. The v-neck, another popular option, can be great for brides who are looking to draw attention to their neck and collarbone. And for bigger busts, the plunging v-neck can be a stunning choice that shows off your curves with ease.
For a more dramatic effect, consider a backless or strapless neckline. A backless or strapless neckline can elongate your neck and shoulders, and if paired with an embellished lace or embroidered fabric design, can be the ultimate statement piece for a formal wedding. Alternatively, an off-the-shoulder neckline can be a great way to highlight your shoulders and give you the classic princess vibe you’re going for.
While white was once considered the only wedding dress color, many brides are now choosing colors to suit their personality and wedding vision. Whether you’re looking for a blush pink or deep navy blue, there are endless options to fit your dream wedding day aesthetic.
Besides the neckline, sleeves and waistline, the skirt can also play an important role in your bridal look. A full ball gown is great for brides who love to show off their curves, while a fitted sheath can help streamline your figure.
And don’t forget about the train! The train is a flowing length of tulle or other material that ties or fastens to the skirt at the back of the gown, typically with buttons or hooks. A long train can add a sense of elegance to your gown, while a shorter train, such as a Watteau or sweep, will allow you to move around more easily without having to constantly lift up your skirt. You can even choose to shorten your train and hem it to tea-length or knee-length for a more casual wedding, then have it professionally preserved and packaged so you can wear it on special occasions, like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day.