The Basics of a Wedding Dress

When it comes to a wedding, there are few things that brides obsess over as much as their dress. It’s often the centerpiece of an event and must not only reflect a woman’s style, but also be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. But with so many options, it can be difficult to narrow down the search for that perfect bridal gown.

That’s why it’s important to know a few key terms. “The basic components of a wedding dress are bodice, sleeves, skirt, and veil,” says Danielle Wen, owner of the San Francisco-based boutique Lace & Liberty. The bodice is the dress’s upper portion, and typically fits close to the natural waist or the smallest part of the torso. The skirt is the hemline that extends down from the bodice. Sleeves can be short or long, and can add a delicate touch to the overall design of the dress. And the veil, which is traditionally hung over the shoulder, can be a simple drape or elaborately embroidered.

As for the skirt, it’s common to find dresses made out of silk, satin, lace, and tulle. The latter is a light, thin fabric that adds volume to the skirt and can be either sheer or opaque, depending on its construction. It’s also a popular choice for brides looking to have an ethereal wedding.

The wedding dress has always been an emblem of love, and the idea that women should wear white to signal their purity and virginity dates back centuries. But in the early 20th century, the rise of film and the speed with which images could be shared helped cement this iconic color scheme as the standard for a wedding dress. This trend was helped along by the fact that many royal weddings featured the bride wearing a white dress.

But despite this prevailing image, today’s young people aren’t as set on traditional marriage. They’re more likely to support same-sex and interracial relationships, enter into non-traditional relationships such as polyamory, and forego marriage altogether in favor of cohabitating with their partners long-term. In addition, they’re more interested in investing their money into a home than a lavish wedding. As a result, many brides are opting for less traditional styles, such as midi or tea-length dresses that can be worn again, rather than floor-length gowns.

But whether a bride is a trendsetter or not, the most important thing to remember about her dress is that it should make her feel amazing. Luckily, there are many ways to accomplish this goal, with designers like Alexandra Grecco and Jenny Yoo offering figure-flattering looks that will leave guests talking about the dress long after the celebration is over.

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