Your wedding dress is the focal point of your big day. It carries the memory of the moment you walked down the aisle to marry your best friend, and it’s an iconic symbol that will be present in every photo from the day. But there’s so much more to the bridal gown than meets the eye. It’s also a symbol of your style, an expression of yourself to the world, and it reflects the beauty you bring to your marriage.
From the ’90s when Vera Wang made strapless, figure-hugging dresses the ultimate wedding dress staple, to today’s trend of wedding dresses in pastel shades with floral embellishments, bridal fashion is constantly evolving. The trends we see on fashion runways often find their way to the bridal boutiques and onto the aisles, with brides looking for a look that will stand out against the backdrop of their special day.
A good designer bridal gown will be well-constructed, use top of the line fabrics and materials, and feature intricate detailing such as hand-beaded designs or delicate lace. These details take time and resources to make, so they can add up. It’s for this reason that wedding gowns tend to be pricey, especially when they’re designed by a reputable bridal designer. But they’re not like any other garment, as they’re not just meant to be worn for a few hours; they’re designed to last throughout your lifetime.
The same thing can be said for your veil and jewelry. The splurge is worth it for these items, too, as they will be part of your everyday wardrobe and will serve to remind you of the magical moments that took place on your wedding day each time you put them on.
Historically, wedding dresses were intended to be a statement of the wealth and social standing of the bride’s family. This was a direct reflection of the amount and quality of materials used in making the dress. While white is the most common color now, it wasn’t always de rigueur and women would sometimes wear gold, red, or other colors to reflect their personal style or match their bridal bouquets.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for brides to seek out gowns that incorporate sustainable practices. Whether it’s using ethically sourced materials, offering customizable designs, or creating inclusive collections that cater to a wide range of body types and cultural backgrounds, there are many ways in which modern designers are pushing the boundaries of what a wedding gown can be.
It’s also important to remember that a wedding gown is not about what others think, but about how it makes the bride feel. The most important part of your gown is that it accentuates your best features and allows you to be the most stunning version of yourself on your wedding day. If you’re able to achieve this, you’ll be sure to capture the hearts of your guests and your spouse-to-be.