A wedding dress is one of the most anticipated purchases a bride will ever make. The gown sets the tone for her wedding day, and it is also a reflection of her style and personality.
When shopping for a wedding dress, there are several things to keep in mind, from the fabric and pattern to the construction process. We asked two designers at New York City bridal boutiques, Amsale and Morilee, to share their knowledge about the process of designing and creating a wedding gown.
The creation of a bridal dress is more than just a piece of clothing; it requires an intense amount of time and effort to produce, says Michael Cho, head designer at Amsale. The dress is made with a specific design in mind, so it requires extensive fabric sourcing and custom tailoring to fit the bride perfectly.
Oftentimes, the design of a wedding gown begins at least eight to twelve months before the wedding date. This allows enough time for the dress to be created and then sourced, and it avoids rush fees.
It can also help if you have an idea of what your ideal dress will look like, whether that is a classic, vintage-inspired lace ball gown or a sleek, modern design with delicate beadwork. By saving and cutting out images that appeal to you, you can compile a visual file that will help guide your wedding dress selection.
There are many different neckline options available, from square to V-necks and backless to spaghetti straps, so it’s important to try on as many as possible before deciding. Square necklines draw attention to the shoulder and collarbone, while a V-neck can help highlight the bust area for women with larger busts.
The sleeves on a bridal gown are another consideration, since they can be an integral part of the overall shape of a dress. Off-the-shoulder flutter sleeves can be incredibly flattering on certain body types, while a full-length long sleeve can give you a bit more coverage if your venue is going to be very warm or if you’re planning on getting married in the summer.
Embellishments can take a wedding dress from good to great, so be sure to think about what kind of embellishments would complement the style and tone of your wedding. Beadwork, lace appliques and embroidery can add glamour and detail to the bodice or skirt of any wedding dress. Layers of fringe or crochet trim can also lend a boho vibe to any gown.
A bride’s wedding dress is a reflection of her style and personality, so it’s important to choose the gown that makes her feel beautiful and comfortable. A dress that flatters her shape and is in-keeping with her wedding theme and theme colors will be the perfect choice for her big day.
If you’re feeling hesitant about choosing your wedding dress, it is okay to ask for more time to consider the decision. This is a big, life-changing purchase, and you should be treated with respect and a lot of patience.