For many brides, finding the perfect dress is a major milestone. The dress is a way to express oneself and make an impact. It is also a time to feel frivolous, stand out and be the most gorgeous version of yourself. This moment also signifies the start of a new chapter in life and is an opportunity to celebrate oneself. For centuries, the wedding dress has become an important symbol of femininity and virginity. Whether it is a lace gown, a floral print or something as simple as a slip dress, the bridal fashion industry has developed into a multifaceted tapestry that interweaves tradition and avant-garde style.
From a white silk dress to a full skirted frock, wedding dresses are as diverse as the personalities of the brides who wear them. Whether the bride wants to showcase her shoulders or show a bit of cleavage, there is a style for every woman. In the ’90s, strapless gowns and sweetheart necklines were a popular choice, while today’s bride can choose from a wide variety of silhouettes. The choice of fabric can be a deciding factor for the fit and feel of the gown as well, as different fabrics have different textures and cling to the body differently.
While a traditional white dress is the most common, brides can choose from an array of off-white hues, such as ivory, cream and champagne. There was no hard and fast rule that a bride had to only wear white, but by the early 1800s, women’s magazines were already declaring that “white is the natural colour of a maiden’s gown, emblematic of her purity and innocence.”
Regardless of the color of the gown, there are several other details that can be used to highlight the beauty of the gown and the personality of its owner. The neckline, sleeves and the silhouette are the three most common elements of the wedding dress that can be embroidered, woven or stitched to add texture and visual appeal.
Sleeves come in a range of lengths from cap to long, and they can be made of chiffon, silk, organza, velvet or lace. They can be embellished with beading, embroidery or sequins to bring the bride’s personal touch to her attire.
The neckline of a dress can vary from off the shoulder to a deep V, and it may be higher or lower than the bustline. A higher neckline will hide a bride’s cleavage while a more rounded, heart-shaped neckline can flatter the bust. A deeper plunge can create a more sexy look and the neckline of a dress can be altered by adding a sheer panel to show more or less skin.
A bride can complete her outfit by adding a boleros, jacket or shawl to her gown. These can be either ready-made and included with the dress or can be custom designed to match or coordinate with the dress. In the past, brides of modest means repurposed their wedding dress into their next Sunday best or made christening gowns for their children from it, demonstrating that even the most ornate dress was not meant to be worn only once.