The wedding dress is a special article of clothing worn by the bride during her marriage ceremony. The color and style of the dress is often associated with symbolism, such as white for purity and blue for luck. It can also be an expression of the culture or tradition of the bride, groom, or both.
The dress can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but whatever you choose, it should highlight your best features. The best way to do this is by choosing a silhouette that flatters your shape. If you’re a pear shape, for instance, consider a dress with a slender neckline. For a more voluminous body type, a ball gown is an excellent choice.
You’ll also want to think about the neckline, as this will be one of the first things people notice about your look. A boatneck, jewel neck, or one-shoulder neckline will all sit high on the neck and offer coverage for your décolletage. Other necklines, like the sweetheart, portrait, or V-neck, show a bit more skin (including cleavage) and are good options for brides with larger busts.
Sleeves are another important consideration, as they can make your overall appearance more sexy or conservative. The most common sleeve style for a wedding dress is a strapless, but it can also come with thin spaghetti straps, cap sleeves, or lace sleeves. Sleeves can also be very dramatic, with bell sleeves or boho crochet trim adding a hint of drama to your bridal look.
While the neckline and sleeve details are the most important factors when narrowing down your ideal dress, there are many other elements you’ll need to keep in mind. A slit or train can add a touch of sexiness to any silhouette, while layers of beading and lace appliques can elevate a simpler dress. Lastly, you’ll want to take into account how much detailing you’d like, as this will affect the dress’s construction and price. Embroidery and beading will cost more than machine-made options, while lace that is cut by hand can add up quickly.
Once you’ve found the dress of your dreams, it’s a good idea to sleep on it for a few days to make sure it is the one for you. Once you’re certain, ask your retailer about the option of having it tailored to fit, as this can save you time and money versus finding a tailor later on.
Finally, don’t forget to store your wedding dress in a garment bag until you need it. This will help protect it from light exposure and possible staining, which can happen quickly if it’s not properly stored. This will keep it looking perfect for the big day!