A wedding gown is a bride’s chance to showcase her personal style, reflect the significance of the day and, in some cases, symbolize cultural traditions. It’s no wonder that selecting the perfect dress requires so much time, consideration and research. The ideal bridal dress needs to meet a number of criteria: it should be the right size, work for her body type, fit with her other wedding choices, be edgy but not too trendy or ostentatious, be flirty and foxy without crossing into provocative, and of course, it must look absolutely stunning in pictures.
The bride’s choice of dress is also often influenced by the formality of the event and who will be wearing it. A dress or gown is typically worn for a more formal occasion, while a robe is more appropriate for a less formal setting (think graduation).
While many brides wear a dress, a robe or tuxedo is typically worn by the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids and some judges. Whether the term is used for women or men, a dress, tuxedo or gown can be worn by anyone who will be participating in a ceremony.
Gowns are usually knee to full length and have an attached skirt. They can be simple or intricately designed, and they can include lace, embroidery and other details. Typically, brides and their maid of honor wear gowns for a wedding, but they can also be worn at other formal events, like prom.
In the past, brides would often choose a dress that was similar to their partner’s or their parent’s gown. This was because the cost of a dress at that time was prohibitive for most people, so they relied on their own clothing for the big day. Even today, there are some brides who prefer to wear their own clothes rather than a designer dress for their nuptials.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a wedding dress is that it should be made from quality fabrics. Cheaper fabrics tend to feel hot and itchy, which can be uncomfortable after standing in the dress for hours at a time. In addition, the fabric must be breathable, which can help prevent overheating and sweating.
Silk satin is one of the most common wedding dress fabrics. It’s woven with straight fibers for a shiny finish and is a great option for structured dresses, including fit-and-flare and A-line silhouettes. Silk zibeline is also a popular choice for dresses, although it’s more commonly seen in bridesmaid dresses due to its price point and resiliency.
Other popular bridal fabrics include chiffon and georgette. Chiffon is a flowing, lightweight textile with a floaty appearance that makes it a great choice for bohemian and goddess designs. Georgette is similar, but it’s a heavier fabric that lends itself well to structured styles, especially mermaid and ball gown styles. Sustainable fashion has also found its way into the bridal world, with a growing number of designers offering ethically sourced and upcycled materials for a more environmentally conscious bride.