Maryke's Blog

 

The beauty of this bride’s wedding dress lies in the simplicity of its style. She chose a classic A-line style with rouged detail on the bust. The detail was finished off by a beaded trim which was placed just under the bust, the most flattering part on most women. This in turn gave the illusion of an empire line. The trimming was made from raw silk, beaded with glass bugle & seed beads.

 

 

 

The back of this wedding dress had a subtly sexy lace-up detail.

 

 

Her choice of fabric was sheer chiffon over a soft bridal satin. It gave an over-all softer appearance than the normal A-line dress, usually made from a stiffer fabric.

This wedding dress could fall under either the Classic bride (when worn with a petticoat, as in this bride’s case) or the Natural bride (worn without a petticoat, just falling softly to the ground, which makes it the perfect choice for a beach / garden wedding).

Following are the most popular wedding dress styles:

A-line dress:

This style can also be referred to as the Princess style. This style has a fitted bodice with a defined waist, widening gradually towards the hemline. It has multiple, vertical panels extending in an A-line shape from the waist to the hem.

The A-line is a style that suits most figure shapes, sizes & ages. In a shorter length it can be a lovely choice for your bridesmaids. This is also a very flattering style on Moms, to which a broader strap / sleeves can easily be added.

This is a timeless, classic style (for more info & photo’s see my blog post on the Classic Bride)

Trumpet style:

The trumpet style has a form fitting bodice with a semi full skirt that flares from below the hips.

Ball gown:

This style is inspired by the classic old fairy tale. It has a fitted bodice (corseted) with a full skirt that starts on or just below the hips.

This could be either a very romantic or dramatic option (for more info & photo’s see my blog posts on the Romantic Bride / the Dramatic Bride)

Empire dress:

The waistline of this style is raised to just below the bust line with either a straight or flared, breezy skirt. This style is ideal for sheer, soft fabrics such as chiffon.

This is a ‘figure friendly’ style, which can also be a great option for bridesmaid’s dresses.

For more info & photo’s see my blog post on the Natural Bride.

Mermaid style:

It is a figure hugging style which flares out from or just below the knee.

This style could either be in a classic version or a dramatic one. For more info & photo’s see my blog post on the Dramatic Bride)

Sheath:

The sheath has a narrow, form fitting line. It is usually cut on the bias (the cross-grain of the fabric) which produces a fitted shape with a gentle drape at the hem.

This style is most suitable for athletic, well-toned figures.

As a Natural bride, while you would like to look your best, you would also like to appear (and feel) relaxed, simple and comfortable. Generally, one would find comfortable clothes such as jeans, T’s and flat shoes in your every day wardrobe.

You are likely to opt for a semi formal / in-formal wedding. Your ideal wedding dress will be something loose, flowing, simple and soft with minimal embellishments.

Uncomplicated, understated, yet stylish is what will appeal to you.

STYLES TO CONSIDER:

Empire line dress:

A bodice with rouged, draped or slightly beaded detail paired with a soft chiffon skirt falling gently from the bust. Consider details such as soft chiffon sashes that can be caught in the wind. This is suitable to most figure types also.

 

A-line dress:

An A-line dress done in a soft satin and chiffon falls softly over curves and is flattering to just about all figure types.