DRESS STYLES
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.
THE DRAMATIC BRIDE
You are likely to envision your wedding day as a formal, elegant affair. You are all about making a statement in an avant-garde, eclectic wedding dress.
Your wardrobe is filled with the latest fashion and you are the kind of person who dares to be different.
Although you would opt for a stylish wedding dress, you would like a ‘wow’ factor such as an open, low cut back or showing some cleavage.
You might like to draw attention with intricate draping, elaborate beaded embellishments or even a splash of colour.
As a Dramatic bride, creative, sexy, bold and detail is what it is about for you.
STYLES & DETAILS TO CONSIDER:
Intricate draping / rouging:
Any form of intricate draping / rouging might interest you.
A dramatic back:
A dramatic train:
Fabrics:
Interesting & different, such as lace / heavily beaded fabric might catch your attention.
Adding a splash of colour to your dress might take your fancy, such as a black sash for example.
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make for your special day. There is such a variety of styles & dresses available, that it might feel overwhelming to find a starting point.
My hopes are that the following pointers will help you discover your wedding style / wedding ‘personality’, which, in turn will help you choose your wedding dress.
- What kind of wedding do you envision having?
- What is your wedding date, time & venue / setting?
- What is your budget for your wedding dress & accessories?
- What is your wedding ‘personality’?
1. WHAT KIND OF WEDDING DO YOU ENVISION?:
The style of your wedding dress will be influenced by the formality & style of your wedding. There are no hard & fast rules, however, generally the more formal your wedding, the more formal your dress & visa versa.
2. YOUR WEDDING DATE, TIME & VENUE / SETTING:
The date will indicate the season of your wedding, which in turn will be an indicator of the expected weather for your wedding day. The most popular times of the year to get married are Spring & Summer. Winter weddings however, might qualify you for some discounted prices, as it is out of wedding season.
The time of your wedding will also be an indicator of the formality of your wedding. Morning weddings tend to be more in-formal, whereas afternoon / evening weddings tend to be more formal.
The venue / setting will also influence your choice, as an outdoor wedding such as on the beach / in the garden tend to be less formal that of an indoor wedding in a hall.
3. WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS & ACCESSORIES?
Most people don’t like to crunch the numbers but when it comes to your wedding, it is advisable to know your budget in order for you to know what you are able to spend on your wedding dress & accessories. This is also important information to relay to your dress designer.
4, YOUR WEDDING PERSONALITY:
Now that you have a general idea of what you envision for your wedding day, you should be able to determine your wedding ‘personality’.
None of us should fit into a ‘box’ and the following are mere pointers as to determine a general feel for what wedding dress style might suit you. Certain aspects about your choices for your wedding day will lean strongly into one of the following directions. You might even be a combination of 2 wedding ‘personalities’, in which case I, as a designer, can design a wedding dress capturing both aspects of your personality into your wedding dress. Alternately, you might like to have your wedding ceremony & reception reflecting one ‘personality’ & your dress the other.
If you have been dreaming about your wedding day since you’ve been a little girl, full of fairy tale expectations, you are likely to be a Romantic bride.
If you envision your wedding in an outdoor setting such as the beach or garden, you are likely to be a Natural bride.
Should you envision your special day as being semi-formal / formal, filled with lots of traditions (especially those passed on through your family’s traditions), you are likely to be a Classic bride.
If your vision for your wedding is one in an elegant setting with little traditions, 5 star food & all things modern and different, you are likely to be a Dramatic bride.
