WEDDING DRESSES - FEBRUARY 2012
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).
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 NATURAL BRIDE
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.
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.
