Every detail of the wedding dress must be stitched to meet the design that will embody the love, beauty and promises that these moments are all about. Finding a gorgeous dress that meets the standard of perfection requires consideration for a few wedding dress basics. We have some tips for finding your perfect wedding dress.
Basic Wedding Dress Silhouettes
Fashion is forever changing, but the basic wedding dress silhouettes never go out of style. There are a few basic shapes that will create the dramatic look you desire. As you experience the journey of finding your perfect wedding dress, consider the fashion guidelines and how the dress makes you feel.
Empire Gown
The empire gown has a high waistline sewn just below the bust. The way the fabric flows outward makes this style flattering for almost every body type. It skims over the midriff to compliment curves. Pregnant brides frequently choose this silhouette. Empire wedding dresses usually have a square neckline, which draws attention to the neckline and creates definition that compliments a smaller bust.
A-Line Wedding Dress
An A-line wedding dress has a fitted bodice that flows outward. The soft outward flare is delicate and elegant. This silhouette compliments almost every body type. It creates an illusion of curves for a narrow frame, and compliments and balances a curvy shape. Easy modifications can alter the fit to hide or accentuate body features as desired.
The Ballgown
Ballgowns have voluminous skirts that are sewn to a fitted bodice. It provides definition for a narrow waistline and creates the desired hourglass appearance. This dress works well with slender and curvy body types. Shorter brides might consider modifying the dress by decreasing the volume in the skirt to avoid unwanted illusions. If a ballgown makes the list, think Cinderella, and imagine a princess fairy tale.
Trumpet Wedding Dress
The trumpet wedding dress is almost always confused with the mermaid dress. The trumpet gown flares just beneath the hips, creating a shape similar to the bell of a trumpet. The difference in trumpet is where the flare begins. Trumpet gowns are less fitted, and the flare usually begins at mid-thigh level.
Sheath Wedding Dress
The sheath wedding dress provides a slender and elongated effect. Whether tall or short, it compliments lean figures. Shorter brides choose this dress for the illusion of added height. This dress is tight-fitted, and reveals every curve, bump and feature. Boxy figures might consider adding a sash or cummerbund at the waist to create definition.
Mermaid
The mermaid wedding dress snugly contours the chest and torso down to the knee or just below. The flare begins at or below the knee. The hem flares from the bottom, resembling the shape of a mermaid. This dress demands confidence to pull it off, because of the way it daringly hugs every curve. Slender brides with proportionate curves usually choose this silhouette.
Choosing the Neckline
You will need to make decisions about the neckline of your wedding dress. This requires that you consider the features you want to enhance or hide. The bateau neckline is a wide scoop neck that meets at the shoulders. The effect elongates the neck. A high collar also has an elongating effect, but is not recommended with a larger bust. Off-the-shoulder is an elegant neckline that brings attention to the shoulders and offsets wider hips. Spaghetti straps flatter slender frames and narrow shoulders. Square necklines draw the eyes upward.
Choosing the Sleeves for Your Wedding Dress
The sleeves have a lot to do with season, but more to do with how you feel about your arms. If it is summer and you want to hide your elbows with a classic, slimming and graceful look, you will probably choose a three-quarter length sleeve. Toned arms can pull off a sleeveless dress. Cap shoulders are similar to sleeveless, but have a small piece of fabric on the shoulders that broadens the shoulders and lengthens the arms.
Choosing the Waistline for Your Wedding Dress
The waistline is an important detail of the wedding dress. Natural waistlines hit at the actual waist for a tailored appearance. Basque or dropped V waistlines slim the waist and flare at the hips. A dropped waistline elongates the torso. Asymmetrical waistlines gather at the hip on one side and hang longer on the other, creating an illusion that slims the waist and hips.
Think About Your Fabric
There is more to the dress than the way it looks. Consider the wrinkle factor, and how it feels. Natural fibers breathe and feel cooler in warm weather. Synthetics are heavier and work best in cooler weather. Chiffon or georgette is lightweight and sheer. It is fluid and flowing. Crepe is lightweight and thin fabric with a pebbled texture. Tulle is a fine netting material that is commonly used in the skirt of a ballerina. A silk variety is preferred over polyester. Organza is a semi-sheer fabric that maintains shape. Illusion is a sheer fabric that can be used in the sleeves or the bodice to add applique or lace detailing you could not otherwise. Faille is a light ribbed fabric that is usually made with silk or rayon. Velvet is a stiff and heavy material with a thick and plush pile. Lace is timeless, romantic and delicate, and can vary from fine Chantilly to a heavier and sculptured guipure.
The Train of Your Wedding Dress
The train of your wedding dress can be dramatic or minimal. Chapel trains are popular for elegance and versatility. They extend from the waist and trail three to four feet behind. A cathedral train is long, formal and dramatic with fabric that extends six to eight feet behind. A royal train is the most extravagant, extending twelve feet or more. A Watteau train begins to fall from the shoulder blades. A puddle or sweet train provides a small fishtail at the bottom of the dress.
Crystal Ballroom Ocala
Your wedding dress should always match the theme and tone of your venue; therefore, you should always book your venue before shopping for the dress. When you plan your wedding with Crystal Ballroom, you have access to professional wedding designers and planners to help you coordinate all the details. This all-inclusive wedding venue includes all of the designs and services to make your dream wedding come true. Contact Crystal Ballroom Ocala to begin planning.
