Determining your wedding dress style will set the tone for your entire wedding. Figuring out what you want is one of the first things to do when planning your big day. You want something classic and timeless that you’ll be able to wear at other events in the future.
There are different wedding dress styles to choose from, but figuring out which one is right for you can be a little challenging. The most crucial thing to remember is you have a say in how your dress will look on your big day, so you need to take some time and decide what it will look like before making your final decision.
Body Type
The first step to finding your wedding dress style is knowing your body type. Women have three basic body shapes: Hourglass bodies have a balanced upper and lower body with an even waistline. Trapezoid bodies have a pointed upper body and a wider lower body. Apple bodies have a wider upper body and a narrower lower body. If you’re unsure which shape you are, ask a friend or family member who knows you well or go to a store and try on some dresses to get an idea of the different styles that work for your shape.
Once you know your shape, you can try on dresses! Before you start shopping, take note of your size so that you can find dresses in stores that will fit properly. Try measuring yourself at home with a tape measure or using the size chart from your favorite clothing store online to determine your size. Remember that sizing is not consistent between stores, even those that carry the same brand. You may need to go to more than one store before you find the perfect dress!
Length of the Gown
If you’re on the shorter side, you’ll probably want to wear a dress that comes several inches above the knee. Nipped-in waists also look good, as do off-the-shoulder necklines. For a long gown, you can still be fashionable. Just make sure that it’s not floor-length and add volume or pleats to the skirt, so it doesn’t look heavy or matronly.
A person might also want to consider wearing a belt to draw attention away from your waistline. A train is fine on a short dress as long as it is not too long (three feet or longer). Make sure that it is not too heavy or that you have enough help holding it up while dancing. The length of your dress will also depend on personal preference as well as whether you’ll have a second dress for dancing.
Type and Material of Wedding Dress
The most common wedding dress style is a ball gown, with a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt that flows from the hips. The next most popular style is a fitted sheath, which fits snugly at the top and falls straight from the waist to the floor. Both of these styles feature a V-neckline and long sleeves. Lace and satin are other key components of many wedding dresses, although these fabrics are often combined with other materials for different looks. For instance, a satin bodice and lace skirt can look luxurious, while satin sleeves on a cotton dress create an entirely different effect.
Other popular fabrics include organza (which is very light), chiffon (a lightweight fabric), and taffeta (a heavier material). Though lace dresses are commonly white, they can also be found in ivory, which is more appropriate for weddings held in warmer months. Typically, bridesmaids wear dresses in the same color as the bride’s dress, but it can also be fun to coordinate prints or colors between the bridal party members.