On average, a bride will try on about 18 or 19 gowns before finding the perfect dress,so most people believe that buying a wedding dress can be an arduous process.. Start the process at least six months before the wedding if you are having the dress custom made.
Step 1
Get the pictures from bridal and fashion magazines, shop online and look at old family photos to zero in on your preferred style.Then ask friends and family for references on dressmakers and designers if you are having the dress custom made.
Step 2
Take a friend whose opinion you trust to shops with you at bridal stores. Include your mother if appropriate.Meanwhile,you should also bring shoes with the same size heel you expect to wear on the wedding.
.
Step 4
Try on a variety of dresses,and before that,you can look through gowns on the rack and attend trunk shows. It helps to save you a lot of money.
Step 5
Once you choose your dress.Discuss alteration charges with the salon.
Step 6
If the dress is being made for you,then it costs six months for dressmaking,
Step 7
You may also be ready to pay about 50% of the cost of the dress as a deposit.
Step 8 Choose the right fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories.
Monday, September 8, 2008
How to remove stains from a wedding dress?
If your beautiful wedding dress has some stains on it,then they are hard to address.First,we need to know what type of fabric the gown is.Most bridal fabrics(silks,satins,taffetas and chiffons) will water spot with anything that is put on the stain.In the bridal factory,we would work carefully with our fabric steamer.iron and woolite detergent to work out the stain. We would put a very small amount of Woolite on a clean white wash cloth with a bit of cold distilled water and work that into the stain. After working the detergent into the spot, we would take a fabric steamer and iron to the dress to steam and press out the water spot until the dress was dry. If the Woolite left a bit of a residue spot, we would work the distilled water into the spot and take the steamer and iron to it to work it out. This may not work for the type of dress that you have, so I might suggest to you to try these techniques on the hem of the dress where a water spot may not be as noticable. To be safe, take the dress to a professional dry cleaner, although there are no guarantees that dry cleaning will take the stains out either.
guide of wedding dress style
A-Line or Princess Line dress
Perfect fit
This is a fitted bodice shape with an A-line skirt. It hugs the waist, so it flatters slim waistlines while making the most of the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively
What to avoid
If you have a fuller figure, you may choose not to have a dress which hugs the form quite so closely. The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust.
Full Skirt or Ballgown
Perfect fit
If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style or Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.
What to avoid
Avoid the Full Skirt if you are not full busted, as it will make your bust look smaller. If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
Bias Cut dress
Perfect fit
If you are slim and want to look very chic, the bias cut is for you. This is the dress for the bride with the perfect figure. The bias cut flatters tall girls, but is also complimentary for a petite figure. The cloth of the bias cut is diagonal, giving a different fit to the Column, described below.
What to avoid
A bias-cut dress hugs the hips, so if you are fuller in the hip, avoid this style. It will show off a perfect curvy figure, but if there are curves where you don't want them, they'll show too!
Empire Line dress
Perfect fit
This is another fairytale look. Starting the waistline beneath the bust works well for smaller busts, and the long line makes petite brides look taller. For the ultimate romantic style, this one won't let you down. The Empire line with an A-line skirt will also do a marvellous job at concealing wider hips. An Empire Line with a column skirt adds height and balances a smaller bust.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, a figure-hugging dress might be preferable, but it is difficult to find too much wrong with the Princess style, which is probably why it is so popular.
Asymmetric dress
Perfect fit
The asymmetric design is an unusual look which on the right figure can be particularly striking. Beautiful shoulders and arms will look their best in this style, while the flaring skirt is good for hiding fuller hips.
What to avoid
Beautiful asymmetric strap designs will distract from square shoulders, but there is a danger that bringing the eye to the unusual diagonal look will emphasize the shoulders too.
Column dress
Perfect fit
Like the bias cut but with a straight weft and vertical seams, the Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! The unbroken line will also work well for a more petite figure.
What to avoid
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them.
Two-Piece dress
Perfect fit
A Two-Piece dress, as in this picture, should normally be indistinguishable from a complete dress, i.e. the corset and skirt shouldn't part company at the waist. A better fit can be achieved with separates, especially if you are not stock size. If you would like to show a bare midriff, this will look better if it is well-toned.
Separates help break up lines if you use two different colours or patterns, which is ideal for tall brides who want to look shorter. A corset works well at tapering the bodice in to the waist, and is effective if you want to emphasize your bust.
What to avoid
Separates tend to emphasize the hips because of the corseting, while a gap draws attention to the waistline, so if these are not your best features, separates may not be for you.
Shape Styles Sleeve Styles Neckline Styles Stylomatic
Long or Three-Quarter Sleeves
Perfect fit
Use long sleeves to draw attention to your upper body, for example if you have fuller hips. Long sleeves will also conceal larger arms, and cover square shoulders. A pretty design will distract the eye from any imperfections. Long sleeves will also save you from getting goose bumps if you have a winter wedding.
What to avoid
If you have well-toned arms, flaunt them! It would be a shame to cover them up with long sleeves, however pretty the material might be. Don't use long sleeves if you have a petite figure, because they will make your arms look longer and out of scale with the rest of you.
Spaghetti Straps
Perfect fit
Show off well-toned arms and beautiful shoulders and neck by choosing spaghetti straps. These have a young and modern look and are very attractive on the right girl.so, you can choose a wedding dress with capsleeves
What to avoid
Use a strapless bra with spaghetti straps so that there are no distractions. Keep angular shoulders or large arms covered up. Spaghetti straps also emphasize the neck, so be sure it looks good if you choose them. You can also use a necklace effectively to compliment the straps.
Short sleeves
Perfect fit
Use wedding dress short sleeves to show off well-toned arms. They will help balance small shoulders, too. Short sleeves help break up the line, so if you are tall, short sleeves together with a suitable dress shape will make you look shorter.
What to avoid
Keep larger arms covered up by choosing a wedding dress with long sleeves, preferably with a looser fit. If you have broad shoulders, this style will emphasize them.
Shape Styles Sleeve Styles Neckline Styles Stylomatic
Strapless Neckline
Perfect fit
This is a particularly elegant look if you have a long neck, good shoulders and well-toned arms. A strapless dress is a fine opportunity for beautiful jewellery. Strapless looks good with a medium bust.
What to avoid
Don't leave everything uncovered unless it looks great - there are plenty of other styles to hide shorter necks, square shoulders or full arms. If you have a very full bust, strapless is unlikely to be able to give you the support you will need throughout the day.
Halter Neckline
Perfect fit
Halterneck tops expose beautiful shoulders and well-toned arms, while the continuity of line makes you look taller if you are petite. The halterneck top echoes the lower half of the dress, so if you have slim hips the halterneck will be an excellent counterpoint. There are many different variations on the halterneck style; collar with straps, single strap wrapping round the back of the neck, covered or exposed V to the bust. A halterneck style can also hide that little underarm "pouch" that we are sometimes prone to!
What to avoid
A halterneck top may over-emphasize your upper body if you have a larger bust, though it will provide good support. It will also emphasize your hips in counterpoint - so if you have larger hips, avoid this style.
V Neckline
Perfect fit
The V-Line style plunges to the bust and is particularly complimentary if you have a larger bust and would like a little cleavage. The angle of the V-Line varies and may be on or off the shoulder, so expose beautiful shoulders but cover them up if they are angular.
What to avoid
Avoid the V-line if you are small busted, as it will tend to draw attention to this.
Sweetheart Neckline
Perfect fit
This is a pretty and romantic neckline, forming a natural heart shape and giving you a sweet and innocent look. It also works with larger busts as a sexier style, showing a hint of cleavage.
What to avoid
The Sweetheart style exposes a central panel of neck, so if this is not your best feature, you may want to look at alternatives such as a halterneck. Alternatively, a Sweetheart can lend you the romantic look you seek, with a pretty item of jewellery as an accessory to improve the look of your neck.
Boat or Bateau Neckline
Perfect fit
The wide-necked shape of the Boat or Bateau style follows the line of the collarbone, so if you have well-defined collarbones and a beautiful neck, the Boat design will show them off to best effect. Boat is also good for narrow shoulders. This style was made popular by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
What to avoid
If your neck is not your best feature, the Boat may not show you in best light. If your shoulders are broad, keep away from Boat as it will draw attention to them. If your bust is large, the Boat neckline will make it look bigger.
Perfect fit
This is a fitted bodice shape with an A-line skirt. It hugs the waist, so it flatters slim waistlines while making the most of the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively
What to avoid
If you have a fuller figure, you may choose not to have a dress which hugs the form quite so closely. The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust.
Full Skirt or Ballgown
Perfect fit
If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style or Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.
What to avoid
Avoid the Full Skirt if you are not full busted, as it will make your bust look smaller. If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
Bias Cut dress
Perfect fit
If you are slim and want to look very chic, the bias cut is for you. This is the dress for the bride with the perfect figure. The bias cut flatters tall girls, but is also complimentary for a petite figure. The cloth of the bias cut is diagonal, giving a different fit to the Column, described below.
What to avoid
A bias-cut dress hugs the hips, so if you are fuller in the hip, avoid this style. It will show off a perfect curvy figure, but if there are curves where you don't want them, they'll show too!
Empire Line dress
Perfect fit
This is another fairytale look. Starting the waistline beneath the bust works well for smaller busts, and the long line makes petite brides look taller. For the ultimate romantic style, this one won't let you down. The Empire line with an A-line skirt will also do a marvellous job at concealing wider hips. An Empire Line with a column skirt adds height and balances a smaller bust.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, a figure-hugging dress might be preferable, but it is difficult to find too much wrong with the Princess style, which is probably why it is so popular.
Asymmetric dress
Perfect fit
The asymmetric design is an unusual look which on the right figure can be particularly striking. Beautiful shoulders and arms will look their best in this style, while the flaring skirt is good for hiding fuller hips.
What to avoid
Beautiful asymmetric strap designs will distract from square shoulders, but there is a danger that bringing the eye to the unusual diagonal look will emphasize the shoulders too.
Column dress
Perfect fit
Like the bias cut but with a straight weft and vertical seams, the Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! The unbroken line will also work well for a more petite figure.
What to avoid
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them.
Two-Piece dress
Perfect fit
A Two-Piece dress, as in this picture, should normally be indistinguishable from a complete dress, i.e. the corset and skirt shouldn't part company at the waist. A better fit can be achieved with separates, especially if you are not stock size. If you would like to show a bare midriff, this will look better if it is well-toned.
Separates help break up lines if you use two different colours or patterns, which is ideal for tall brides who want to look shorter. A corset works well at tapering the bodice in to the waist, and is effective if you want to emphasize your bust.
What to avoid
Separates tend to emphasize the hips because of the corseting, while a gap draws attention to the waistline, so if these are not your best features, separates may not be for you.
Shape Styles Sleeve Styles Neckline Styles Stylomatic
Long or Three-Quarter Sleeves
Perfect fit
Use long sleeves to draw attention to your upper body, for example if you have fuller hips. Long sleeves will also conceal larger arms, and cover square shoulders. A pretty design will distract the eye from any imperfections. Long sleeves will also save you from getting goose bumps if you have a winter wedding.
What to avoid
If you have well-toned arms, flaunt them! It would be a shame to cover them up with long sleeves, however pretty the material might be. Don't use long sleeves if you have a petite figure, because they will make your arms look longer and out of scale with the rest of you.
Spaghetti Straps
Perfect fit
Show off well-toned arms and beautiful shoulders and neck by choosing spaghetti straps. These have a young and modern look and are very attractive on the right girl.so, you can choose a wedding dress with capsleeves
What to avoid
Use a strapless bra with spaghetti straps so that there are no distractions. Keep angular shoulders or large arms covered up. Spaghetti straps also emphasize the neck, so be sure it looks good if you choose them. You can also use a necklace effectively to compliment the straps.
Short sleeves
Perfect fit
Use wedding dress short sleeves to show off well-toned arms. They will help balance small shoulders, too. Short sleeves help break up the line, so if you are tall, short sleeves together with a suitable dress shape will make you look shorter.
What to avoid
Keep larger arms covered up by choosing a wedding dress with long sleeves, preferably with a looser fit. If you have broad shoulders, this style will emphasize them.
Shape Styles Sleeve Styles Neckline Styles Stylomatic
Strapless Neckline
Perfect fit
This is a particularly elegant look if you have a long neck, good shoulders and well-toned arms. A strapless dress is a fine opportunity for beautiful jewellery. Strapless looks good with a medium bust.
What to avoid
Don't leave everything uncovered unless it looks great - there are plenty of other styles to hide shorter necks, square shoulders or full arms. If you have a very full bust, strapless is unlikely to be able to give you the support you will need throughout the day.
Halter Neckline
Perfect fit
Halterneck tops expose beautiful shoulders and well-toned arms, while the continuity of line makes you look taller if you are petite. The halterneck top echoes the lower half of the dress, so if you have slim hips the halterneck will be an excellent counterpoint. There are many different variations on the halterneck style; collar with straps, single strap wrapping round the back of the neck, covered or exposed V to the bust. A halterneck style can also hide that little underarm "pouch" that we are sometimes prone to!
What to avoid
A halterneck top may over-emphasize your upper body if you have a larger bust, though it will provide good support. It will also emphasize your hips in counterpoint - so if you have larger hips, avoid this style.
V Neckline
Perfect fit
The V-Line style plunges to the bust and is particularly complimentary if you have a larger bust and would like a little cleavage. The angle of the V-Line varies and may be on or off the shoulder, so expose beautiful shoulders but cover them up if they are angular.
What to avoid
Avoid the V-line if you are small busted, as it will tend to draw attention to this.
Sweetheart Neckline
Perfect fit
This is a pretty and romantic neckline, forming a natural heart shape and giving you a sweet and innocent look. It also works with larger busts as a sexier style, showing a hint of cleavage.
What to avoid
The Sweetheart style exposes a central panel of neck, so if this is not your best feature, you may want to look at alternatives such as a halterneck. Alternatively, a Sweetheart can lend you the romantic look you seek, with a pretty item of jewellery as an accessory to improve the look of your neck.
Boat or Bateau Neckline
Perfect fit
The wide-necked shape of the Boat or Bateau style follows the line of the collarbone, so if you have well-defined collarbones and a beautiful neck, the Boat design will show them off to best effect. Boat is also good for narrow shoulders. This style was made popular by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
What to avoid
If your neck is not your best feature, the Boat may not show you in best light. If your shoulders are broad, keep away from Boat as it will draw attention to them. If your bust is large, the Boat neckline will make it look bigger.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
How to Stay Calm the Night Before the Wedding
Relax with loved ones, but don't forget to take some time out for yourself - you've planned the perfect wedding and you owe it to yourself to indulge yourself before the big day.
Step 1. Pamper yourself with a manicure or massage.
Step 2. Take time at your rehearsal dinner to delight in the company of family and friends.
Step 3. Come home, light some candles, put on some relaxing music and draw up a warm, luxurious bath. For an
extra indulgence, soothe your senses with aromatherapy.
Step 4. Have a glass of warm milk or hot herbal tea to calm those nerves.
Step 5. Follow your usual nighttime routine before going to bed.
Step 6. Get a good night's rest - even if you can't sleep, just resting will help.
Step 1. Pamper yourself with a manicure or massage.
Step 2. Take time at your rehearsal dinner to delight in the company of family and friends.
Step 3. Come home, light some candles, put on some relaxing music and draw up a warm, luxurious bath. For an
extra indulgence, soothe your senses with aromatherapy.
Step 4. Have a glass of warm milk or hot herbal tea to calm those nerves.
Step 5. Follow your usual nighttime routine before going to bed.
Step 6. Get a good night's rest - even if you can't sleep, just resting will help.
How to Walk in a Wedding Dress
With a little practice - and the right shoes - you can glide down the aisle with grace and elegance.
Step 1. Buy a dress that fits you well.
Step 2. Shop for comfortable pumps, stacked heels, flats or slippers. Avoid high heels.
Step 3. Scuff the soles of those slippery new shoes using sandpaper or a kitchen knife.
Step 4. Maintain good posture - head high and shoulders back! This way, the dress hangs on you correctly instead of getting in your way.
Step 5. Grasp the sides of your dress and pull them up a bit when climbing stairs.
Step 6. Bustle the train with hooks, snaps or buttons - if you don't have a detachable train - so that you can move around at the reception.
Step 7. Slip on that dress and shoes, and practice walking and dancing at home. Get a feel for how the dress fits and moves.
Step 1. Buy a dress that fits you well.
Step 2. Shop for comfortable pumps, stacked heels, flats or slippers. Avoid high heels.
Step 3. Scuff the soles of those slippery new shoes using sandpaper or a kitchen knife.
Step 4. Maintain good posture - head high and shoulders back! This way, the dress hangs on you correctly instead of getting in your way.
Step 5. Grasp the sides of your dress and pull them up a bit when climbing stairs.
Step 6. Bustle the train with hooks, snaps or buttons - if you don't have a detachable train - so that you can move around at the reception.
Step 7. Slip on that dress and shoes, and practice walking and dancing at home. Get a feel for how the dress fits and moves.
How to Choose a Headpiece for Your Wedding Dress
The headpiece you choose will depend a great deal on whether your hair will be short or long, up or down. Style your hair in a fashion similar to the way you'll wear it for the wedding, then shop around for the perfect addition to your bridal ensemble.
Step 1. Slip on a decorated headband, which you can also have designed to closely match the fabric of your dress. Choose a narrow and delicately jeweled band if your hair is short; for long hair, choose from a wider silk or satin band.
Step 2. Adorn your hair with a decorated comb. These are best for shoulder-length or longer hair.
Step 3. Choose a floral wreath if you're wearing a semiformal dress; wear a more elegant wreath of pearls and flowers for a formal dress.
Step 4. Accessorize with a tiara - a fashionable, contemporary choice good for any length hair, worn up or down.
Step 5. Wear a hat if you've got a sassy short haircut - anything from a subtle pillbox to a wide-brimmed Southern-style hat, depending on the style of your dress.
Step 6. Clip long hair back in a satin, beaded or lace barrette. For shorter hair, try a smaller jeweled version to hold back your bangs.
Step 7. Use your face shape as an additional guide: Oval-faced women can generally choose from all styles; those with round faces can charm in tiaras; floral wreaths and headbands flatter women with longer faces.
Step 1. Slip on a decorated headband, which you can also have designed to closely match the fabric of your dress. Choose a narrow and delicately jeweled band if your hair is short; for long hair, choose from a wider silk or satin band.
Step 2. Adorn your hair with a decorated comb. These are best for shoulder-length or longer hair.
Step 3. Choose a floral wreath if you're wearing a semiformal dress; wear a more elegant wreath of pearls and flowers for a formal dress.
Step 4. Accessorize with a tiara - a fashionable, contemporary choice good for any length hair, worn up or down.
Step 5. Wear a hat if you've got a sassy short haircut - anything from a subtle pillbox to a wide-brimmed Southern-style hat, depending on the style of your dress.
Step 6. Clip long hair back in a satin, beaded or lace barrette. For shorter hair, try a smaller jeweled version to hold back your bangs.
Step 7. Use your face shape as an additional guide: Oval-faced women can generally choose from all styles; those with round faces can charm in tiaras; floral wreaths and headbands flatter women with longer faces.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
How to Get a Wedding Dress Fitted
Most brides are on an automatic weight loss plan due to nerves and excitement. Be sure to have your dress altered accordingly.
Step 1.Discuss alteration costs when you purchase the dress.
Step 2.Follow the salon's suggestions for fittings. Most will have you in for at least two before the wedding.
Step 3.Discuss with the seamstress the length and style you want before anything is cut or altered.
Step 4.Show up for your fittings relaxed and somewhat put together.
Step 5.Bring your wedding (or comparable) shoes every time so you have a realistic measurement of length.
Step 6.Avoid wearing makeup that might end up on your wedding dress during the fitting.
Step 1.Discuss alteration costs when you purchase the dress.
Step 2.Follow the salon's suggestions for fittings. Most will have you in for at least two before the wedding.
Step 3.Discuss with the seamstress the length and style you want before anything is cut or altered.
Step 4.Show up for your fittings relaxed and somewhat put together.
Step 5.Bring your wedding (or comparable) shoes every time so you have a realistic measurement of length.
Step 6.Avoid wearing makeup that might end up on your wedding dress during the fitting.
How to Choose a Wedding Dress
Buying a wedding dress can be an arduous process. On average, a bride will try on about 16 or 17 gowns before finding the perfect dress. Start the process at least seven months prior to the wedding if you are having the dress made.
Instructions
Step 1.Cut out pictures from bridal and fashion magazines, shop online and look at old family photos to zero in on your preferred style.
Step 2.Ask friends and family for references on dressmakers and designers if you are having the dress made
Step 3.Bring a friend whose opinion you trust to shop with you at bridal stores. Include your mother if appropriate.
Step 4.Bring shoes with the same size heel you expect to wear at the wedding.
Step 5.Look through gowns on the rack and attend trunk shows. You could save a lot of money.
Step 6.Try on a variety of dresses
Step 7.Discuss alteration charges with the salon, once you choose your dress.
Step 8.Allow six months for dressmaking, if the dress is being made for you.
Step 9.Be ready to pay about 50 percent of the cost of the dress as a deposit.
Step 10.Take home a fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories.
Instructions
Step 1.Cut out pictures from bridal and fashion magazines, shop online and look at old family photos to zero in on your preferred style.
Step 2.Ask friends and family for references on dressmakers and designers if you are having the dress made
Step 3.Bring a friend whose opinion you trust to shop with you at bridal stores. Include your mother if appropriate.
Step 4.Bring shoes with the same size heel you expect to wear at the wedding.
Step 5.Look through gowns on the rack and attend trunk shows. You could save a lot of money.
Step 6.Try on a variety of dresses
Step 7.Discuss alteration charges with the salon, once you choose your dress.
Step 8.Allow six months for dressmaking, if the dress is being made for you.
Step 9.Be ready to pay about 50 percent of the cost of the dress as a deposit.
Step 10.Take home a fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories.
How to choose the wedding dress color?
White has long been accepted as the traditional color of the wedding dress, but wedding gowns were not always white. The marriage of Queen Victoria to her cousin Albert of Saxe- Coburg in 1840 has had more influence on weddings than any other. Queen Victoria put the wheels in motion by marrying in white. Though brides continued to wed in gowns of different colors, white was now set as the color of choice for weddings and has continued ever since. In Godey’s Lady’s Book, 1849, this statement was printed: “ Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material. It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.”
There is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey , you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”
The Industrial Revolution also brought about change. By the 1890’s and the arrival of the department store, almost every woman could realize her dream of being married in a “new” wedding dress. The white dress was gaining popularity and in 1890, Ladies Home Journal wrote: “That from times immemorial the bride’s gown has been white”. Although this statement was not true, it shows how deeply accepted it was that a wedding gown be white. Although white was popular, some brides, especially the frontier brides, wore dresses that were more practical and could be worn after the wedding. As wedding dresses closely resembled the fashions of the time, only a little alteration was needed for the dress to be perfect to wear again.
Edwardian brides took the traditions of their Victorian ancestors to new extremes. Fashions became more extravagant as the decade progressed, but came to a screeching halt with the outbreak of WWI. Styles became simpler, and also reflected the changing role of women in society with hems getting shorter and the disposing of tightly laced corsets. Coco Chanel was a powerful force behind the change in women's’ fashions, and was the one who officially introduced the short wedding dress in the 1920’s. It was a white knee length dress worn with a long train. This cemented white as the universal color of the wedding dress.
When the Depression hit, brides made do with their “best” dress for the wedding. My great grandmother, who was married in 1928 had a new white wedding dress, but after the wedding she dyed it navy, keeping only the collar and cuffs white—a common practice at that time. During WWII, women considered it their duty to give up the traditional wedding , although most brides might be engaged only for a few weeks or even days before the wedding took place. This did not leave enough time to find a wedding dress so the best suit had to do. If the bride was set on having a white dress, one could be borrowed or rented for the ceremony. If both the bride and groom were in the military they were married in their respective uniforms.
After the war, prosperity made it possible for the large dream weddings inspired by the Victorian era to become a reality. Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Monaco garnered much publicity because of its grand fairy tale wedding. She wore a white silk and lace gown. The focus of wedding dresses has shifted since the 1950”s. The emphasis now is on the individuality of the bride. So whatever color you choose to be married in, you now know a bit more behind the tradition of the white wedding dress.
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There is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey , you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”
The Industrial Revolution also brought about change. By the 1890’s and the arrival of the department store, almost every woman could realize her dream of being married in a “new” wedding dress. The white dress was gaining popularity and in 1890, Ladies Home Journal wrote: “That from times immemorial the bride’s gown has been white”. Although this statement was not true, it shows how deeply accepted it was that a wedding gown be white. Although white was popular, some brides, especially the frontier brides, wore dresses that were more practical and could be worn after the wedding. As wedding dresses closely resembled the fashions of the time, only a little alteration was needed for the dress to be perfect to wear again.
Edwardian brides took the traditions of their Victorian ancestors to new extremes. Fashions became more extravagant as the decade progressed, but came to a screeching halt with the outbreak of WWI. Styles became simpler, and also reflected the changing role of women in society with hems getting shorter and the disposing of tightly laced corsets. Coco Chanel was a powerful force behind the change in women's’ fashions, and was the one who officially introduced the short wedding dress in the 1920’s. It was a white knee length dress worn with a long train. This cemented white as the universal color of the wedding dress.
When the Depression hit, brides made do with their “best” dress for the wedding. My great grandmother, who was married in 1928 had a new white wedding dress, but after the wedding she dyed it navy, keeping only the collar and cuffs white—a common practice at that time. During WWII, women considered it their duty to give up the traditional wedding , although most brides might be engaged only for a few weeks or even days before the wedding took place. This did not leave enough time to find a wedding dress so the best suit had to do. If the bride was set on having a white dress, one could be borrowed or rented for the ceremony. If both the bride and groom were in the military they were married in their respective uniforms.
After the war, prosperity made it possible for the large dream weddings inspired by the Victorian era to become a reality. Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Monaco garnered much publicity because of its grand fairy tale wedding. She wore a white silk and lace gown. The focus of wedding dresses has shifted since the 1950”s. The emphasis now is on the individuality of the bride. So whatever color you choose to be married in, you now know a bit more behind the tradition of the white wedding dress.
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