Many considerations come with the approach of your big day. To my mind, the most exhilarating, albeit tricky, of these is the selection of your wedding dress. Of course, color, cut and price are all factors in your gown decision, but they are secondary to the “style” of dress for which you are looking. Above all else, let your fashion sense set the overall vibe of your dress.
So what is your sense of style? Well, consider this; there are six general design types. They are:
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Classic
- Retro
- Romantic
- Cultural
Your job, before you head out on the wedding dress “hunt”, is to figure out what type of style best expresses you. Selecting a design type that embraces your personality allows you to:
- Avoid dress confusion – focus in on your type of dress amongst all the gown clutter at bridal boutiques and mega bridal stores.
- Compliment your internal and external style sensibilities.
- Sidestep dress pitfalls - such as questioning if you bought the “right” one?
Modern
If you are a modern style bride, you should look for a wedding dress that is avant-garde, cutting edge and artfully contemporary in cut, fabric and design. The gown you end-up choosing will most likely not resemble your mother’s wedding dress. In fact, it may not resemble much of a traditional wedding dress at all. Its vibe is more runway fashion. Key to the modern style dress is obscure design elements - such as massive placed flowers, dress pockets or excessive draping, hints of metallic and oversized silhouettes. The modern dress is revolutionary in appearance, unexpected and always fresh.
Contemporary
If you are a contemporary bride, your dress is sophisticated, elegant and chic. This style focuses on cut and silhouette rather then fussy details like beading and lace. High quality, luxurious fabric is the key dress element to the contemporary gown. However, what is truly remarkable about this type of dress is that it is dual purpose - suitable for bridal and eveningwear - giving you the option to wear it again.
Classic
If you are a classic style bride, your gown exemplifies all that is royal, traditional and tasteful about wedding dresses. This type of wedding dress is all about bridal decorum. This gown has a magical way of making you look and feel like a fairy princess with its full ballroom skirt and duchess satin fabric. The character of a classic dress is demure. It is never “garish” to overdo the details; therefore, you will find bodices carefully appointed with lace, beading or rhinestones. Moreover, this dress is so timeless it tends to be multi-generational.
Retro
(Retro falls into two categories) elegant and modern)
If you are an elegant retro bride, your gown is inspired by Old Hollywood glamour. Think screen goddess. The use of satins, chiffon and placed rhinestones leap off the silver screen to walk you down the aisle. Due to its bias cut a retro style gown hugs your curves and is often described by wedding goers as sleek and sultry.
With the 1960’s came the introduction of the Retro Modern look (not to be confused with a Modern look). The trapeze mini dress and platform shoes were all the rage. If you are a retro modern style bride, you are mostly likely hunting for a dress with a short hemline, mod collar (such as funnel neck, turtleneck or boat neck) and ¾ length sleeve. If you are having a casual ceremony, perhaps at city hall, this look could be just your cup of tea.
Romantic
If you are a romantic style bride, you are looking for a dress that has ample amounts of lace, beading or ruffles. A romantic style dress typically calls for a plunging neckline and fitted bodice. All design elements of this style of dress are intended to show-off your feminine form. In fact, many romantic style dresses have structural enhancements such as boning, cup padding, and princess seaming to make you appear more hourglass. This look is the most feminine of all the gowns. This dress can pull off looking both sweet and sexy.
Cultural
If you are a cultural style bride, you are looking for a dress that is ethereal, earthy and bit mysterious. Hence, your gown is likely to have an empire-waist with a shapeless, blowy skirt. Chiffons, tulle and lightweight whimsical floral laces are your fabrics of choice. When it comes to dress details, heavy velvet sashes in earthy colors, ribbon trims and silk flowers adorn your gown. While your style of dress may be less serious than other types, it tends to be the most enchanting.
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