How young do you think a young bride could be? 20? 18?
Yes, you are right! Whether or not it is a good idea to get married when so young, there are many brides who choose to do so at this age. One of the biggest challenges for many of them is finding the right wedding dress, as not all these brides look old enough to be a bride.
We’ve seen plenty of young brides walk into our boutique and ask us for one thing—a wedding dress that makes them look grown up and sexy! The main concern, however, is that they come shopping with their mothers, who usually believe they are still too young to choose anything other than the traditional ball gown. Trust us when we say that this is the last thing that young girls want to be seen in.
Fortunately, there are plenty of designs that can satisfy both parties, and prevent a power struggle. This is what we will look at today; the various factors in a dress that can make a young girl look grown up, while mom too thinks it is appropriate.
The fit and flare wedding gown, or more particularly the mermaid style dress which fits your curves closely along the torso, and then opens into a wide skirt is considered one of the most sexy silhouettes of all times. While this is a favorite with brides, the typical sweetheart neckline that is usually paired with these gowns may not be appreciated by moms. The solution is to strike a balance between the two.
This Sophia Tolli Y21507 wedding dress looks grown up and sexy with it’s fit and flare silhouette allowing you to flaunt your curves, even while it is modest. It has an illusion V-neckline and lace appliques on the cap sleeves. The layered mermaid skirt is magnificent, without too much pouf. The smart waistband gives more structure and adds elegance.
A-line wedding dresses
The next best thing to an elaborate ball gown skirt is an embellished A-line skirt. This has a sexy appeal, and you will look grown up and womanly in it. A-line wedding dresses are available with various neckline and sleeve options, and you can find one that is the right mix of embellishments and structure for your taste.
This tasteful Jasmine T162064 is a happy mix of a fit and flare gown and an A-line dress. The illusion halter-style neckline over the sweetheart bodice is sophisticated, so it can be easily carried off by young brides. The embellishments are elaborate, but with classic style.
Asymmetrically draped dresses
This style is a safe balance between contemporary and tradition. It looks best on tall women, but it is one that can be sported by short girls too, if they are slender. With pleats that drape towards one side, the best part of this dress is that it usually features dropped waists that reduce the prominence of the layers in the skirt.
The Alfred Angelo 2521 gown will be loved by both the bride and her entourage, as it brings together the classic timeless beauty of silk with a fit and flare silhouette. The dropped waist helps you show off your slender figure, while the skirt has enough layers to add grace to your stride.
Wedding dress shopping is rarely easy. However, it is even more difficult if you are a bride who belongs to either end of the size spectrum. So, if you are either plus-size or skinny, you may have a tougher time shopping for your wedding dress.
When choosing wedding dresses for skinny brides, finding a dress that suits your slender body frame is the challenge. Not all wedding dress styles flatter the natural body shape of really thin women. Choosing a wedding dress according to your body shape will ensure you find a flattering fit that enhances your best features. If you are slender with a straight, boyish structure, there are certain features to look for in a gown so that it looks good on you.
Let us find out what they are.
Factors to look for when choosing wedding dresses for thin brides
The overall bridal look is determined by how the various style elements of a wedding dress come together. Nevertheless, there are certain factors that are known to work well on skinny brides. For instance, textured and thicker fabric is guaranteed to create a fuller figure than fabric that clings. Similarly, a closed neckline is more suitable than a strapless one.
Getting married when you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to look matronly on your wedding day. There are plenty of choices for expecting women, so they can look fantastic on their big day while they celebrate their journey towards motherhood.
When choosing a wedding dress, the question you should ask yourself is whether you want to hide your bump or flaunt it. Here, we have rounded up some tips to help you choose the right wedding dress in both scenarios. Join us as we discuss them.
Conceal your bump with a gown with a raised waistline
via Best for Bride
A raised waistline is one that lies above your natural waist. In such a design, the focus is shifted to the bust area. You find this in gowns with empire waistlines. When there are several layers of fabric that flow away from the body, it is easy to hide your bump. Another idea is to wear an overlay skirt with an interesting waistband at a height where your bump will be conveniently concealed. Asymmetrical waistlines which drape towards one side of the body instead of at the centre, are also a good option.
Flaunt your figure in an A-line or trumpet gown
via Best for Bride
If you want to show off your new silhouette, you can do so with an A-line gown or trumpet gown that fits you snugly. Go easy with the embellishments and details, as you do not want to look too cluttered. A gown with a satin finish will be slimming, while it still draws attention to your figure. While altering your gown, don’t make it too tight as you will feel and look uncomfortable in it.
Size the gown right
You cannot predict how much you will grow in the months leading up to your wedding. So, choose a dress that allows you to accommodate the changes in your size and shape. As a rule of thumb, add one inch per month for the months remaining up to your wedding date, and then order a dress one size larger than what this corresponds to on the size chart. This means there will be enough fabric to take in, if you do not grow as big. It will also easily fit you, even if you grow bigger than you expect to.
Choose a flattering neckline and sleeves
via Best for Bride
Your overall look will also depend on the neckline and sleeves of your wedding dress. V-necklines elongate your torso and make you look slimmer. Similarly, a strapless or sweatheart bodice allows you to emphasize the slimmest part of your torso—the neck and shoulders. Also choose sleeves that add the illusion of length. Three-fourth sleeves and cap-sleeves are stylish and good options to try.
When choosing your wedding dress, make sure you are comfortable in what you wear. It should allow you to breathe and not stifle your movements. Have it hemmed to the right length, so you do not risk tripping over it. Also pay attention to the shoes you wear. Avoid high heels, instead go for a good looking but comfortable pair of peep-toes or flats.
Your wedding is a big day, and make sure you have fun as you celebrate it with all the people in your life who mean the most to you—including your little bun in the oven! For more wedding tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.
With summer soon approaching, it is time to bring out our wedding outfits for weddings in the warm weather. The heat during this time makes choosing a suitable attire somewhat difficult, as we have to find a dress that is formal while still being comfortable. This style guide will run you through the different types of summer weddings that you can expect to attend, and what dress is appropriate for the style of wedding and also suitable for the weather.
Types of summer weddings
Formal weddings held at an indoor venue are standard fare in every weather, and the rules of dressing are the same. The reception is usually held in the evening, and in a classic banquet style hall or country club setting.
Another type of popular wedding style is the semi-formal or cocktail style wedding. This may be held indoors or outdoors, and can either be in the evening or in the afternoon. The wedding venue and theme should ideally determine your choice of attire for this type of wedding.
Casual weddings are a huge hit in summer, with the warm weather adding a natural and informal touch to every occasion, including weddings. These may be held indoors or outdoors. Some weddings may also be held outdoors while the reception is done indoors.
Beach weddings are a summer favorite. Although these come under the category of casual weddings, we think they deserve to be a category on their own since the dress code for beach weddings is somewhat different from all the other kinds of weddings.
Now, let us take a look at some general rules of dressing appropriately for any type of summer wedding.
Rules that apply to all types of summer weddings
We all know that summers can be warm, sometimes uncomfortably so. Nevertheless, you should always dress appropriately for a wedding in summer, however warm it may be. Be considerate of the other people at the party, and do not choose dresses that are skimpy or too revealing. It is likely that even a casual wedding may have elderly people and children attending, and you do not want to be the cause of any unwanted attention. Think of what you wouldn’t like others to wear to your own wedding, this will give you an idea of whether your dress choice is inappropriate for the function.
Jeans, shorts and tank tops are not appropriate attire for any wedding, whatever be the style. This rule applies even if the wedding is held at a beach, in a garden or the couple’s backyard. The same goes for plastic footwear too. After all, it is a wedding. You should at least make an effort to dress for it, and not turn up looking like you dropped in on your way to the store.
Apart from avoiding white (which is supposed to be the bride’s signature color), we also suggest that you avoid a dress in the color that the bridal party will be wearing, provided you know what it will be. There are no problems here, but we don’t think you would be too pleased to be mistaken as one of the bridesmaids after all the painstaking efforts you went through to pick your outfit for the wedding.
It is also a good idea to take the venue into consideration when you plan your makeup for the event. Use waterproof makeup and tone down the colors if it is an outdoor or daytime event. This will help you look fresh and charming. We also suggest that you visit this article on HowStuffWorks for more tips on what you should never, ever wear to a wedding.
Now, let’s move on to the more interesting part of what to wear to each of the weddings we listed above.
Black-tie or formal weddings
The general rules of dressing for formal weddings applies to this style of wedding in the summer as well. Aim for elegant and stylish gowns, and choose accessories that complement the dress. Floor-length gowns are the expected norm. However, you can also opt for a shorter dress as long as it is formal attire, and doesn’t look too informal or casual. Fitted silhouettes and A-line dresses with a signature detail are usually appropriate. Another choice is the Little Black dress, but make sure you dress it up so you look special and not like the ten other women wearing black.
One thing you should remember when choosing your full-length gown, is whether the fabric will be comfortable in the hot weather. Satin or polyester gowns may not be the best choice. You should instead look at cotton, chiffon or other breezy fabrics. Since the event will be held in the evening, you can choose deeper hues for your makeup, and add a few scintillating accessories to enhance your look. Just remember the standard rule: For a gown with plenty of details, keep the accessories simple. On the other hand, choose dressy accessories for a simple dress. The basic idea is to balance out your look, and not look too cluttered. Spend time to do your hair. You may like to keep it away from your face with a chic updo, as it will be both convenient and practical. Add a stunning clutch and pair of killer heels, and you are all set for the wedding.
Semi-formal weddings
This is a tough one to crack. It is difficult to say whether the wedding style leans more towards formal or towards casual, based on the information provided in the invitation. You can judge to a certain extent, based on the venue of the wedding. Nevertheless, it isn’t always straightforward if the wedding is held at a resort or a venue with multiple halls. Another thing to consider is the time of the event. If it is in the morning or afternoon, it is more likely to sway towards casual, while evening parties are usually more formal.
In either case, the best option is to choose a dress that is more formal, than it is casual. Cocktail dresses that end at the knee or slightly above are your best bet. But make sure that it is dressy and gives you a festive look. For daytime affairs, soft breezy fabrics in light pastels or dusty colors are a great choice. You can either choose a knee to calf-length dress or a two-piece dress, depending on what looks good. If it is in the evening, opt for darker colors and don’t hesitate to bring on the bling.
Semi-formal weddings open up a world of options in silhouettes, styles, necklines, sleeve lengths and hemlines. The jury is divided on whether pant-suits are suitable attire for semi-formal events. Since it is standard office attire, we think it’s best you let it go. Choose a dress that is more party-style instead. Go with what is trendy, or you can always pull out your safe and solid companion, the little black dress. A-line, fit and flare, and modern fit dresses are all quite popular now. You can choose an off-the-shoulder neckline, or one with a single shoulder strap for a trendy look. When choosing a sweetheart or strapless dress, add a pashmina or stole to your ensemble for the evening, in case it gets windy. For a semi-formal event, stick with heels or peep-toes for your footwear. Sandals and anything too casual are a definite no!
Casual wedding
Do you think anything goes for a casual summer wedding? Unfortunately no! The original rules of never wearing jeans, shorts, tank tops or flip-flops to any wedding applies here as well. Never, ever pull out your formal full-length gown for this wedding, or you will end up looking overdressed. Instead, patterned dresses, plain frocks in fun breezy fabrics and short dresses that are modest, should be your choice.
Make sure that your choice of dress is suitable for the venue where the wedding is being held. Lace dresses are perfect for garden or outdoor weddings. Sparkle is alright, but do it with style and don’t go overboard with it. Choose fabrics like cotton and chiffon to feel comfortable and look good in. The current trend is to go for ballooning, loose-fitting garments, and if you find one that looks great on your frame, wear it. A skirt and blouse are also suitable for casual weddings.
If you are lost for choices, and are worried whether you will end up looking too casual, choose to wear business casual. That way, you can’t go wrong. Make sure you pack a punch by choosing interesting accessories like dangling hoop earrings or a nice chunky necklace to go with your dress. Footwear can either be wedges, peep toe sandals or kitten heels. You can accessorize with a matching scarf, which can double up as a wrap, when it gets too windy in the evening. For outdoor events, it is best to stick with nude makeup and a simple hair style that keeps your hair off your face. You can comfortably let your hair down if the event is held indoors, and also go with darker make-up colors. Casual style usually means minimal makeup and hair styling. So, just enhance your look, and don’t go decked up for a ball.
Beach wedding
The favorite summer style wedding, beach or destination weddings are huge and happening in today’s wedding world. Since the location is definitely outdoors, there are a number of factors to consider when planning your attire for a beach wedding. Firstly, it is going to be hot and sometimes humid, so your choice of fabric is more important than at any other wedding. You will be spending time on the sand, so your choose comfortable footwear. With limited control over the wind and weather, it is best that you are prepared for it with an appropriate hairstyle and suitable makeup. Nevertheless, beach weddings are lots of fun, and one of the most casual styles. So, experiment with what you will wear, and let your personality shine through your dress choice.
Think of summer on the beach, and tea or knee-length cotton dresses come to mind instantly. Dreamy, flowing fabric and short hemlines are regulars at beach weddings. Bring on bright colors and patterns with Bohemian, Aztec prints or anything that you love. Vintage-inspired striped and polka dot dresses are also appropriate, and even chic. Soft pastels and dusty hues look great on short chiffon dresses. Patterned cotton and lace are also great choices. This is your chance to show off your fresh new tan with a beautiful sleeveless or strapless dress. Halter necklines and ruffles are also pleasant and perfect for beaches.
Maxi dresses are another excellent choice. Just remember that you will be walking in the sand, so stick to a length that is just right. Your accessories should add to your look, and it is best to opt for natural cut stones or chunky earthy colors in your accessories. Large statement earrings and burlap or jute clutches or totes are great as accessories. Keep the makeup to a minimum and fix your hair well with a suitable hairstyle that stays in one place and you do not end up looking disheveled. To walk comfortably, choose flat heels or sandals with a festive touch of color or sparkling embellishments.
Now that we have all the different types of summer weddings covered, you know what you should stock your wardrobe with, to be ready for this warm wedding season. Visit us at Best for Bride for a stunning variety of evening dresses and dresses for special occasions. With varieties for every type of wedding we just saw here, you are bound to find all the dresses you require, for attending every wedding this season. Not only are all the dresses pictured here part of our splendid collection, we have much more to suit your taste. And if you are busy planning your own wedding, check out our different wedding services and find everything you need. For more wedding tips, fashion advice and everything wedding-related, keep visiting us at Best for Bride.
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