Greetings, bridal enthusiasts! Welcome to the ultimate guide on wedding dress alterations in Toronto, where we’ll reveal the secrets to attaining that dream fit for your wedding gown. Believe us; there’s no better feeling than gliding down the aisle in a perfectly tailored dress. Prepare for expert advice, insider knowledge, and a sprinkle of fun throughout our journey!
Continue reading The Anatomy of a Perfect Fit: Expert Tips for Wedding Dress Alterations in Toronto [2024]
When it comes to your special day, finding the perfect wedding dress is just the beginning. Ensuring your dress fits like a dream is crucial to achieving a stunning bridal look. That’s where wedding dress alterations come into play. This article will explore the most common alterations brides often require to achieve that flawless fit. From hemline adjustments to bodice alterations and beyond, we’ll guide you through the top choices to make your wedding dress truly yours.
Continue reading Common Alterations for Wedding Dresses: Unveiling the Top Choices [2024]
How many of you brides have been searching for inspiration in your mother’s wedding album when choosing your bridesmaids dresses? Not many, I believe!
There is no surprise here, for bridesmaids dresses weren’t always inspiring in the past! We have all heard notorious tales of dresses that resembled cotton candy and fabrics that would be better off as drapes!
Nonetheless, we live in a time when many things from the past seem to reappear on the wedding scene. From heirloom wedding dresses to vintage themes, décor and classic venues, couples have embraced many elements from weddings of the past. While this trend continues, it is only right that we visit bridesmaids dresses inspired by fashions from the past.
Today, we will look at bridesmaids dresses that are suitable for different vintage eras. I found this article on the Bustle extremely helpful with this. It gives us a clear idea of the trends that were most happening during the past, with some really interesting pictures to support it. Let us try to find inspiration in these dress styles and locate dresses from our current bridesmaids collections to reinvent the look. We can assure you that they will not look out of place in the modern wedding scene. So, let’s begin!
The 1850’s
Women’s clothing in this era was rather elaborate, with corsets and wide skirts supported by hoops and crinoline. The ball gown was popular in evening wear and formal dresses. Your bridesmaids may not appreciate being weighed down in a heavy ball gown dress at your wedding, nor is it appropriate. Nonetheless, there are other dress features from the Victorian era that you can easily incorporate into your bridesmaid’s looks. Here they are.
Low-necked and off-the-shoulder styles were big hits during this era. Many designer collections today feature these in their bridesmaid’s dresses. Here are some!
The dress has the opulence and fitted bodice style that is reminiscent of the 1850’s. However, the fitted silhouette continues into the skirt, allowing for easy movement. The off-the-shoulder neckline and details in the bodice are suitable for a Victorian vibe.
The Angelina Faccenda 20453 dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline and has embellishments on the dropped sleeves. The criss-cross bodice results in an empire waistline. The ruchings in the front continue into the back of the dress as well.
Early 19th century
During the Edwardian era, defined waistlines were created using tight-fitting corsets. The ideal female figure resembled a pigeon structure. This was characterized by an upper body that thrust forward, while a thin waistline emphasized the hips and bust. An air of opulence defined most dress styles. Frilly embellishments like ruffles, lace and floral details were very popular. By the year 1910, the empire line was preferred over the corset. Pastels were preferred for daytime dresses, while dark, deep rich colours were chosen for formal evening wear. Here are some dresses that recreate this effect in bridesmaids’ dresses.
Here is a dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection with a well-defined waistline and structured silhouette. The dress has plenty of lace embellishments strewn throughout the length. These add an air of finesse. The satin waistband defines the waistline and the full-length makes it suitable for a formal wedding ceremony.
This dress from the Jasmine dress collection has full-length sleeves and a defined waistline. Although no corset detail exists, the silhouette is structured and fits tightly against the natural curves. The full-length sleeves are actually a removable shrug. This feature also gives the dress a two-in-one look. The embellished bodice has details that compare with the luxurious finishes of Edwardian dresses.
The 1930’s
Most dress silhouettes had one striking detail in this era—tiered skirts. This is a dress feature that many wedding dress designers have openly embraced and included in wedding gowns. Although there are few bridesmaids dresses with this feature, it is attractive when present. Huge collars were another big fashion feature in this decade. Here are our picks that bring back these styles.
A modern-style tiered A-line dress, this Mori Lee 123 brings tiers to life, albeit in a contemporary style. Gentle tiers are fashioned in chiffon to create an almost rippling effect and a smart silhouette, unlike the over-the-top dress styles that were popular in the 1930s.
Inspired by the elaborate collars that were the highlight of the 1930’s, this After Six bridesmaid dress is a very stylish variation of this style. A ruffled overlay drops off the halter-neckline over the fitted silhouette, making this florentine lace gown a vintage beauty.
Sassy, stylish short dresses in 1950
Short, but voluminous skirts were stylish in the 1950’s. These added a youthful vibe to the overall look. Although short, the dresses usually featured layers of taffeta and net that formed buoyant skirts. Bows were an essentially important detail at this time. This feature, in fact, found its way to not just dresses, but even hats. Let’s take a look at some of the dresses from our collection which bring back the memories of this era.
Here is a tulle dress with a bouncy skirt that was a favorite in the 1950’s. Perhaps a tad shorter than was the norm, this dress has a thick voluminous skirt that is still acceptable to the modern woman.
This dress from the After Six Bridesmaid collection features a bodice that has a different color than in the skirt. This was an essentially common feature in the dress styles of the years we discussed about. The defined waistline and smart silhouette with the halter neck are smart and will suit women today, as they did back then.
1960’s poufy dresses and sheath silhouettes
At the beginning of the decade, many brides chose to dress their bridesmaids in shiny dresses with voluminous skirts. Silky sateen finishes were popular, so the look reflected opulence and luxury. As the decade progressed, the silhouettes slimmed and the sheath was the chosen style for most women. The white glove was an accessory that rendered itself to any dress style.
This dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection has a layered net skirt and is in a rich color that was popular in the 1960’s. Even so, the dress has the poufy look that characterized formal dress styles at the time. Imagine this dress when worn with a pair of pristine white gloves. That should give you a clear idea of what we mean.
As women stepped out of corsets and stiffly structured dress silhouettes, the sheath became the favorite. Here is a sheath silhouette from the Angelina Faccenda collection, with all the glitz and glamour that reflects the style of the 1960’s. The cap sleeve and accessories like hats and white gloves worked well with this design.
Vibrant and colorful 1970s
Patterns and prints in big and bold proportions entered the fashion scene in the 1970s. Appliques and patchworks as well as vibrant, colorful designs were trendy at this time. Dresses flowed to full length and loosely draped around the natural silhouette.
This dress from the Alfred Sung collection could easily pass off as an original from the 1970s. With bright floral prints on a loose silhouette, the colors on the dress stand out. While it would look good at a garden wedding today, you would have seen it any type of wedding in those days.
The After Six Bridesmaids 6556 is a dress with a variety of colors that recreate the 1970s vibe. Despite a fitted waistband, the dress is loose flowing and comfortable with its soft fabric and drape.
The rich and flamboyant style of the 1980s
With the 1980’s the entire fashion scene underwent significant change. Everything was done in bigger and bolder proportions. As hairstyles grew bigger and shine and shimmer was seen in the makeup and accessories, outfits were generally colorful, lively and unusually interesting.
Everything about this dress from the Jasmine Bridal collection, including the color, fit, ruffles, drape and even the sleeves are signature features. This is a style that is typical of the 1980’s. The interesting part is that the dress is interesting in the back as well, with a V-neck formed of bell sleeves.
Here’s another dress from the Dessy Bridesmaid collection that would pass off as a suitable choice for the 1980’s. The dress has loose sleeves which were a characteristic feature of those days. The silhouette, although fitted, is one that flows loosely without too much structure. The criss-cross detail in the bodice and the shimmering waistband are toned-down versions of popular dress details that added to the 1980’s appeal.
Fashion in the 2000’s
With the new century, fashion began diverging in different directions. Unpredictability reigned high, as everyone sought unique styles. No longer did brides choose cookie-cutter weddings or bridal parties similar to those seen at other weddings. There was a general mash-up of styles, adding to the appeal of bridesmaids outfits. Metallics, neutrals and casual styles became part of mainstream fashion.
Stylish, elegant and figure-flattering, this is a dress that the women in 2000’s would quickly approve of. The sweetheart neckline is delightfully feminine and has a romantic appeal. The neckline drapes to one side and pinches at the side, with a layered look. The shimmering color is attractive, but distinct from the typical shiny dresses seen in the years leading up to the 21st century.
This dress is from the Alfred Sung Collection and is a sateen twill dress. Tastefully designed with a gentle sheer scoop neckline over a sweetheart bodice, the dress has an A-line shape. The length gives it a smart look. Despite its simplicity, this beautiful dress will appeal to almost anyone. Another good thing about this dress is that it doesn’t need many accessories.
And finally this decade
Fashion has grown by leaps and bounds in the second decade of this century. Every year brings in it’s wake new and interesting changes on the fashion scene. With the evolution of wedding fashion, changes have arrived in the world of bridesmaids dresses too. Brides now recognize the individuality of the women in their bridal party and consider matching bridesmaids outfits boring and unnecessary.
Hence few rules define bridesmaids fashion these days. It is as unique as the wedding, woman and theme itself. Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses is no longer just a trend, but is considered an essential part of a wedding. Over the last few years we have seen everything from color-block prints to rich jewel colors and pastels rule the scene at different points of time.
The revival of traditional elements like lace, vintage elements like ruffles and accessories have all arrived and stayed on.
Bridesmaids dresses with bold elements like 3-d florals, geometric patterns and oversize embellishments add a modern effect to unconventional wedding themes.
Both loose drapes that resemble masculine styles, as well as soft, feminine romantic styles have appeared on the wedding scene. So, it is hard to predict what a bride expects when shopping for her bridal party outfits.
At Best for Bride, you can find dresses of every style, fitting every era and matching the uniqueness of your bridesmaids. To take a closer look at any of the dresses featured here and check out more options, visit our bridesmaid dress collections here. Please find all the inspiration and information you need to make your wedding vision a reality through our bridesmaids collections.
The most romantic wedding dresses harmoniously blend timeless elegance with contemporary style. When traditional favorites are reinvented with modern touches, the result is astonishingly attractive. Wedding dresses have evolved in terms of silhouettes, necklines, sleeves and hemlines over the decades. Nevertheless, it isn’t uncommon to see interesting trends from the past being reused in wedding dress fashion now.
With more and more brides opting for vintage style wedding dresses, but updating them to suit their modern taste, one thing we know is that our favorite features will never be lost forever.
Today, we will discuss about how old meets new in the world of wedding dresses. We will visit some of the beautiful designer dresses from our collection at Best for Bride, that bring together contemporary styles with timeless classic features. These dresses will appeal to both the modern bride and the bride who favors classic styles for her wedding. So, take a look and don’t forget to tell us which of these are your favorites when you are done.
The mermaid style fit and flare gown is a current favorite with many modern brides. This silhouette allows them to flaunt their beautiful body shape on their wedding day. The characteristic feature of the mermaid gown is that it clings to the body, and draws attention to every natural curve. So, this silhouette is anything but traditional. When it is paired with strapless necklines, the result is often an ultra-modern and extra stylish gown that only a confident bride would be comfortable in. The V-neckline on the other hand, is a timeless favorite. The length and depth of the V has often varied, and it is possible to both look modest or show off your decolletage and cleavage with a beautifully designed V.
This is an elegant masterpiece that has both the modern fishtail feature and the timeless V-neckline. With thin straps that support the neckline, and an embellished bodice that scintillates with crystals up to knee-length, it is a statement gown.
The illusion neckline is a recent entry into the wedding fashion scene, and ever since it made it’s appearance, brides have accepted it with open arms. The thin sheer layer of fabric that barely conceals the skin that lay beneath it, gives rise to breathtaking effects. This is what makes this feature a winner. Many modern designers make the most of illusion details by extending it to beyond the neckline, the into sleeves and back as well. It is often seen as a combination that is modest and sexy at the same time. Ball gowns, on the other hand, have always been an age-old classic style. At Best for Bride, we often notice how mothers want to see their daughters in elaborate and heavy ball gowns on their wedding day. On most cases, the bride disagrees (sometimes vehemently!) to this idea. We’ve seen many heated debates and tears at such dress selections where opinions clash.
While the neckline and illusion cap sleeves are sexy and mysterious, the ball gown is still there, although a little less poufy than in the traditional way. Even so, it will be favored by the older generation. Crystal beaded embroidery adorns the bodice and extends into the skirt in tiny clusters here and there. The illusion layer sits atop a stunning sweetheart neckline, that is bound to be a favorite with the modern woman who wants subtle glamour. This dress is just right for a formal church ceremony, and the best part is that the bride will not feel weighed down in a heavy skirt with more layers than is actually necessary to get the shape right. The beautiful illusion details also continue into the back, with a wide V-cut framing the intricate beading at the back.
Princess seams were details added to the bodice and skirt of wedding dresses in yester-years, so it looked tailored to the bride’s actual measurements. These rounded seams added definite structure and made the dress look fitted. However, it was often a style that extended continuously from the bodice, all the way to the skirt. Adding an illusion neckline and ornate embroidery details on the bodice can add an innovative touch to this classic element, and make it much more interesting.
The sheer bateau neckline and sleeves continue into a pretty sweetheart bodice decked with intricately woven lace details. Artistically placed crystal beading enhances the beauty of the gown, by adding sparkle to the waistline and decorating the lace applique above it. The satin skirt, in contrast, is simple but lustrous and luxuriant, as it softly glides down to full-length.
Lace is synonymous with vintage, and a favorite with brides of all generations. However, it is not often suitable at modern weddings, and is usually preferred for traditional style weddings. However, lace is an element that can do wonders to the bridal ensemble, when chosen properly. It renders itself suitable for any style of wedding, when used in the right doses and paired with the right features. When lace appliques tastefully adorn a fit and flare gown, it can be stunning and the onlooker will have a hard time deciding whether the dress is more contemporary or classic.
Another ravishing beauty from the Mori Lee Spring collection, is a gown that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the most modern design. The fit and flare silhouette is embellished from top to toe with fine Alencon lace appliques, and the embellishments on it extend all the way to the sheer train. The dress has a snugly fitted scalloped sweetheart neckline supported by scintillating shoestring straps. The back features a daring deep cut that gathers into a train of fabric buttons that run all the way down to the derriere. Alencon lace appliques frame the back and are truly mesmerizing.
Tiered skirts were a big thing in the 1910’s and they perfectly fit the picture for a vintage-inspired wedding. Fit and flare silhouettes, on the other hand, are a contemporary fashion feature. Combining the two together gives you an unusually appealing combination of old meets new, with no compromise on style or elegance. With the fit and flare silhouette, the upper part of the dress allows a bride to show off the figure she is proud of. The lower part that has the tiered skirt, gives the dress an unexpected twist that can also tie it to a vintage theme.
This dress features both the elements, and also has elaborate lace details that make it a work of art. The gently scalloped lace details on the hemlines of each of the tiers creates an exquisite overall look for the dress. Additionally, the entire silhouette up to knee length contains beautiful Alencon lace details created with finesse, and the sweetheart neckline makes it glamorous too.
Many fairy tales have featured pick-up skirts, but this feature was always associated with ball gowns. The pick-up style later disappeared from the scene. It has reappeared now, but this time with a modern twist that is more charming and appealing. The characteristic rolling up of the skirt at specific points, which made it look heavy and difficult to manage, is now updated in an A-line silhouette style. This considerably reduces the volume of the skirt, instantly adding a touch of sophistication to it. When the bodice has a ruched style, with gentle pleats coursing over the torso, there is an almost seamless integration of the bodice with the skirt. The effect is stunning.
This imarvelouslous dress in a modified A-line silhouette with the pick-up skirt detail being its most spectacular feature. A sparkling waistband defines the end of the bodice, which drapes around the body in gentle pleats. This design instantly adds extra inches to a bride, and is a beautiful gown with its strapless soft scoop neckline and simple, but luxurious details.
Illusion designs have not only braced the neckline, but we often see them on the back and sleeves too. Although the original illusion styles were relatively simple, with just a thin layer of fabric over the chosen area, lace appliques and motifs are more elaborate today, making them splendid works of art. Most wedding gowns with illusion necklines feature cap sleeves, or are sleeveless. However, illusion full-length sleeves have a breathtaking beauty, as you will soon see. When this feature on the sleeves is combined with the traditional vintage element—lace, in the body of the gown, the dress is happy harmony of old and new.
Beautiful full-length illusion sleeves with exquisite beading along the length of the sleeves almost look like a bolero over the ruched sweetheart neckline and bodice. The entire gown is created in lace over satin with the dress featuring a draped design all the way from the bodice to the end of the skirt.
The A-line dress was one of the first design innovations in wedding gowns, introduced soon after women started shedding corsets and dressing up in garments that embraced their natural body shape. Since then, the appeal of this silhouette has only grown. It still continues to be a favorite among brides, with the simple pattern helping them create a sexier look with the illusion of curves. The strapless bodice, has also been on the scene for a while now, but modified sweetheart necklines with a plunging section in the center are a novelty, that only bold brides are ready to consider. However, when the silhouette with long sleeves is updated with the strapless plunging sweetheart neckline, the result is a gown that is glamorous, interesting and most of all, stunning.
This dress from the Sophia Tolli collection shows us how magnificent this combination is. This figure-flattering gown almost snugly fits the torso all the way to the hips, from where it gently flows into a modified A-line skirt. This modest design is contrasted by the plunging sweetheart neckline which goes deep down in the center, albeit with a modesty piece. The dress features a corset-back, but don’t worry about it shrinking you in with it’s tight grip. It is nothing like the corsets women in the Victorian ages wore! Beading and intricate crystal work throughout the length of the gown make it picturesque.
Now tell us, which of these combinations did you like the most? At Best for Bride, you can choose from a wide variety of gowns of different styles. Modern or traditional, classic or contemporary, we have them all. As one of Canada’s most reputed wedding shops, we are here to help you realize your dream vision of dressing up as the most beautiful bride in town, and also having the dream wedding that will forever be remember by your guests. Choose from our extensive wedding gown inventory, by clicking here.
