Your wedding day is momentous when dreams are realized and love takes centre stage.
Among the many elements that make this day special, your choice of wedding gown stands as a symbol of your unique style and individuality.
Finding that perfect wedding dress can be thrilling and challenging, as it’s not just a garment but a reflection of your personality and the theme you envision for your special day.
With many styles, you might be wondering which one truly captures your essence.
Your wedding is a reflection of your personality and style. When the various elements at your wedding come together, it will showcase who you are as a couple. So, it is not just about the details, it is also how these details work together.
Most brides base their wedding on a theme. Although the same theme may have been done a thousand times before, it can be executed completely differently at yours. Nonetheless, making it unique depends on how you plan your details. This is where our tips for styling your wedding will help you.
Here are some of our insider tips to help you style your wedding, to make it uniquely yours!
1.Discuss and note down what you want
Before you begin collecting pretty pictures on Pinterest or browsing the internet for trending themes, take a minute. It is easy to be swayed by what looks good and interesting. However, it may not be the right one for you. Instead, identify what you want first and proceed from there. Sit down with your fiance and discuss what you want your wedding to look and feel like.
It is helpful to jot down not just elements and factors that should be at your wedding, but also words that describe the effect your wedding should create. This will help you when you have to shortlist or choose between ideas that are right for your wedding plans.
2.Collect ideas for all the different elements of your day
Once you know what you want, it is easier to collect ideas that work. This is a good time to start looking at Pinterest and all those pretty details in the various websites you come across. Cover all the different elements from wedding dresses, accessories and food to transportation, décor and stationery. It is a good idea to create different boards on sites like Pinterest and Loverly to segregate your collections into relevant groups.
You may come across new and more interesting ideas every single day. So, this will be an ongoing process. Nonetheless, don’t forget to revisit the data you collect, and subject them to closer scrutiny. Then eliminate those that do not hold your attention, as they did originally. This will help you narrow down your preferences and you will soon identify a pattern emerging.
3.Be open to options
Not all things that match your vision will be available easily. Don’t be disappointed if you find that the items in your mind aren’t all available. To avoid this situation, always make a Plan B. When you plan your wedding imagery, do it with plenty of alternative options. This will improve your chances of finding things you need to complete the effect. At times, it may also be helpful for you to reconsider your options and choose items that are easier on the pocket.
4.Don’t hesitate to get creative
There are no specific rules that govern your choices. You are in charge and have absolute freedom to mix and match, eliminate or combine ideas till you find what you love. Look at the various images and ideas you have and find out what it is that you like most about each of them. If you always thought you wanted pastels at your wedding, but find your collected images to have jewel tones, use this as a cue.
Images will help you recognize what actually appeals to your taste. Use the information you collect to identify patterns, prints, colors and style elements to dictate your wedding style. It is also possible that you will find more than one emerging trend. What do you do in this case? Simply mix and match to create your unique style statement. So, if it is boho and chic, use elements of both types to style your wedding.
5.Get help from the pros
Pulling off the numerous details of a wedding is no easy feat. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself overwhelmed and reeling under pressure. Hire professional help if you find yourself reaching nowhere with your ideas. If not for the entire scene, you can still spend money on just the details that are important.
Wedding planners usually have the talent to find vendors who will gel with you and bring your vision to life. However you can also ask the vendors you’ve already booked to suggest others who they have worked with and are capable of getting the overall picture right. When you discuss your ideas with a potential vendor, see if they accept your vision. Work only with those who believe your idea is feasible, don’t dismiss your ideas or suggest too many changes to plan.
6.Think out of the box
One of the biggest problems with wedding planning these days, is that couples stick to the trends entirely. When they borrow and execute ideas as such, the novelty is lost. Avoid this mistake. While you should be inspired by ideas you find, try to add to it with your own inputs. Get creative and break the mold.
If an idea captures your interest, think of how you can further enhance it. Whether it is adding an unusual accessory to your wedding dress or giving an unexpected twist to the menu, exercise your creative juices. Small but quirky ideas can be remarkably memorable, and all that it takes to shift your wedding experience to a whole other level. Keep it personal, and the custom changes you make will have stronger impact.
7.Sometimes less is more
Whether it is color, texture, prints or patterns, use liberal doses at your wedding. However, make sure it doesn’t overwhelm. When there are too many details, it is likely that the important ones will simply drown in the chaos. So, aim to create just one or two focal points, and let the rest of your wedding arrangements draw on this as inspiration. When working with bright colors, keep the effects contained and use no more than four colors in your wedding to avoid a cluttered look. Remember that it is important to prioritize the factors that mean most to you, and focus on these in your wedding arrangements. The rest should simply be to complement the main things and not compete with it.
8.Remember ideas aren’t always expensive
Executing an unusual or interesting idea at your wedding doesn’t mean it should eat into your budget. With the right approach and planning, you can snag the deal for a good bargain. Handmade details or DIY ideas can be inexpensive when done right.
Set aside time to visit thrift stores, search online and in likely places to find items for less. If you are crafty, use your skills to personalize your décor, wedding favors or add custom touches to your outfit. Shop and think with an open mind. If you are flexible with your choices, it will be easy to find alternative and unusual options for your settings. Not only will these pack a punch, you can also impress your guests with your eye for detail and resourcefulness.
9.Score extra points with unusual items in your décor
Every time we come across an unexpected element in the wedding décor, it stays in our memories. These small items usually end up being the signature of your wedding day scenery. Your guests identify them with the occasion, and they become a strong part of their memories. So, do some brainstorming to identify unusual items that will enhance the décor at your wedding. Take a look at this article on the Woman getting married site for some unique wedding centerpiece ideas. The best part is that most of them are easy to DIY, and give your creativity a big boost.
10.Don’t get caught up in other people’s expectations
Whether it is your mother, your wedding planner or maid of honor, their role is to help you realize your wedding vision. For the full-list of who these likely wedding hijackers are, take a look at this article on the Knot. Don’t succumb to pressure and give-in to what they say, unless you absolutely agree.
Some brides are too timid to step up and say something when others try to take over their wedding. Don’t do this or you will see your ideas going out of the window. Remember that it is your wedding, and the day should reflect your likes and preferences. Keep it that way. The easiest option for you to make this happen is to identify your must-haves earlier on. Welcome opinions that contribute to your vision, but don’t commit to anything that you aren’t sure of. You can always say, “I’ll think of it, thanks,” and get off without committing to the suggestion till you think it through.
11.Prepare well and prepare right
Although you may have a zillion brilliant ideas, it is useless unless you execute them with perfection. Preparation is key to nail perfect results. Use visual cues to recognize whether your ideas will translate well in person. Set up a journal or diary to record these details. If you are good at sketching, try to recreate the picture in your mind through sketches. Or if you prefer to work with existing pictures, spend time comparing the colors and effects. This will help you set it all up easier, when the time is right.
For decorations, make note of the general rules to obey to create a visual setting that will impress. Gather all your props, raw materials and décor essentials to set up samples and ensure they look as good as you expect them to. Take pictures of the arrangements you make and click pictures. They will serve as reference points for when you have to do the real thing and are pressed for time.
12.Think of how it will photograph
After the day, all the details you painstakingly create will live through your photographs. So, it is essential that you plan a photogenic wedding, so the memories are sharp and impressive. When you think of your wedding style and especially the colors, consider this aspect. Think of how certain color combinations will translate in photos. Unless it can be captured as beautifully as it is in person, your theme may not look great in pictures.
Even the food you serve at the wedding, your bouquet and jewelry should look beautiful when displayed. Play with contrasts and textures wisely to create an attractive setting to increase the visual appeal of your wedding scene. Discuss these factors with your photographer prior to the wedding. He can guide you on changes that will improve the overall look of your pictures.
13.Create your own style
We always advise brides to have an inspiration board when planning their wedding. However, like I mentioned earlier, this shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your wedding. This is only to motivate you to come up with your unique ideas. Pictures that appeal to your taste will definitely give you a good idea of what you would like to have at your wedding. Once you recognize a pattern and shortlist elements that will be in your wedding, you should go about creating and settling into your own style.
Try to create a cohesive look and feel, and fashion your unique wedding statement. Whether you DIY or hire professionals to do the various details, make sure that it finally reflects who you are as a couple and your personal choices. This will help you avoid a cookie-cutter wedding.
Best for Bride has been helping brides realize their wedding dreams for over a decade now. From bridal dresses to dresses for the bridal party, accessories, wedding favors and even cakes, we have everything you need to plan the perfect wedding day. Visit our website by clicking this link and discover how we can help you have the perfect wedding day.
Style is a sophisticated concept, and each woman has her own definition for it. The general fashion style dictates a woman’s wedding dress choice as well, as wedding dresses are supposed to reflect the bride’s personality. This is why we see that the dresses that one bride considers stylish do not find equal favor with another bride. Finding the style that reflects your personality is primary to looking and feeling good, especially on your wedding day.
The fashion world has identified styles based on similarities in patterns, fabrics and color combinations. This article on the enkiVillage website divides Fashion styles into as many as 17 different types based on these factors. We can find wedding dresses that conform to most of these different styles. So, read on to see the dresses that we have identified as perfect for each of them. And, once you’ve gone through these gorgeous wedding dresses, don’t forget to tell us which of these styles best defines you.
1.Bohemian
The Boho style is identified as non-traditional and unusual. In this style, you can expect textures and colors in unexpected combinations creating a characteristic gypsy style. The beauty of the Boho style is that it brings together seemingly unrelated elements and carves out a fashion statement of its own. Despite this, it is attractive in it’s own way.
The Mori Lee 6808 is a dress that will be loved by the Boho-style fan. This dress mixes and matches textures in an obvious way, which is why it is unusually attractive. Light, wispy fabric in tiers forms layers in the skirt, while the bodice features lace over the bust and a draped waistband that is replicated in the straps. Perfect for a destination wedding, this is a dress that is light and perfect for an informal setting.
2.Chic
Chic translates into stylish, and here the look is both fashionable and smart. It is a perfect choice for the modern woman with a strong personality, who knows how to rock fashion the right way. In this style you will see classic and modern elements, with the main feature being that it personifies the woman’s confidence wearing it.
The Mori Lee 5402 features a modern modified A-line silhouette, stylish sweetheart neckline, and artistically placed lace details. The dropped waist is slimming, and the layered skirt has just the right amount of drama. It is stylish while combining traditional elements with modern and trendy features. The silhouette, neckline and hemline are all perfect for a chic bride.
3.Classic
Classic style refers to timeless details that have always been favored. Classic style dresses usually feature flawless tailoring and fine fabric, that make them elegant and perfect as heirlooms. This is because the dress has features that are never called trendy, but are staples that appeal to all generations without looking dated. This style usually stands out without being cluttered or too glitzy, yet is noticed easily for its finesse and quality of details. Every bride who wants a safe choice for her wedding day, should consider a wedding dress with classic style elements, even if her regular wardrobe doesn’t contain many classic staples.
The Mori Lee 2703, an A-line gown in Duchess satin with fine crystal beading is a stunning example of this style. This dress features exquisite embroidery details along the sweetheart neckline and center of the bodice as well as a basque waistline, which is another classic feature. With a wonderful train, and satin buttons that course all the way down to the end of the train at the back, this dress is just perfect for a formal wedding. The elegant bride who glides down the aisle, will enrapture all the onlookers in this timeless gown.
4.Dramatic
Dramatic is energetic, flamboyant style that stands out distinctly. The style is flashy and loud, with more than one element that competes for attention. The dress style is elaborate, and the accessories usually bring out the exciting and wild nature of the dress. It can be overwhelming to some, but the woman who loves dramatic style won’t mind the obvious style of the attires that give her an easy and obvious way to be noticed.
Fairytales are the one place where you are bound to find dramatic looks. The dropped waist bodice is embellished with a unique rhinestone and crystal beaded design never seen before. In striking contrast, thick, wispy flange ruffles recreate the waves of the ocean in the skirt. The sweetheart bodice and chapel train are the other characteristic features of this attractive wedding dress.
5.Glamorous
Dramatic and sexy, with just the right amount of bling, glamorous styles strive to enhance femininity most stylishly. Women who like this style do not hesitate to max up on the style factor and wear big and bold features and accessories that dazzle and stun. Glamour can also be done subtly, but this look cannot be mistaken, and this type of glamorous bride will be remembered for the refined sophistication she sported.
The Y11634 Loraina from the Sophia Tolli collection has several elements that make it glamorous. A striking feature is an off-the-shoulder neckline that allows the bride to show off her décolletage and well-toned shoulders. Apart from this, the dress also features a snug-fitting trumpet silhouette that courses snugly along the natural curves of the bride’s figure. The tasteful artwork in lace and the brilliance of the crystal embroidery give this dress all that is required to make a statement look. Add to it the illusion style back and the magnificent chapel train, there is no stopping this bride!
6.Romantic
Poetic and magnificent, the romantic style features flowers, hearts, ruffles and soft dreamy details that are immensely captivating. Gentle curves, soft lines and details that seamlessly flow from one area to the other, the romantic style is beautiful and appeals to almost everyone. Lace is one detail that is usually associated with romantic styles, and this style emphasizes the feminine features to the maximum extent possible.
The Mori Lee 2724 is an elegant romantic fit and flare gown with luscious lace details and a sparkling heart motif at the bust. The soft details are simply splendid and the soft contrast of lace against the sateen shine of the layers below it make this a stellar design. The sweetheart neckline accentuates the femininity of the bride in this dress, with it softly coursing along the natural curves of the bust. The back details are simple, with a satin button train coursing through the center, all the way to the derriere.
7.Sexy
Sexy styles do not have to always expose a lot of skin, although this is the primary factor associated with this style. This style is associated with deep-cut necklines, daring plunging backs, tight-fitting silhouettes, and bare shoulders or legs. The sexy bride is usually confident and bold, so she is comfortable showing off her best assets.
Lady Almog from the My Lady designer collection is the perfect example for sexy bridal style. The deep sweetheart neckline features a deep plunge in the center, and is accompanied by an illusion style bodice that exposes more than the usual amount of skin. This collection allows brides to mix and match the two pieces that form the wedding dress, so you can achieve the look you desire. Sexy dresses are usually great for informal, high-on-style weddings, where the bride wishes to show off her stylish body and be the center of attention.
8.Traditional
Traditional is often confused with classic, but there is a significant difference between the two. While classic styles focuses on features that are always trendy, traditional styles focus on conventional designs that are sometimes not really relevant. These are usually very modest dresses and comfortable. It can also focus on simplicity and timeless details that are bound to be a favorite with the older generation.
The Mori Lee 5362 has cap-sleeves, a pleated A-line skirt and a defined waistline; all features that make it a traditional favorite. Although the bodice features a sweetheart neckline, the sheer lace overlay that forms a bateau neckline makes this a modest choice. The dress is charming in it’s own way, but it doesn’t expose much skin nor does it fit to snugly to the natural body shape to be uncomfortable. All in all, it is a safe choice.
9.Tomboy
This girl would rather wear jeans and slacks than be found in a gown. She is uncomfortable in anything too frilly and feminine, and wouldn’t really mind sporting a pantsuit on her wedding day. However, plenty of dresses keep the femininity factor to the required minimum and are smart, making it perfect for the tomboy type.
The Y21504 Ricki from the Sophia Tolli collection is a smart dress, with just the right amount of bling on the sleeves and at the gathered waist, to make it interesting. The square neckline is supported with scintillating straps and the fit and flare silhouette is comfortable with the draped layers defining the natural figure but not making it too clingy. The corset back is simple and can be fastened to be comfortably tight or loose, as the bride prefers.
10.Gothic
Considered the dark choice in the fashion world, this style is characterized by pale, dark details. Black is an essential color in this style, and though it isn’t usually associated with wedding dresses, modern designers incorporate this factor to create dresses that appeal to the Gothic style bride. This style is also characterized by bold makeup and accessories that play on the contrast of extreme dark and light effects.
This is a dress that will most likely please the Gothic bride. With ample black lace details coursing all over the bodice to the dropped waist, the dress emphasizes the contrast between the black and white in an obvious way. The skirt is light and wispy, making the powerful effect of the black in the design more pronounced. The closed-up high neckline and cap sleeves are other factors that make this dress dark and mysterious.
11.Sophisticated
This is a style that brings together contemporary and classic elements elegantly and impressively. Sophisticated style is one that can be nailed only by the fashion-conscious, who knows her way around mixing and matching various elements that aren’t usually seen together, to craft a distinctive appeal. Quality is an important factor in the sophisticated fashion style. These brides look polished and perfect and know how to combine their look using the apt mixing of style elements.
The Mori Lee 2789 lace and satin gown is a sophisticated wedding dress that brings together the sheen of satin with the soft flutter of lace harmoniously. The illusion neckline with beaded necklace details and the embellished sweetheart bodice instantly add style to the upper torso. The fit and flare silhouette is figure-flattering, while the lustrous skirt has subtle glamour.
Now that we have taken a close look at what are the various fashion styles, and how it applies to bridal fashion, have you identified your style? Don’t be surprised if you find yourself attracted to a wedding dress style that isn’t the same as what you normally find yourself drawn to. After all, your wedding day is unique in it’s own way, and your vision for this day can be entirely different from how you see yourself on any other occasion.
To check out any of these fabulous dresses, or to browse through our extensive inventory of even more interesting and attractive wedding dresses, visit this link to our online wedding dress gallery on Best for Bride. There is a dress for every bride, and Best for Bride is the perfect place to find yours.
There is so much variety in evening dresses that it can make shopping for the perfect one confusing. However, when you find the right dress, you will feel like a diva in it. Not only will it be comfortable, but it will also bring out your best features and make you happy to show it off.
So, how do you set about looking for one and identifying if it is the right choice for you?
Here are eight valuable tips from Best for Bride to help you find the suitable formal gown for your next big social event.
