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LIGHT, JOYFUL AND TIMELESS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN WICHITA, KANSAS

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Styles

Weddings

April 30, 2023

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I'm so happy you're here. This blog is a journal about our lives, weddings, and engagements. Stay a while and say hello!

Hi, I'm Kristin.

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Are you in the market for a wedding dress? Choosing your gown is an essential part of your wedding planning, and it can be one of the most fun decisions you make leading up to your big day! Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about wedding dress styles and how to choose the perfect dress for you.

Wedding Dress Styles

The first step in finding the perfect dress is to learn about the different wedding dress styles. Here are some of the most common styles:

Ballgowns

Ballgown dresses are a classic wedding dress style. Ballgowns feature a fitted bodice and full skirt that flows out from your waist. If you want to feel straight out of a fairytale, this style will make you feel like a princess.

Wedding dress styles: ballgown

A-Line Dresses

Another option is an A-line dress. A-line gowns are fitted at the waist and flare out slightly towards the hem. This style is versatile and works well with most body types. Depending on fabric and details, A-line dresses can be dressed up or down.

Wedding dress styles: a-line

Mermaid Dresses

If you’re looking for a style with some drama, consider a mermaid (or trumpet) dress. Mermaid dresses hug your curves and flare out at or below your knee. This style is perfect if you’re looking for something that flatters your curves and makes you feel sexy and confident!

Styles of wedding dresses: Fit and flare, trumpet, mermaid dress

Sheath Dresses

Have something simpler in mind? A sheath dress is straight and narrow from top to bottom, making it an excellent choice for petite or athletic body types. This simple, minimalist style is ideal for modern weddings.

Sheath wedding dress

Tea-Length Dresses

A unique option for your wedding day is a tea-length dress. Tea-length dresses are playful and elegant, perfect for outdoor or informal weddings. 

More Style Options

Classic Silhouettes

Classic silhouette gowns are a popular choice for wedding dresses this year. Think classic Hollywood glam, white gloves, and a fitted modern gown that will wow your guests.

Classic silhouette gown with Hollywood glam

Bold Sleeves

Another way to make a statement with your dress is to choose an option with bold sleeves. From romantic off-the-shoulder styles to dramatic bell sleeves, there are many ways to incorporate fun, bold sleeves into your gown. They add a unique touch while giving you extra coverage and support.

Bold sleeves on a classic wedding gown

Nontraditional Colors

Another unique twist on a classic wedding dress is to choose a dress in a nontraditional color. Traditional wedding dress colors range from bright white to champagne, but bold colors are a popular for nontraditional weddings. You could choose anything from a soft pastel hue to a bold jewel tone. Nontraditional colors can add a pop of color to your wedding day while showing off your personality.

Sustainable Fabrics

Some brides choose to buy a gown made from sustainably sourced fabrics and materials. There are many eco-friendly options available, from organic cotton to recycled polyester. Sustainable fabrics can reduce your carbon footprint while giving your gown a unique texture and feel.

3D Floral Appliques

Consider a wedding dress with 3D floral appliques for a romantic and whimsical touch. From delicate lace to bold blooms, there are many options. Not only do floral appliques add texture and dimension to your gown, but they can also reflect the season and location of your wedding. 

Adding 3D floral appliques to your wedding gown

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress

Determine Your Budget

It’s safe to say that you can find a wedding dress for any budget! There are so many different options for shopping for wedding dresses today—from the classic bridal shop to online storefronts to trunk sales! Setting your budget for your wedding gown can be a little overwhelming, so there are a few factors you should consider. To start, decide how much of your overall wedding budget you want to allocate for your dress. Then think about your priorities when it comes to a wedding dress: Are you willing to spend more on a dress that is sustainably made or by a specific designer? There’s no wrong answer when it comes to setting your personal budget. Just make sure you and your partner make a decision that works for your situation.

Consider the Venue and Time of Day

Choosing a wedding dress that fits the style of your wedding day

Your wedding venue, the season you are getting married, and the time of day you will be married matter. Some styles of wedding gowns are a match made in heaven for a specific style of wedding. For example, if you’re planning a beach wedding, you may want to choose a lightweight, flowy dress that will look gorgeous in the wind and sun. On the other hand, if you’re planning a classic evening event, you may opt for a more formal, elegant look. The key is to choose the dress that makes you feel beautiful and sets the tone for your dream wedding day.

Find What Flatters You

It’s also vital that your dress makes you look and feel as beautiful as possible! So research styles that will flatter your body type. Ask advice from a trusted friend or your stylist at a bridal shop. Consider different shapes and fabric types that affect the way a dress fits. And make sure you have your dress tailored to fit you perfectly. 

Try On Different Styles

Even if you have always envisioned yourself in a specific style, it is worth trying different styles of wedding dresses! You never know what you might fall in love with and decide is the one.

Choose the Dress That Makes You Feel GORGEOUS

The most important thing as you decide which dress to wear is that it makes you feel as beautiful as possible. So don’t be afraid to go with something that fits you, whether it’s a simple look or something bold and glamorous.

Looking for more wedding planning tips? Check out the blog!

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