Dress With Style

With many social changes over the past few decades, a bride may not be sure what kind of gown is appropriate for her Chicago wedding. Can she wear a long gown when she’s marrying for the first time at age 30 or 40? Is white appropriate for a second marriage? Are ivory or blush pink colors in style for a wedding dress? Here are some basic rules of bridal gown etiquette to help you decide what’s best for your situation:

Any bride may wear a long, white gown—no matter how many times she’s walked down the aisle and no matter what her age.
A bride should wear a veil and train for her first marriage because they symbolize youth and innocence. An older, first-time bride or a second-time bride might select a wreath of flowers or a beautiful bridal hat in place of a billowy veil.
The bridesmaids and the mother of the bride should never wear a gown longer than the bride’s.

Around the turn of the century, brides wore gowns in every color including black. Today, white and eggshell are the most popular color choices. However, many designers are adding a hint of pale pink, peach, blue or mauve to traditional white gowns.

Today’s Chicago bride can have beautiful laces, taffetas, satins, velvets and organzas like her mother and grandmother wore, but the fabrics may contain man-made fibers to help the gown wear better with less chance of wrinkles as well as a better overall fit. Gown designers are using the finest fabrics to create distinction in their dresses.

More traditional, classic, and sophisticated looks have made their way back in vogue and are the norm these days. Gowns today range from the luxuriously appointed with beading and crystals to simple satin slip dresses with minimal or no adornment.

While the timeless Cinderella look will always be popular for fairytale weddings, sleek shaping and classic lines are just as common among today’s brides. The “A-line” silhouette is a consistent favorite due to its elegant simplicity. Sometimes accompanied by an empire waistline—a high waist just under the bust-line—it is a very flattering style to most figure types. The sleeveless bodice has become very popular. Coupled with long gloves, it brings grace and elegance to all seasons.

Consider the functionality and convenience of detachable trains. The elegance and formality for the ceremony and photographs balances conveniently with the ease of dancing and with greeting guests. Many wedding dresses these days are absent trains when they are simply designed.

As for the veil, the style of the dress most often dictates what the bride will choose. Some veils are longer and more ornate than others. Many brides are choosing to adorn their hair with jewelry from sparkling tiaras to simple combs and barrettes with fresh flowers attached.

Rely on your Chicagoland bridal shop consultant to help select the perfect wedding ensemble—the one that best reflects your personal style and figure.