Anatomy of an Ideal Wedding Dress

Olivelli Cape Town was once quoted to say that, “Selecting a wedding dress is more than just a fitting…it is a process—a memory in the making”. From this sentiment, we can readily assume that one of the most integral aspects of a wedding is the gown apart from where your party venue is in Manila.

To most brides, it is not enough that their wedding gown should be aptly beautiful, it should also be iconic, unforgettable and unique. After all, a girl does not spend her childhood days envisioning what her wedding gown would look like all for nothing. A wedding gown is that classical piece of clothing that over the years, has been associated with celebration, joy, union and hope. For many women, this might be the most important piece of clothing they will ever wear which would merit a rather exorbitant clothing expenditure. With this in mind, brides-to-be should be thorough in choosing their wedding gown, after all, it should be as unforgettable as the wedding is.

However, it would be wise to take note that a bridal gown is only as grand as the sum of its parts. Every version is created as a result of a bride’s unique request—no matter the size or shape. A bride’s wedding gown is personal in a way that it is the result of different dynamics working together to enhance the wearer in particular areas. While wedding gowns should largely be personal, there are universal characteristics that make a gown truly ideal—an anatomy of a perfect wedding gown if you may. Here are the elements that make a wedding gown beautiful and ideal:

1.) Neckline

While seemingly an insignificant detail in a very intricate gown, the neckline is actually important for two reasons: It serves as the frame if the bride’s face is a portrait, and it is the part of the dress which people initially notice. Necklines can either sit high on the neck and offer you coverage or bare some skin depending on the choice of the bride. Remember, a good neckline should add character to your gown and allow you to highlight a unique feature or display an accessory.

2.) Silhouette

The overall shape of your gown is the silhouette and is an essential element which your seamstress should take into account. A gown’s silhouette is the foundation of the overall outfit and would set the mood for your entire ensemble. Whether a bride wants to channel her inner Cinderella through a full bell-shaped skirt or evoke femininity through a softer style is up to her, but an ideal wedding gown should have the silhouette the bride envisions herself to be in.

3.) Sleeves

A wedding gown may choose to include sleeves for a more dramatic effect, or leave it all bare to create a sexy and sultry appeal. Furthermore, the addition of sleeves would add extra interest to a dress’s bodice and would balance a skirt out. If you are a bride, who does not wish to go all bare around your neck and shoulders, contemplate about how much skin you wish to show and work with your seamstress. If you want to show a decent amount of skin without feeling too bare, opt to don your wedding dress with a pair of white gloves for a more regal and classic effect.

4.) Hemline

A gown’s hemline dictates its length. Over the years, it has changed dramatically. Traditionally, wedding dresses were floor length until after the World War I where brides preferred knee length goes. However, by the time the mini was introduced in the sixties, the length of the dress largely became a matter of personal choice. Nowadays, however, the length of your dress would depend on how formal you want your wedding to be. Generally, the longer your dress is, the more formal the affair is expected to be.

5.) Fabric and finish

Determining the best fabric for a wedding gown would depend on the texture, drapery, style, cut and season. Remember that although a dress may be styled the same, they would feel quite different in another fabric—which might be a thing to consider depending on the season of your wedding. Take note that some fabrics would cling to the body making it a bit more uncomfortable to wear during the hotter seasons, so you might want to choose fabric that stand away.