Finding the right wedding dress can be as tricky as finding a spouse. Many modern brides feel they must find a dress that will both steal the show and represent their personality, beliefs and values. In the past, brides didn’t have the myriad choices of color, length, fullness, fabric and styles that grace weddings today.
These choices mean women can make their own fashion statement without the fear of disrespecting traditions. Reed & Cross Wedding Gallerie employee Linda Goode encourages brides and grooms to go into shops, look around and not remain limited to one style.
“Often I’ll show customers something much different than what they were trying on, and it’s perfect,” Goode said.
Goode said full dresses — especially those with a corset back — are popular in the local area. Diamond white is a new color replacing the more traditional white, and heavy beading with crystals and rhinestones is also a favorite. Goode added that women like dresses that are “simply elegant” — usually white with an A-line shape and simple details.
Junior Stephanie Cappelluti found the “simply elegant” look perfect for her July 2003 wedding.
“I really wanted something simple but still beautiful,” Cappelluti said.
Her A-line strapless dress was white and had beads that followed around the neck and back line that slowly dispersed down the dress.
Though Cappelluti’s dress was a traditional white gown, her bridesmaids dressed in copper and black.
“I could never imagine putting someone in a teal dress,” she said.
It’s not uncommon to find women marrying in pants or bright colors. For example, a traditional Chinese wedding costume called the Qungua can come in brilliant reds and has ornate embroidery of dragons and flowers. Traditional African attire comes in rich colors, such as purples and gold. Men often have a matching outfit that uses the colors and patterns of the bride’s dress. These outfits have inspired many designers to incorporate a wide variety of styles in their new designs.
Whether it is a traditional white gown or overalls with orange flip flops, it is important to pick wedding attire that will be comfortable and make the day memorable for years to come.