Getting a wedding dress that compliments your look, fits perfectly, and stuns the guests is every woman's dream. So to get started on that, you first need to know about the anatomy of a wedding dress. In other words, the essential A to Z of all the styles, fabric, quality, etc., that you can go for to turn your dream into a reality.
What Are the Parts of a Wedding Dress?
There's a lot more that goes into the making of a wedding dress than you think. First, each wedding dress is a combination of the primary parts or the anatomy of the wedding dress.
- Neckline: Neckline is the shape of the dress's part that adorns your neck. Sitting right below your face, it's also one of the most prominent displays of a wedding dress.
- Sleeves: The sleeves of the dress cover a section or the entirety of your arms. You can go sleeveless or choose a classic, chic style that brings the look together.
- Bodice: The bodice is the interconnection between the bust and the waistline of the gown. It’s a significant portion that you can style any way you want to make it stand out.
- Silhouette: The part of the dress that decides the fitting of the style and gives the overall shape of your dress. More on this below.
- Waistline: It’s the part of the gown that’s just above the lower torso. Waistlines can make or break your dress's game according to whether it goes with the rest of the look.
- Hemline: Last but not least is the length and style of the dress's lower section. Floor-length royalty or a knee-length casual vibe; it all depends on you
What Are the Types of Dress Styles You Can Go For?
The style of the wedding dress is called its silhouette, referring to the overall shape of the dress. Recent years have shown a variety of trendy wedding dresses, each with its own glamour. Of course, you can always mix and match styles. Here are a few dress styles that have been in fashion lately.
- Ball Gown: A cinched waistline, full skirt, and layers of fabric to add a dramatic style. Ball gowns are the ideal princess look.
- A-Line Dress: The best choice for a bride who wants to go with a less dramatic ball gown style without losing its charm.
- Sheath Dress: Looking for a wedding dress that compliments your body shape naturally without being uncomfortable? A sheath dress is an answer to this!
- Mermaid Dress: Fitted from top to knees and then flaring out in a tail line; a mermaid dress can flatter your body shape and create an alluring look.
- Tea Length: A casual, fun wedding calls for a tea-length dress that ends at your knees but has that elegant look to it.
- Trumpet: Similar to the Mermaid silhouette, a Trumpet wedding dress remains fitted from the bust to the hips and then begins a less dramatic flare from the knees.
What Type of Fabric Should You Choose?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to choosing the right fabric for your wedding dress. It depends on the venue, weather, design, and your personal preference.
For instance, summer weddings call for lighter fabric materials such as organza, dotted swiss, taffeta, and charmeuse. Meanwhile, for winter weddings, silk, brocade, velvet, and satin are some options that go with the weather.
Similarly, opt for the ideal fabric according to the design of your dress. Embellished and heavy dresses call for structured fabrics like satin, taffeta, and organza. On the other hand, chiffon, tulle, and charmeuse work well with flowy dresses that are more comfortable.
How to Tell the Difference Between High Quality and Low-Quality Dresses?
You want to make sure your wedding dress won't fall apart an hour into your wedding reception, and you also want to be able to identify whether the dress is worth what it says on the price tag. While guessing the quality of a wedding dress, at first sight, can be difficult, some tips can help you out:
- Feel the quality of the fabric. Low-quality material will have a rough, tissue-like structure.
- Cheap material often changes color in light and has an undertone to it.
- Try it on! High-quality dresses don’t get pulled or wrinkled easily.
Carefully look into the details of the dress, specifically the embellishments and interior. Flaws in stitching, fabric cuts, patches, and embellishments will give you a hint as to the quality of the dress.
Final Verdict
A wedding gown is a work of art, which is why it's important to take your time in choosing every element of the final look. Let's not forget the most crucial aspect - the designer!
Reneé Grace is Cincinnati's premier wedding dresser maker!
All of our wedding dresses are designed and manufactured in-house. Ensuring that our shop has dresses you won't find anywhere else in the Reading Bridal District. We aim to give each of our brides the best experience they could ask for when it comes to wedding gown designs and customizations.