Believe it or not, ruffle detailing is actually extremely flattering
Queen Victoria and the White Wedding Dress Tradition
Wedding is one of the most important events in every woman's life. Every detail is well planned and organized to make the special occasion perfect; from the decorations, to the wedding invitations, the wedding cake, the wedding favours, the wedding flowers, and especially the wedding dress.
The tradition of wearing an elaborate, white, floor length gown originated in the Victorian Era. Prior to the rise in popularity of the white wedding dress, wedding gowns were often shorter and used bold colors like black and red. It was Queen Victoria who popularized the style of gown that is now every woman's fairy tale. After she married Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840, women sought to pay homage to the Queen by imitating the style of dress she had chosen.
While the modern white wedding gown is usually associated with a symbolic meaning like virginity, purity, or new beginnings, this was not Queen Victoria's intention when she had her wedding gown created. She wanted to incorporate into her gown a white lace that she was particularly fond of, and she decided that white was the most fashionable color choice. Whatever the origin of the tradition, white wedding dresses have been worn by women for centuries on this most special of days.
By the early twentieth century, wedding gowns become cheap homecoming dresses juniors more elaborate with beautiful embroidery and delicate lace to provide a timeless and classical look. Long trains and veils also became popular. At that time, the more elaborate the gown, the more it reflected the wealth and status of the bride.
Nowadays, wedding gowns are no longer a measure of a woman's social status. Regardless of a bride's budget, there are beautiful gowns in all prices ranges so that every woman can feel beautiful on her wedding day.
Wedding dress styles are constantly evolving, but many women still look to the white wedding gown that has been a staple of wedding tradition for so long. For these brides, there is nothing better than the classic elegance and fairy tale beauty of a lovely white gown to make the most important day of their lives a memory that will endure forever.
Key Wedding Dress Trends to Look Out For in 2012
Choosing your wedding dress is something no bride should take lightly. With all eyes on you, and photos that last a life time, you need to look your best. Modern brides that are looking to mix tradition with fashion should take note of four key wedding dress trends this year:
1) Lace sequin homecoming dresses 2013 Capes and Cap Sleeves
2011 was all about the long lace sleeves in homage to Catherine Middleton at the Royal Wedding. In 2012 the sleeve has been replaced by a classy and flattering lace cape. This modest accessory is great for brides who would like a strapless dress, but are self conscious about their arms.
The trend for sleeves continues with small, cap sleeves. Reem Aarca showcased stunning cap sleeved wedding dresses at the spring 2012 Wedding Fashion Week. A dress with sleeves of this kind or a cape is hugely flattering.
The eyes are drawn upwards towards your face and elongate your body. This creates a flattering illusion of being taller and slimmer as it balances out the top and bottom halves of your body. Depending on the style, sleeves and capes will also mask bra straps if you need extra support.
2) Pastel Colours
While the tradition of white, ivory and cream dresses will never go out of fashion, it doesn't hurt wedding dresses for less to add an injection of colour. Seen on designers such as Vera Wang, soft pastel shades of candyfloss pink, lilac and even mint green are all over wedding dresses.
These dresses make a subtle statement and are perfect for young women looking to stand out on their big day. Many designers have also showcased dip-dyed dresses using a little less colour. This is a bold statement so is best suited to younger brides.
3) Embellished Bodices
In the style of dresses be Monique Lhuillier and Anne Bowen, embellished bodices are a huge wedding dress trend for 2012. Paired with a soft, plain skirt; these dresses really have the 'wow' factor. Bustier style wedding dresses are also popular. This sexy, lingerie style was featured heavily by Monique Lhuillier at Wedding Fashion Week.
Embellished bodices and bustier style wedding dresses are especially flattering for pear-shaped brides. The style will enhance your chest, clinch you in at the waist and skim your hips. This will create the illusion of killer curves.
4) Ruffles
If you have always dreamed of being a princess, there really is no better time than your wedding day. Oscar de le Renta showcased striking romantic ruffle skirts this spring, perfect for fairytale weddings.
Believe it or not, ruffle detailing is actually extremely flattering on every figure. You can hide or accentuate your curves with the dramatic skirt to create the perfect shape for your body.
