How To Choose Your Wedding Dress Style

You have dreamed about purchasing a wedding dress ever since the first time you had a white pillowcase draped across the back of your head.  However, now that it is finally time for you to walk down that aisle, you aren’t quite certain what kind of bride you really want to be.  Do you want to go with a modern look or a more traditional look?  Or is a bohemian style better suited for you?  What about the groom?  Is he the type of guy who likes wearing a bow tie and tuxedo?  

Or would he be much more comfortable wearing a blazer and linen pants?  Whether you decide on a casual island style, spiritual setting or formal candlelit ceremony, here are some useful tips for dressing for your wedding day.

Discover Your Inner Bride

Before you begin to shop for the wedding dress of your dreams, take the time to close your eyes and visualize yourself being a bride.  So what is it that you see?  Is your hair in the style of romantic ringlets and are you dressed in a full ball gown?  Or is your hair loose and full of flowers while wearing a flowing and ethereal dress?  Write six adjectives down that accurately describe how you would like to feel and look on your wedding day.  For example, over-the-top, sophisticated, sexy, princess, traditional, summery.  Have the groom do the exact same thing and then compare your notes.  If he is thinking about bermuda shorts and a beach wedding and you envision a full royal regalia, then you might have some difficult work ahead of you.  Instead, try to set the mood by using an aspect of how you met, a religious custom, or something that is near and dear to both of your hearts – the 1920’s, horseback riding, swing dancing, etc – here are some cool ideas.

Celebrate The Setting Of Your Wedding

You should also take into consideration the site’s features and how formal your ceremony is going to be.  Although each bride and groom certainly should be free to select their favorite wedding style, their attire should reflect the place and time of their nuptials as well.  With a formal candlelit ceremony, it isn’t appropriate for the bride to wear a short sundress, or the groom to don an ascot and morning coat.  An afternoon garden party is also not the right setting for wearing a top hat and tails or cathedral-length veil.  If your wedding is taking place outdoors with a stunning view, then choose a romantic look for the wedding ceremony.  For example, you could wear a festive ankle-length dress that is embroidered with vines and leaves.  Similarly, if your party will be taking place in a reception hall, you may want to consider more classic ensembles mimicking the mood, or your inner coolness could be celebrated with a sleek asymmetric gown for the bride and monochromatic suit for the groom.  In a theater environment, go for a dramatic look, with an over-the-top gown and vintage tuxedo.  Fully embrace a beach wedding’s setting with a bold white bikini, sheer flowing pants or a two-piece dress for the bride; have the groom wear swim trunks and Hawaiian shirt.  

Pay Close Attention To All Of The Details

There are numerous ways of incorporating your very own personal style into whatever kind of wedding ceremony you are planning – no matter what its location is.  It is all about the details.  Whether you have decided to do it your way or are going or the tradition of “something old, something new, the easiest way to add a couple of unexpected touches to your personal style is through accessories.  If you happen to be a classic country bride, your groom could wear cowboy boots and carry a lariat.  Don a kilt if you happen to be Scottish.  If you are both athletes, you could wear running shoes to your ceremony. If you want something classically stylish try a dress like this Lusan Mandongus in London.  Wear Birkenstocks if you happen to be starving artist types.  Even if you decide on going the completely traditional route, you still will be able to communicate your very own personal style through wearing a classic tux and gold cufflinks or enduring Grace Kelly wedding gown and pearls.  All of these are timelessly elegant and so are you.