Elegant Bridal Gowns: What to Look For
This year, the watchword in wedding gowns is “elegance”. Pure, drop-dead, delicious elegance. Whether the look is contemporary, traditional or high couture, the overall feel on the wedding runways is unmistakable, it’s a return to la Belle Epoch, a world of chic elegance and graceful, dramatic silhouettes. Here’s what to be on the lookout for if you’re shopping for a wedding gown in the Spring/Summer 2009 season.
Asymmetrical Lines
Asymmetry is definitely in this season, but that doesn’t mean that the look is lopsided. The elegance is in the details and the execution. One of the most elegantly asymmetrical dresses for Spring 2009 is Priscilla of Boston’s Style 1408, a stunning one-shoulder ball gown that features a draped bodice and asymmetrical waistline to balance the asymmetrical neckline. The effect is just as lovely from the back as it is from the front with the drop waist echoing the diagonal of the one-shouldered bodice.
Silhouettes
The most prominent silhouette in this season’s range of elegant wedding gowns is the “fit-to-flare”, a cut that is flattering for most figures. The dress is cut to fit the torso, and then flares below the hip into a wide swirl. The most exaggerated fit-to-flare cut is the trumpet flare, which starts slim and swirls into a ground-sweeping flare at the floor. Another very flattering silhouette for your big day is the A-line dress, a classic wedding gown shape that fits closely at the bodice, and then flares out softly to the hem. Perhaps the most elegant wedding gown for a formal, traditional wedding though, is the ball gown, which combines a fitted bodice with a bell-like skirt. The Platinum Collection makes great use of the ball gown to create elegant couture looks in unusual and unexpected fabrics and styles.
Necklines
Sweetheart bodices, once considered the ultimate in elegance for fairy tale weddings, now have a lot of competition. Some of the most elegant contemporary wedding gown styles feature strapless bodices, often fanned or pleated. Many of the popular wedding gown styles feature sweetheart necklines modified to work with a strapless design. One shoulder asymmetrical designs are another elegant option for the contemporary bride, especially if the asymmetrical look is balanced by fullness at the hem or a contrasting asymmetry at the waist.
Pleated Bodices
Fan-pleated bodices are another wedding gown feature that you will see walking down the runway at the most elegant designer Spring shows. Strapless, fan-pleated bodices aren’t right for everyone, but they’re an eye-catching accent for the bride who isn’t overly endowed. Not all pleating is fanned, however. Some of the prettiest and most elegant designs feature ruched bodices and horizontal bands of pleating across the bodice, or vertically pleated satin and taffeta.
Hem Treatments
Hems are also getting the pleated treatment, along with flounces and tiers of lace. Some of the most elegant hem treatments include trumpet flares edged with lace or flounced with ruched netting. From the Vineyard Collection, the Ivy wedding dress model is the ultimate in simple elegance, a fitted sheath dress of silk and organza that features bands of satin detailing at the bodice and the hem.
Materials
The materials used to make a wedding gown are one of the major factors in determining the cut and the drape of the dress. The most elegant styles are those that move and flow with your body. Fabulous fabrics for wedding dresses include silk in its many variations, including shantung and charmeuse. Other materials that are traditionally used in elegant wedding gown design include organza, satin and tulle, but one of the most elegant designs of this season is a simple fit-to-flare gown made in chiffon and lace. The Holly, from the Vineyard Collection, features spaghetti straps, lace over chiffon and a flared skirt with insets of net that create an elegant sweep.
Lace
One of the most used laces in wedding gown design is Alencon lace, sometimes called the Queen of Lace. This embroidered lace is handmade, and highly prized for the fine needlework of the cording that makes up the designs. Alencon lace is often embellished with beading and metallic thread. Other lace that may be used in elegant wedding designs include Battenburg lace and Venetian lace. Handmade Belgian lace, sometimes called Princess lace, may also be used in net overlays or for wedding veils.
Important Things to Remember
Elegance is often in the eye of the beholder, but there are a few key things to remember when choosing the right wedding gown for you.
1. Simplicity is often more elegant than fussy details.
2. Quality of materials and workmanship is essential. Choose the finest materials and workmanship that you can afford.
3. Elegance is a matter of fit. Be sure to have your gown fitted properly to you so that you feel confident and beautiful in it. Even the simplest gown is elegant when it’s carried off with confidence.
About the Author
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about designer fashion, often focusing on a specific kind of dress such as elegant bridal gowns.
|
|
Couture Vintage Lillie Rubin Silver Sequin Maxi Dress Gown Size 6 $1200.00 $129.99 |
|
|
EXQUISITE ST. JOHN COUTURE TURQUOISE LONG EVENING GOWN~Nwots~8 $349.99 |
|
|
St. John Couture Size 6 Black Santana Knit & Clear Paillette Evening Dress Gown $399.99 |
|
|
NEW MARY L COUTURE Cutaway Side Matte Jersey DRESS GOWN SIZE 8 AQUA BLUE $169.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4500 Beaded Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $468.00 |
|
|
Faviana Couture Ivory Chiffon gown $395.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4512 Champagne Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
Monique Lhuillier Strapless Couture Wedding Dress Gown $2,800.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4523 Fuchsia Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $368.00 |
|
|
FAVIANA COUTURE $340 Pageant Prom Formal Cruise Grand Evening Gown NWT Size 1 $99.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4525 Purple Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $348.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE 4550 Hot Pink Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT $428.00 |
|
|
Faviana Couture Formal Prom Gown Halter Sz. 2 NWT $149.00 |
|
|
“Coli Couture” Formal Gown~Beaded Lace Over Tafetta~Taupe w/Copper Shimmer ~Sz14 $75.00 |
|
|
NWOT Mary L Couture One Shoulder Gown SZ 2 BLACK $149.99 |
|
|
FORMAL PROM CHAMPAGNE / BEIGE TAN WEDDING BRIDAL BRIDE DRESS GOWN COUTURE $49.99 |
|
|
Designer inspired couture mermaid lace wedding gown $1,378.99 |
|
|
Designer inspired couture column cut wedding gown $1,280.42 |
|
|
Designer Inspired Couture Satin and beaded chiffon column wedding gown $1,378.99 |
|
|
NWT FAVIANA COUTURE $490 CREAM Prom Evening Ball Gown 6 $158.00 |
|
|
Sean Couture Pleated Bodice Gown with Beaded Lace Jacket Champagne Size 12 $40.00 |
|
|
Pamela Dennis Couture brown beaded gown black lace overlay Sz 8 # 0232 $299.00 |
|
|
Daymor Couture sz 12 Style #2006 Creme Crepe 2 pc. Dress Gown $49.99 |
|
|
Jasz couture prom/formal/pageant gown- gorgeous, hot pink* $65.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $880.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $880.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $880.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $880.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $980.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $980.00 |
|
|
9376 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 8 10 12 14 16 + $980.00 |
|
|
LIANCARLO COUTURE Stunning Ivory Silk Beaded Ball Evening Gown Dress 10 NEW $1,200.00 |
|
|
New JASZ COUTURE High Low Evening Gown Prom Pageant Cocktail Dress NWT Size 2 $224.00 |
|
|
Stunning Cesar Galindo Couture Gown-Size 10-NWOT Prom or 2nd Wedding Perfect $199.99 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,469.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
17281 JOVANI COUTURE EVENING GOWN DRESS 2 4 6 8 10 + $1,459.00 |
|
|
Amsale Couture Ivory Silk Satin Wedding Gown Sample Size 10-Excellent Condition $510.00 |
|
|
1132D MAC DUGGAL COUTURE Dress *PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE* Evening Gown 2 4 6 8 10 $749.00 |
|
|
1133D MAC DUGGAL COUTURE Dress *PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE* Evening Gown black 4 6 8 $949.00 |
|
|
FORMAL PROM GOWN SIZE4 WHITE LEOPARD REG 280.00 TERANI COUTURE 11001 $75.00 |
|
|
Renee L Couture Ivory Glitter Evening Gown!S $3,223.00 |
|
|
Vtg Couture VICTOR COSTA Poet Sleeve BURNT VELVET Red Carpet Catwalk GOWN*S/M $275.00 |
