The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: It’s time to choose your wedding dress! You probably have this idea in your head for years if you’re like most hopeless romantics. You might not be able to find your dream dress as easily as you thought. The most important thing is determining the right silhouette (and a great place to start), but it’s the minor details in a dress such as the bridal fabric that makes it uniquely you.
Take a moment to consider your style when choosing details for a dress. A person with a bubbly, exuberant personality may want more crinoline and beading, whereas a quiet or conservative one should choose something more elegant and simple.
Here are five easy ways to personalize any dress without losing the integrity of the original style. You’re the bride, so everyone will be watching you no matter what.
Neckline
The decolletage can be easily customized, depending on the gown’s structure and dressmaking fabric. You could change the neckline from a straight to a sweetheart.
Beading
As we select our wedding dress, we all have a vision, but it is the small details like beading that bring these visions to life. A good rule of thumb is to follow the “less is more” or “more is more” rule when it comes to beading.
Sleeves
Add a long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve to a fall or winter wedding dress or for a modest bride. With minimal coverage, you can choose sexy lace, or for more coverage you can opt for thicker satin and shoulder pads. Choose any of the following for a spring or summer wedding:
Strapless gowns are beautiful for women with hourglass figures as they can accentuate their shoulder lines and fit a small and full bust. Halter gowns are great for showcasing shoulders.
In place of imitation straps, spaghetti straps offer minimal coverage but still provide support, so you won’t have to worry about pulling your dress up.
The cap sleeve looks great on all body types, and offers just enough coverage to make your big day as comfortable as possible.
The off-the-shoulder style is universally flattering. When it falls correctly, the sleeve can be very subtle and add an element of elegance and femininity to the dress.
Buttons
You may picture a classic wedding dress with buttons extending from the top of the gown to the train, creating a beautiful and practical bustle. When you bag your gown, you can move around after your ceremony without having to worry about anyone stepping on it.
Crinoline
The crinoline serves as the dress’s foundation. Dress linings such as corsets or crinolines can be removed or added to give the dress the exact fullness you want. A gown might catch your eye but the skirt may be too much like a ballgown for you. Adding a few yards of crinoline to your gown will add stiffness and show off your dress’ skirt. Sometimes, removing the extra layer is just as easy as adding it so that the dress looks more slinky and form-fitting.
