Colored Gowns and Silhouettes

Colors

Why do brides typically wear white to their weddings? Most of us have accepted it as a societal norm but haven’t really ever stopped to think how the common wedding dress has evolved.

This phenomenon began with Queen Victoria wearing a white lace gown to her own wedding in 1840. Before this, brides in Western Europe typically wore red. Other colors were also worn, such as blue, brown, yellow and gray. From 1840 onwards, brides across Europe and America started wearing white as a symbol of wealth. The idea was that they were wearing an expensive gown that could easily become dirty, therefore proving their status. This trend was most common amongst the elite. It was not until after World War II when middle-class women started wearing white to their weddings as well. Through films and the Royal Wedding between Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981, this idea of the ‘white wedding’ was further reinforced.

However, the bridal market is now expanding its horizons. We can see this with designers Vera Wang, Lazaro and Monique Lluillier, who have incorporated various colors into their wedding collections. Wang in fact has a whole collection of non-white gowns. (See below)

Vera Wang Fall 2012 Black Wedding GownsVera Wang Spring 2012 Red Wedding Dress

Some brides just want something different and exciting other than the classic white gown. Take Jessica Biel for instance who wore a magnificent fuchsia gown by Giambattista Valli. She looked so feminine and elegant. Avril Lavigne also chose a colored gown for her big day, but it was far from pink. She wore black! Her Monique Lluillier gown was stunning and very Avril. Colors, though unconventional, can still be very bridal.

Leslie DeAngelo, owner of VOWS Bridal Outlet and star of TLC’s “I found the Gown” shared her take. “I have been seeing a lot more brides coming in and requesting colored gowns. Currently we have about twenty in the store, ranging from mint to charcoal. I think Vera Wang was definitely a pioneer in this trend with her non-white collection.”

The style and cut of wedding gowns have been evolving constantly. Just like street clothing, gowns follow fads of the year. What is in and what is out? Many brides want to wear a gown that speaks to the “in” fashion. DeAngelo noted, “The color of gowns, unlike style, has typically remained the same for decades. I am really excited about this new trend in color. I think it is exciting and fresh!”
So as fashion seems to always come full circle, we see the emergence of colored gowns yet again.

Silhouette

Which silhouette is best for you? Finding the perfect gown for your body type can sometimes require trying on several different silhouettes. Each bride has a different vision of what she wants to look like on her big day! This is a quick and easy guide to finding your most complimentary shape!

Trumpet silhouette is figure flattering and accentuates your curves! This type of gown works best on women with hourglass figures.

Trumpet Gown Front

Empire gowns are great for women who do not want to feature their mid sections. The high waistline is very flattering and sits right under the bustline.

Empire Wedding Gown

Sheath gowns do not flair like some of the other shapes. They stay hugging the body and have a lengthening effect.

Sheath Wedding Gown

A-Line works well on almost all figures! Lucky for us, it covers up most problem areas keeping us extra confident on our special day!

Simple A-Line Wedding Dress

Ball gowns are usually fitted until the waist and then flair out. They can definitely be statement pieces and cover the lower body. Generally, smaller figures tend to get lost in ball gowns.

Tulle One Shoulder Neckline Ball Gown Wedding Dress