Friday, May 27, 2011

Wedding Gowns - Fashions and Fabrics

Once upon a time there were all kinds of restrictions regarding wedding gowns. Older brides couldn't wear long white dresses and any color other than white spoke volumes about the bride.

These days, pretty much anything goes, though the bride must above all be comfortable in the statement she is making with her gown. If you're not comfortable in a veil, you feel too innocent and young, you shouldn't wear one. If white doesn't suit your coloring, wear ivory. The style and fabric of the dress you choose should be right for you. But while we all have a sense of our own style, we might not be well-versed in bridal fabrics, so here's a quick primer.

Satin and silk are by far the most commonly used fabrics for wedding gowns, satin being the most traditional. Pure silk can be quite costly, but silk blends such as charmeuse, crepe de chine, chiffon, organza, taffeta, brocade, broadcloth or peau de sole offer an elegant and less costly alternative. Not to be overlooked, however,are linen, natural cotton, man-made polyester and rayon. The variety of blends, weights and finishes available today provides fabulous options year round.

Gown styles range from beaded extravagance to tailored suits. When selecting your gown, consider the activities of the day and choose accordingly. For example, a princess dress may look beautiful in the salon, but might not serve the purpose for a beach wedding.

The professionals at your bridal salon will be able to help you decide on the style and fabric that best suits your needs, but remember, the determining factor is what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

Be sure to check out Premier Bride for a list of local wedding professionals...





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