Classic vs. Modern Wedding Gowns

The decision every bride will have to make when beginning the hunt for her dress: to go with a modern, or a classic look? Many brides today strike a balance between the two, such as a classic cut with a modern twist, but plenty of brides will choose a clear side. Knowing the definition of classic and modern can help you distinguish between the two, and also aid your search for the perfect gown.

Classic vs Modern Wedding Dresses

Classic: Classic doesn’t necessary have to mean conservative, which is a common misconception brides have. A classic look can be vintage inspired, drawing inspiration from iconic decades such as the forties or fifties. A classic neckline would be strapless, or off the shoulder. The skirt would be floor length and very full, reminiscent of a formal ball gown. Classic wedding gowns will be a shade of white, often with no color or overbearing details. Simple beading and lace are common characteristics for classic looks. The classic look is a popular choice for many brides, because it can go with a broad range of style, and suit the atmosphere you have planned for your wedding day. These pieces are often considered timeless, featuring flattering details that don’t change with time.

Modern: A modern gown steps outside the box, but isn’t to be considered costume-like or inappropriate. Although few brides may want to break from tradition and choose a gown in another color, plenty of modern gowns are a shade of white. Modern can help define the cut, neckline, shape, silhouette, color or design. For example, a modern wedding dress may be white, but may also feature a brightly colored sash, or be cut at a tea length. Asymmetrical or uncommon necklines are another mark of a modern gown, such as one shoulder or a dramatic, plunging open back. Modern gowns often also feature unique fabrics and design, where tulle and lace may not be as common.

Plenty of designers offer both looks in their collections every year, which offer an abundance of options that can cater to any bride’s preference. Priscilla of Boston wedding dresses, for example, range from chic to timeless. No matter what look you choose for your big day, remember that making a dress your own is all about style and details. A classic dress can easily become modern with the addition of a colorful bolero. Keep an open mind when searching for your wedding gown, you may set out with one idea, but choose a dress that is entirely different!

Custom Wedding Shoes from Emmy

Many brides today are choosing to draw their wedding day inspiration from decades past. Breaking out of tradition, and cookie-cutter looks, vintage style offer a unique and memorable twist on your wedding day look. Wedding gowns designed to resemble the iconic looks of the roaring twenties, the glamorous forties, or even the prim and proper fifties are not hard to come by, with the trend being at an all time high. However, finding a shoe to match is another story. Bridal shoes don’t have to be satin pumps, they can be just as exciting, stylish, and unique as your dress. Check out these stunning heels from Emmy Shoes.

Custom Wedding Shoes

If you’re looking for the perfect vintage wedding shoe, you have to check out Emmy custom made wedding shoes. Based out of London, Emmy offers custom, unique, vintage inspired bridal shoes that are to die for. Check out their website for even more beautiful shoes: Emmy Shoes.co.uk

New Year, New Style

Davids Bridal Spring 2011 CollectionThe New Year is here! And with a new year comes new wedding style. As with any fashion trend, wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses alike evolve with the seasons. In Spring of 2011, we can expect some classic styles with a modern twist, and innovative ideas for today’s Bride. Here is a brief glimpse at just some of the styles and hot trends of the coming season.

Many modern brides today go against tradition and have not just one dress, but two for their wedding day. This sounds a little over the top, but the motivation is purely practical. Many dresses, especially formal ball gowns with full skirts, are appropriate for cathedral ceremonies, and popular with many brides. However, once it comes time for the reception, we find the size of the dress impractical for a night of dancing. For this reason, many brides have a cocktail style dress, often short in length, for the after-ceremony festivities. Although it doesn’t sound like a budget friendly idea, you do have an innovative and stylish option available to you: the two-in-one wedding dresses by David’s Bridal. This design is ground breaking for the wedding industry, not only are they a stunning collection of dresses, in this season’s hottest styles, but also transform from ceremony to reception. Go from formal, to casual and comfortable in just one zip. The full skirt comes off to reveal a sassy and practical cocktail dress perfect for dancing through the night. Maintain the style and beauty of your gown, with a manageable length for your reception. This dress has it all, and your transition will be seamless!

As for the trends of this coming Spring, keep an eye out for romantic lace. Now, this isn’t your grandmother’s lace, this is a sultry take on a classic design element. Whether it be a lace fitted bodice, or lace embellishments, you’ll see a lot of it this season. Pleating and draped gowns are also growing ever popular, many fitted at the natural waistline with a bold sash. All of these styles and more make for a promising Spring wedding season!

Candlelit Pews

A sweet and simple element to light the aisle for your ceremony. I love the mood tea light lanterns set, where ever you may use them in your decor.

Candle Tealight Lantern Pew Wedding Decor

Credit: Lantern pew decor, photo from Project Wedding.

Just For Guests

Dresses to wear to a WeddingIt’s likely that you’ll attend several weddings in your lifetime, often as a guest. Each wedding will be very unique, and depending on the atmosphere of both of the ceremony and reception, you’ll be expected to dress accordingly. These days, modern couples don’t put many restrictions on the attire of their guests. Many ceremonies are casual, and any semi-formal dress or outfit will do. However, there are a few occasions in which you might find certain attire will be more appropriate. For example, themed weddings, such as those taking place on a beach, might require a specific detail like sensible footwear. The venue can also be a good indicator as to the expectations of your outfit, as a more conservative or formal dress would be more suited to a cathedral or ballroom.

Many wedding guests choose to draw from their current wardrobe to find their outfit, while others may purchase a dress specifically for the occasion. There are many places to find appropriate dresses to wear to a wedding, no matter what the overall style of the ceremony and reception may be. You can shop at your favorite stores and still find the best look for the big day, without worrying about any restrictions. If you plan on purchasing a new ensemble, a good idea would be to make sure it’s something you could wear for other occasions. You can even pair it with a shoe you already own, and cut down on excessive expenses.

Wedding attire is predominately easier for those apart of the wedding party. For example, the mother of the bride or ring bearer might have a specific outfit designed for them, to match the palette of the ceremony. As a guest, you’ll only be expected to avoid the most obvious faux pas, and generally choose an outfit that suits the occasion. Bright colors, casual shoes, and fun accessories are all widely present in a modern wedding. The best advice for wedding guests would be to make sure you know what the bridesmaids, and wedding party, will be wearing and try to steer clear of choosing an outfit that looks too similar. Finding a selection to choose from won’t be hard, as many online shops such as Very.co.uk offer a broad range of attire to choose from. Getting the right outfit that suits the occasion, and your own personal style is easy when you utilize your online resources.

The Modern Bridesmaid

Bridesmaid DressesThe modern bridesmaid is no longer a fluffy cream puff of ruffles and lace, made to look identical to all the other maids. Brides today want their maids to have their own look, giving them the freedom to choose a cut, fabric, style, or color that best flatters them. Each bridesmaid is an individual, and when it comes to their attire, one size does not fit all. Giving some diversity to bridesmaid’s attire can liven up your wedding party, and introduce some personal flair. No matter what the wedding’s theme is, you can find a variety of options to help you steer clear of cookie cutter fashion.

It is common tradition that the bridesmaid’s purchase their own dresses. This is another reason why they should be given the freedom to choose one they like. A modern bride will be realistic about the cost of the dress, and allow for some creative input. This way, your girls are more likely to wear their Bridesmaid dresses again after your big day.

If you’re looking for a common thread among your maids to keep a kind of consistency, consider matching shoes, or a matching piece of jewelry for each one. In terms of flowers, often the bridesmaid’s bouquets are the same. This is a modern, and subtle way to match your maids, without creating quintuplets.

Etsy Wedding Gown

Etsy is modern Bride’s dream come true. With an abundance of unique and talented designers, you can find the gown of you’ve fantasized about, not to mention the budget friendly and customizable factors. Feast your eyes on this gem by Etsy designer KTJean. I love her work, each one of her gowns has something different to offer. Rustic western? Check. Vintage? Check. Fabulous? Check.

Rustic Western Vintage Etsy Wedding Dress Gown

Credits: Gown by KTJean.

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