How to Transform a Bridal Dress From Ceremony to Reception
The price of a wedding dress can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands depending on the designer and the fabric. The addition of embellishments, such as beads or embroidery, also adds up.
Bridal gowns follow fashion trends however, they also reflect changing attitudes toward weddings and marriage. Look to Erdem for timeless elegance in his romantic floral designs or Christopher John Rogers for a streamlined silhouette with embellished lace exclusively at Net A Porter.
Bodice
A bodice is a piece clothing that covers the upper part of the body. It is typically worn with a skirt or other outer clothes. It can be made of various types of fabric and may also have sleeves or detachable sleeves. It is usually decorated with embroidery, lace beads, beading and other elements to add texture and visual appeal.
The term "bodice", which originates from the Latin word body, refers to an unstructured top-wearing garment that is worn over soft outer-garments such as mantua and jackets. The original meaning of the word was a stiffened and boned top-layer garment worn over soft, unboned clothing such as mantua and jackets. As fashion trends changed, a distinction was made between a "pair bodies" (boned-and-stiffened garments for the upper body) and soft, unboned outer garments.
During the 17th Century the 17th century, the term "bodice" which was the outer garment, was thought of as to be a separate item and not a part of the dress. In this case the skirt was a distinct piece of the bodice and was attached to it with hooks and eyes. The term was eventually abbreviated to simply bodice.
In modern usage, the word "bodice" is used in an expanded meaning and can refer to a top that is a tight and fitted. It can be worn with a skirt or a pair of pants, or as an individual piece of clothing. In either situation, the fabric is typically stretchy and comfortable for the wearer.
Designers and brands of the bridal industry love draped bodice designs as they create an ethereal and romantic aesthetic for the bride's gown. Designers from luxury fashion houses like Vera Wang, Marchesa and Monique Lhuillier use draped bodice designs in their collections. However, this style of construction is also used by modern ready-to-wear brands like Diane von Furstenberg and Alice + Olivia that cater to a wider consumer base.
A sleeveless or short-sleeved bodice can be worn with a skirt or pants, or with other outer clothing. It can also be paired with a shrug or boleros to provide warmth and cover to the torso area. A beaded or embroidered dress can add an element of sparkle and elegance to any outfit.
Skirt
The skirt of a gown is typically composed of a light and fluid fabric like tulle. The ultimate bridal fabric, tulle can be cut and shaped to give it structure. It is available in various sizes and stiffness levels. It is best paired with simple silhouettes.
Other gauzy, sheer fabrics such as organza, Chiffon, and lace give a fairytale-like quality to any wedding dress. They look particularly beautiful when paired with beading and lace, which adds a dimension to the skirt. Try mikado to achieve more formal look. This textured fabric has a delicate sheen and is perfect for formal styles and all-year-round dresses.
Brocade and damask are two other bridal fabrics with a raised design that can add drama to any look. These more structured fabrics are best suitable for wedding dresses with a formal look like Mermaid and A line gowns.
The shape of the skirt is also important. The "A-line" silhouette closely follows the body's waist and bodice, then flares outward from the knees to give an enlarging effect. This silhouette is perfect for those with a more slim frame. It's shaped like a mermaid, but is more sculptural.
Tiered skirts are a popular choice for brides. The number of tiers as well as their dimensions determine the size of the skirt. Small, tightly pressed pleats create a delicate, floaty look while larger, more widely spaced pleats have an imposing and full effect. The tiers may be straight or curved, and may be diagonally or horizontally. The width of tiers can affect how full the dress appears. It's important to consider this when planning your wedding.
A bubble-shaped skirt is called the mermaid-style. It is a bit wide at the hips, and shrinks towards the bottom hem. This rounded design, available in floor-length and above-the-knee versions, adds a whimsical aspect to any wedding dress.
Train
The train is the long piece of fabric that flows behind the bride while she walks down the aisle. It is a significant element, since it creates the illusion of movement as well as the length of the dress. Today, wedding train dresses are available in many different lengths, ranging from small court trains to long chapel and cathedral train styles. dresses wedding of a train can be used to make a statement about the design of the dress or highlight the size of the bride.
The length of the skirt of a wedding dress was an indication of its social rank. Women of higher class were able to wear longer dresses, whereas women of lower class were able to wear shorter dresses. But with the advent of industrialization and mass production in the 20th century, wedding dresses were no longer about displaying a person's social standing and more about creating a beautiful wedding day for the couple. Wedding gowns became more affordable to middle-class women.
The popularity of reality television shows like Don't Tell the Bride and Say Yes to the Dress has fueled our interest in weddings and the intricate design elements that go into making the dream wedding gown. The bridal wear industry has grown and more brides are on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress.
While the wedding dress definitely reflects the fashions and trends of every time, there are certain universal elements that are applicable to every bride. The colour, for instance, never strays far from ivory or oyster, and the embellishments, lace and other embellishments are generally delicate and refined.
Queen Victoria's wedding dress of 1840 set the standard for modern bridesmaid gowns when she made her way down the aisle in white embroidered gown with orange blossoms and a lengthy train. She wanted to make sure her subjects knew that she took her role as queen seriously and was a lady of impeccable taste and good judgment.
Bustle
The final step to transform your gown from wedding to reception is to put on the bustle. The bustle is made up of a set buttons, hooks or ribbons that are sewn on the back of the skirt to reduce the train and make it easier to move around after the ceremony. The train of a bridal gown can be quite long. The bustle helps keep it off the ground and out from reach.
There are several different styles of bustling your wedding gown and you must decide which one is the best for you prior to the first fitting. The most straightforward and well-liked option is the American bustle, which is made up of one or more bustle points scattered across the waistline of your gown. The train is then lifted and snagged to these points creating an effect that is both elegant and romantic. This is a great option for most brides, especially those who have the lace or other intricate details on their gowns.
The French bustle is another option. It creates an effect that's similar, but it is more delicate. In this fashion, your seamstress will add colors-coordinated ribbons or numbers at each of the bustle points on your gown. When it's time to bustle each hook is easily matched with its pair and the train is tucked under itself instead of over. This is a good choice for brides who want to display their train, without causing a distraction for guests by glancing at it from the ground.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more traditional style with the Victorian bustle. This style is perfect for ball gowns and its dramatic folds create an instant impression. The Victorian style looks stunning on gowns embellished with Lace.
If you'd like a less formal twirl, your seamstress may suggest using a wrist-loop. This is a simple band that wraps around the wrist's base and helps keep your dress from falling off when you dance the night away. This is a practical and easy solution that won't take away from the beauty of your gown.