Glamorous Wedding Dresses for a Picture Perfect Ceremony

No matter how modest she may be, every woman wants to look like a princess on her wedding day. Even in an age of sexual equality, women tend to devote far more time to their nuptials than the guys. More often than not, they do most of the preparation and planning. And it all starts with the dress.

The average bride-to-be starts shopping for her dress soon after she accepts a proposal of marriage. This can be anywhere from a year to nine months before her big day. Why so soon? Because the bridal gown is much more than a dress! It is the centerpiece of the modern wedding.


Ever since Queen Victoria walked down the aisle in a white dress in 1840, the bridal gown has been the star of the show. With all stereotypes aside, most women have an idea of their ideal dress long before they get engaged. Some of them even dream about it. The average bride-to-be will spend about fifteen-hundred dollars to make that dream a reality.

The Dress

It is often said that the modern wedding is all about the bride. Once again, it all starts with the dress. Even women who don't enjoy formal or fancy clothing often go all out on their big day. This does not necessarily mean spending a fortune. Glamorous wedding gowns can be found at affordable prices.

Neckline

When we think glamour, we often think of dresses that are a bit different. They need not be sexy or risqué, but they should be alluring. One often overlooked feature of the modern wedding dress is the neckline. The neckline of any formal gown can make or break the overall look. Let us take a moment to review a few distinctive necklines.

Bateau: This neckline sits just above the collarbone and it is often paired with a backless gown. The bateau works best with petite brides who have smaller bustlines.

Halter: This stylish neckline wraps around the neck and is often accompanied by a décolleté or plunging v-neck in the front.

One-Shoulder: As the name suggests, this stylish neckline leaves one shoulder bare. It works best for brides who are extremely fit, especially in the arms and shoulders.

Scoop: Though they do show a little skin with their classic U shape, scoop necklines are often quite elegant, and depending on the rest of the dress, they can also be on the conservative side.

Strapless: Ideal for outdoor weddings during the summer months, strapless gowns can be every bit as elegant as dresses that use far more material.

Sweetheart: An open neckline that shows a lot of skin and is shaped like a heart, the sweetheart is a popular choice for younger, shapelier brides.

Silhouettes

When used in the fashion world, the term silhouette describes the basic outline, shape or form of a dress.

A-Line: Because most women carry their weight in their lower half, the A-line flatters most figures. The dress is narrow on top and flares out as it falls to conceal trouble spots.

Baby doll: A much sexier silhouette, the baby doll has a hemline that falls above the knees.

Empire: With its raised waistline that gathers just below the bust, the empire silhouette is great for women with large hips and large bustlines.

Mermaid: An elegant choice for tall women with great figures, the mermaid is a full-length silhouette that flares out below the knees.

Princess: Perfect for the petite bride, the princess is close-fitting and it hangs in smooth lines that accentuate a woman's natural curves.

Sheath: Not for the faint of heart, the sheath silhouette hugs the body and leaves little to the imagination. Sheath wedding gowns are often made of light and thin materials like cotton or silk. They are perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

Trumpet: Much like the mermaid cut, the trumpet silhouette flares away from the body at the knees and has a hemline that resembles the bell of a trumpet.

Materials

If glamour is what you're looking for looking for, the right fabric can help you achieve that effect.

Chiffon: Made from silk or rayon, chiffon is sheer, delicate and often transparent and layered.

Crepe: A thin, light and soft fabric with a crinkled appearance.

Damask: A relatively lightweight woven fabric that is similar to brocade.

Organza: Sheer and crisp like chiffon, but with a slightly stiffer texture. It is often used in skirts and on the sleeves.

Satin: An incredibly popular connubial material, satin is heavy, soft and smooth.

Taffeta: As crisp and as smooth as chiffon, but a bit heavier.

Velvet: Heavy, soft and thick, velvet is commonly seen at formal weddings held during the winter months.

In the end, glamour is all about confidence. No matter the cut, style, or material, a flattering dress that makes a woman feel beautiful will always be glamorous. Find your dream wedding dress now.