Broader Shoulder

Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box

Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.

Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.

Short and Sweet

Who says a bride's dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon

Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.

For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.

Add an air of elegance

Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.

White in many ways

Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.

Heavenly headpieces

Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.

As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.

Choosing Your Wedding Dress

Every girl dreams of finding the perfect dress for their wedding day and many have a vision in their mind of what they picture the dress to be like.

Before going shopping be sure to determine your budget so that you stick with the gowns that you know are in a realistic price range for you and also keep in mind the season and time of year that you are getting married in. You dont want a big heavy gown if youre getting married in the hottest part of the summer.

The most important peice of advice that a bride to be can be given before she sets out to shop for her dress is to be open minded about trying on many different styles of dresses! As it is common that the dresses that many brides to be have pictured in their minds is very different then the actual wedding dress they end up wearing on the day!

When you start looking at wedding gowns, have a chat to the attendants in the bridal dress shops and query them as to which style and colour of wedding dress they would reccommend. These people generally have an idea of what dress styles suit particular body shapes and which shades of white suit particular skin tones.

Many brdes to be go looking for their perfect white wedding dress, when in fact, an ivory or latte dress is more suited to their hair and skin colour. Below is a quick guide to the different shades of white and what skin and hair colours they are best suited to;

Champagne or oyster

This wedding black strapless maxi dress dress white is an off-white with pink undertones and will flatter olive or darker skinned brides with dark hair.

Diamond white or natural white

This is a soft wedding dress white, common in the more expensive fabrics such as designer dress sale silk. This tone of white is well suited to fairer brides.

Latte

This shade of wedding dress white is slightly darker than the champagne and oyster shades. Latte is a popular choice today with brides and the tone is perfect for tanned or darker skinned brides.

Ivory

Wedding dresses in this shade of white have golden or yellow undertones. This shade of white suits fairer brides with honey coloured hair.

Stark white

Not suited to blonde or fair skinned girls. This shade of white is most unflattering if you are fair however looks amazing on dark skinned brides particularly hispanic brides.

Before you go shopping, get ideas from websites, magazines, and any other source that designer girls dresses allows you to preview the various types of styles, lengths, and designs out there. Be sure to consider your body type as you make your selection for a wedding gown. You certainly want to go with a style that flatters your body type and doesnt make you feel self conscious.

Below is a guide to which styles girls black dress of wedding dresses will suit different body shapes;

Hourglass

Choose a wedding dress that accentuates your waist. Gowns with a full skirt and corseted bodices that flatter the bust line are great for this shape.

Pear shaped

A-line princess dresses which balance out the bottom half to the top half and disguise fuller hips and thighs suit the pear shape best.

Petite

Simpler desses without too much fabric will make the more petite bride appear taller. Big Ball gowns, gowns that are broken up, mermaid wedding dress shapes can overwhelm someone with a smaller figure.

Tall

Ball gowns, princess line and A- line wedding dresses suit this bride. Most can carry off straight bridal dresses and mermaid dresses also. Avoid empire line dresses.

Fuller Waisted

Princess-line and drop waist wedding dresses are most flattering.

Broader Shoulder

Broader shouldered brides should avoid halter and off-the-shoulder necklines which bring attention to the shoulders, and instead try long sleeved evening dress strapless and scoop necklines.

Fuller Busted

Bridal corsets will provide shape and support for this body type. Scoop neck dresses and dresses with square necklines enhance bust lines.

Fuller Arms

Off the shoulder straps or sheer fabric is flattering to the arms. Three-quarter or long sleeve are also flattering on this shape and work to elongate the arm.

Shop around and try on a variety of different gowns so you will be satisfied that when you find "the one" you have considered many different alternatives and you can be happy you have not just settled on the first dress you tried on.

Finally, enjoy the process because trying on wedding gowns can be just as much fun as wearing it for your special day. Savor the journey and be sure to remember it by taking pictures of you in the various gowns you try on along the way.