5 Timeless Wedding Dresses for the Classic Bride - Paris & Ireland Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Your wedding dress shouldn’t make you cringe when you look back at your wedding pictures twenty years from now. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about what you wore on your big day, but instead, feel confident in your choices. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose a wedding gown that stands the test of time. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together five classic wedding gowns that will always be in style.
1. A-Line Dress
An A-line dress looks like the letter “A” . Like a ball gown, it flares out into a shape that resembles the capital letter “A”. But unlike a ball gown, an A-line wedding gown is not as wide, nor as dramatic.
Over the years, the A-line cut has been a classic choice among brides because it compliments every body type. It also cinches the waist, making it look more narrow. For that reason, it’s perfect for brides-to-be who want their waists to appear slimmed down.
It also works well with a wide range of wedding gown fabrics, such as lace and satin. No matter what fabric you choose, the A-line silhouette can add a classic flair to your bridal wear.
2. Ball Gown Dress
If you’ve ever wanted to walk down the aisle looking like a princess, this is the perfect choice for you. Although ball gowns can be a bit dramatic, they can still be classy depending on the design. Ball gowns flaunt a fitted bodice (sometimes it comes with a corset) and a full skirt. They’re very glamorous, making them the best bet for brides who want to make a grand entrance.
Since ball gowns are wide, they’re suitable for brides with broad shoulders. This is because they balance out the volume on the top and bottom half of the body.
To be sure your ball gown stays timeless, it’s best to go for fabrics such as satin, taffeta, and tulle. You can add ruffles to your wedding gown as long as you don’t go overboard. You wouldn’t want your wedding gown to look prom-appropriate!
3. Mermaid Dress
Mermaid dresses are more contemporary than the other dresses in this post. That said, they’re perfect for brides-to-be who prefer to wear something on-trend but that can still stand the test of time. Also known as fishtail dresses, these flaunt a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares at the knees, giving you an envy-worthy hourglass figure.
They’re often made from two fabrics to allow the skirt to stand out — silk and tulle is a common combo. And although beaded lace can be beautiful, it’s a bit too trendy to be considered a classic. It’s best to choose fabrics that create clean lines such as satin, and then pair them with softer fabrics such as chiffon and lace.
4. Column Dress
Column dresses get their name from their straight design. These wedding dresses tend to drop straight down, although certain designs are a bit tighter at the waist. Compared to A-line dresses, column dresses do not flare — instead, they fall to the floor.
Because of their fuss-free structure, they’re suitable for brides with athletic bodies. This type of wedding gown is also a great option for petite brides because it can make them look taller than they actually are. Column dresses are commonly made from structured fabrics such as crepe and charmeuse.
5. Empire Dress
An empire dress looks like an A-line dress, but what sets it apart is that its waistline starts beneath the bust. Empire dresses have been a go-to choice among brides for ages (they’ve been popular since the nineteenth century) because they lengthen the body.
This dress is suitable for brides with smaller busts, as it draws attention to that area and makes it look fuller. To make sure your empire dress doesn’t look like it’s from the regency era, it’s best not to use certain fabrics such as satin and cotton.
Tips on Choosing a Classic Wedding Dress
So, how can you choose a dress that will always be on-trend? Here are a couple of tips on choosing a wedding dress that you’ll adore for the rest of your life.
Don’t Overdo It
Classic dresses are classy. That said, you should understand that sometimes, less is more. When choosing a wedding dress, go for something that isn’t too over-the-top. Wedding dresses with glitter, for example, are a no-go because they probably won’t be considered classy in a couple of years.
Be Mindful of the Fabric
Certain fabrics will always be classics, but some will be so last season. Make sure to mind the fabric, as the wrong fabric can make your wedding dress look dated. To be safe, stick with classic fabrics such as lace, satin, and chiffon.
Choose a Classic Color
Colorful wedding dresses may be on-trend today, but they may not be fashionable ten years from now. If you want to be a classic bride, you can’t go wrong with a white wedding dress. White will always be in bridal wear.
Aim For Modesty
What do classic dresses have in common? They’re never too revealing. If you want to be a timeless bride, look for a wedding dress that accentuates your curves, but that doesn’t show off too much skin. If you want to show off some skin, go for wedding dresses with sheer — it allows for a bit of sexiness while still giving you coverage.
Wear a Veil
Veils will always be fashionable, whatever the era. They can be worn with a wide range of wedding gowns, from classic A-line dresses to more contemporary column dresses. By wearing a wedding veil, you’ll be able to add elegance to your wedding gown, making it look more magical.
Conclusion
No one should regret what they wore to their wedding, so do yourself a favor and choose something that will stand the test of time. You can’t go wrong with a classic gown! That way, when you get your wedding photos from your professional wedding photographer, you’ll know that you looked good and that your fashion choices will always be considered chic.