Top 7 stylish alternatives to a banal wedding dress: what should a modern bride wear to a wedding?

Dressing in a beautiful dress on the occasion of a wedding is necessary not only for the newlywed, but also for any representative of the fair sex, be it the mother of the bride or groom, an honorary witness, or simply a guest of the celebration. An evening look should be thoughtful and restrained in terms of decor. A pompous, pretentious outfit will look ridiculous and attract undue attention, distracting the eyes of ceremony guests from the newlyweds themselves. Experts say that evening dresses for a wedding should be feminine, elegant, and most importantly, appropriate and suitable for the specifics of the celebration. In addition, when looking for an outfit, it is important to take into account your body shape, seasonality, color scheme and location of the event, since a model that is appropriate for a beach party will look ridiculous at a Gatsby-style wedding. General trends in world fashion and rules for choosing an evening dress for a wedding will be discussed in the article.

General selection rules

Wedding and evening dresses are selected taking into account the type of figure, correctly combining it with shoes, accessories and other elements of the image. A successful style will help hide problem areas, the harmonious interweaving of details will make the image elegant and memorable. Which dresses are suitable for a certain figure:

Apple. The type is distinguished by a prominent tummy, the waist is invisible, the width of the shoulders and hips is the same. The lower body is slender, so a mid-length outfit that shows off your legs is ideal. It is recommended to give preference to dresses with a neckline. The cut should follow the silhouette of the figure, but you should not choose stretchy or tight fabrics, they will only emphasize the roundness of the abdomen. To divert attention from the problem area, use dark inserts on the sides, play on the contrast of colors of the upper and lower parts, vertical patterns, and draperies. Lace, linen, and chiffon models are suitable for women with this type of figure. An excellent option is a sheath dress with open arms, made of a plain material with contrasting inserts, as well as a-line models with a flared hem.
Pear. The shoulders and chest are narrow, the hips are full and wide, the waist is clearly visible. To even out the proportions of the body, it is recommended to give preference to a straight cut or fitted models with a slightly flared skirt, or a mermaid style. The top of the outfit should visually balance out narrow shoulders. The maximum effect is provided by collars, dropped shoulders (a flared mid-length skirt looks great with this option), flounces along the chest line, a bolero or a boa. You should avoid a low waist, patch pockets at hip level, a narrowed hem, and a dark top.
Triangle. This is the same pear, only in reverse: the hips are narrow, the legs are slender, and the shoulders are wide. Dresses with flared skirts are suitable. Basque, pleats, pleats, bows and ruffles at the hem are appropriate. In this case, the shoulders need to be hidden; this can be done using a V-neck, asymmetrical neckline, American armhole, sweetheart neckline or bustier. Patch pockets, collars, falling sleeves and ruffles at the top of the outfit should be avoided.
Rectangle. A figure without a clear waist - it is recommended to specifically “draw” it using a translucent insert or a contrasting transition. A-line and semi-fitting silhouettes are suitable. Dresses with a corset will highlight imperfections. Models with a low waistline, flounces, a yoke, frills on the hips, as well as a balloon style look good on this figure. The shoulders should be visually expanded with puffed sleeves, a collar, bright trim or shoulder pads.
Hourglass. Wide chest and hips, narrow waist. This figure does not need correction. You can choose a model of any cut, including one that follows the curves of the body. The waist is further emphasized with a belt. You should avoid hoodie dresses; they will hide the grace of the lines.

When choosing accessories, the stylists' recommendations are as follows:

You can complement the look with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, a handbag or clutch. But there should not be more than three accessories and decorations.
Jewelry should be selected in one style direction.
An outfit with long sleeves will be harmoniously decorated with beads or massive drop earrings.
You should pair bracelets or watches with a bustier dress and a short-sleeved model.

Shoes must be high-heeled, regardless of style. If the outfit has a flared skirt, strappy shoes will look harmonious. The pleated hem is matched with sandals. The handbag can be in the form of a clutch, on a strap or chain. Bulk models are not suitable; you should opt for a medium or small sized accessory.

It is important to consider that miniature handbags emphasize the plumpness of a girl.

Modest celebrity wedding dresses

Don't be upset if you can't buy a luxurious wedding dress. In a modest outfit, the bride will look no worse. Even some celebrities who are clearly not experiencing financial difficulties chose modest outfits for their weddings. And at the same time they managed to go down in fashion history!

For example, Audrey Hepburn chose a simple trapeze-shaped dress for her wedding. And Marilyn Monroe at her wedding ceremony with DiMaggio wore a dark wool suit, decorated with a white fur collar and a white boutonniere.

Actress Mia Farrow also wore a very modest white dress with a jacket to her wedding. A very simple wedding dress, reminiscent of a beach sundress, was worn by model Cindy Crawford on her wedding day.

The celebration dedicated to the wedding of Keira Knightley was quiet and intimate. The bride chose a dress with a flowing skirt made of airy fabric and a corset top. The outfit was completed with a short jacket with sleeves.

Color palette

The color of the outfit is also extremely important when choosing. An all-white evening dress cannot be worn to a wedding, since this color is intended exclusively for the bride’s outfit. Black is associated with mourning, so it is also not recommended for guests. As a last resort, by agreement with the bride, such evening dresses are acceptable for a wedding celebration if the event is planned for the evening. A popular option are combined models with black inserts.

In general, choosing clothes in dark colors, such as brown or blue, is not recommended for a wedding. Dresses made in pastel colors, beige, and silver are best suited for this event. Delicate shades of lavender, peach, and pink will help create a romantic look. Champagne-colored outfits with complex textured trim would be appropriate; they look expensive and luxurious.

A dress for a wedding celebration in a bright, rich color, including red, can be worn by a witness, because she must stand out from the crowd of guests. Bridesmaids can wear exactly the same outfits or clothes of the same color, but different cuts.

The shade of the dress is chosen in accordance with the female color type; the color of the accessories should not exactly match the outfit.

Basic recommendations apply to a classic wedding celebration. If the bride and groom have established a separate dress code or plan to celebrate the wedding in a certain style, you need to start from these conditions. If there is a party in the style of dudes, bright outfits can be worn by all representatives of the fair sex. When the celebration takes place in the Gothic style, the main colors will be “forbidden” black, dark blue, and red.

When is it appropriate to wear a colored dress?

Wedding dresses are not white, photo.
Wedding dresses are not white - yes or no? Many brides are afraid to wear bright dresses because they don’t know how appropriate they will be.

The traditional color is white. It will be acceptable in any case, but as for the colored one, there are small deviations.

So, you can choose a non-white outfit if:

Would you like to have a themed wedding?
The entire wedding has a single color scheme. For example, a peach shade is present in the decoration of cars, the hall, and the groom's paraphernalia. Then add your outfit to this list.
The ceremony will take place outside. The venue itself is already non-standard, why not distinguish yourself and choose a colored dress. Wearing green, the bride will look like a forest nymph. If the event takes place near the open sea, then you should decide on delicate blue shades, becoming a little mermaid or Aphrodite for one day.
You want to be original at your holiday.
The bride feels more relaxed in rich shades.
According to the color type, the color version of the dress is suitable.

This is just a small list of reasons that will help you decide on the choice of wedding dress. In any case, the 21st century is moving away from stereotypes and remnants of the past. Therefore, a modern bride can choose the color that she likes and suits best.

Length

The length of an evening dress for a wedding can be almost any, taking into account the fact that after the formal part there is usually a banquet, which is complemented by dancing and active competitions. The choice largely depends on the format of the wedding; in some cases, evening dresses with a train are also appropriate, but you should definitely avoid ultra-short dresses that look too revealing and provocative and can cause disapproval from guests and newlyweds.

The most advantageous options are mid-length cocktail dresses. Retro models with a fluffy knee-length skirt, as well as Gatsby-style outfits, are especially popular this season. Floor-length evening dresses are suitable for girls who want to appear slimmer. Long dresses with a high waistline especially transform the figure; they are suitable for ladies with short legs, relative to their height.

A Hollywood-style look looks glamorous and luxurious, and besides, wearing a long evening dress to a wedding will help you hide full calves, varicose veins and other imperfections in your appearance.

Short dresses above the knee are suitable for slender girls with beautiful legs. If you are short, you need a high heel. Models with a full skirt, as well as in baby-dollar style, look advantageous. Successful short models include sheath-type dresses, which add femininity to the image and visually make the figure slimmer.

Evening dresses for girls

Dresses made of crepe-satin, pastel-colored satin and guipure look impressive. This fabric will create the perfect look for a wedding as a guest. The matte shine of satin radiates special beauty, and satin drapes perfectly and does not electrify.

Evening looks with a bare back and a thigh-high slit look feminine and elegant. The elements of the dress and the overall style should match the overall look you intend to achieve. In the summer season, floaty and airy fabrics are favorites.

Beautiful lace has always been in trend; it can add charm, tenderness and sophistication to any look. The style of the dress can be completely decorated with lace or contain small lace elements.

Material

The style of the look and how comfortable it will be to spend the whole day in it depend on the type of fabric and its texture. Popular options:

Chiffon. Emphasizes the femininity of the guest, suitable for romantic girls (organza creates a similar effect). It absorbs moisture well and drapes well.
Silk. It looks very expensive; it is used to create elegant dresses for women for weddings with flowing folds and tails. Thanks to good breathability, it cools the skin.
Crepe satin and satin. They look solemn and noble, have a matte shine, and drape beautifully.
Velvet. Beautiful, does not electrify, suitable for both young girls and older ladies.
Brocade. It doesn’t wrinkle, looks festive, and keeps its shape perfectly.

Interesting combinations of different materials, allowing you to create a complex image. These can be fabrics of the same or different density, the same shade or different in saturation and range of colors. In any case, the combination should be harmonious.

Atlas Velvet

Brocade

Combined

Crepe satin

Silk

Chiffon

Choosing fabric for summer and winter wedding attire

A lot depends on the choice of fabric for a wedding dress. The same style, made from different materials, can look radically different. An important factor is seasonality, since different fabrics are suitable for the warm and cold seasons.

Summer is the most wedding season; fabrics such as:

Silk is an expensive material that is difficult to process. In addition, natural silk wrinkles a lot. But the mesmerizing beauty of luxurious fabric surpasses all the disadvantages.
Atlas - the most popular in the wedding industry, used for sewing both lush dresses and silhouette styles. The fabric is universal, suitable for summer and winter seasons.
Satin. The fabric with the addition of synthetic fibers has a silky shine. Satin based on cotton fiber is more matte.
Chiffon. Translucent, light, flowing, easily draped, chiffon is perfect for a summer wedding dress.
Tulle. Synthetic fabric diluted with cotton fibers. The material is comfortable, allows the skin to breathe freely, does not wrinkle, and has a pleasant tactile sensation.
Natural crepe. It comes with a matte, smooth or shiny texture, ideally combined with lace.
Guipure, or Venetian lace. Openwork material with a relief pattern is more often used to decorate outfits, less often used on its own.
Linen. The modest appearance is compensated by useful properties, as well as endless possibilities for experimenting with decor.

If lightness and translucency are valued in summer fabrics, then for winter dresses an important factor is comfort and the ability to retain heat.

For a wedding in the cold season, you can choose:

Artificial crepe. Unlike natural material, the addition of synthetic fibers provides warmth.
Brocade, or fabric of queens . Self-sufficient dense material with a luxurious texture allows you to create beautiful volume, keeps its shape and protects from the cold.
Taffeta. Dense material with a characteristic glossy shine. The base is cotton, silk or synthetic fiber. The rigidity of taffeta allows you to create voluminous styles and draperies.
Jacquard . Thick, comfortable, wrinkle-free, suitable for a winter wedding ceremony.
Fatin. Translucent, weightless material that does not wrinkle. Despite its lightness, tulle practically does not release heat, so it is suitable for a winter wedding.
Organza is a universal material for any season. Organza allows you to comfortably endure the summer heat, and multi-layer draperies will protect you from the cold.

Popular styles

The choice is made taking into account age, build and the role that the beautiful lady will play at the wedding. An evening dress for a friends wedding suggests more freedom than the outfit of the mothers of the newlyweds and the bridesmaid. But other guests should not forget about the features of the figure.

For mothers of newlyweds

The appearance of the parents of the bride and groom requires special attention. Recommended options:

Tight-fitting dress with a slight neckline. It should be tailored to your figure, but tight-fitting models are not suitable, as they will highlight flaws in your appearance.
In Greek style. It is considered more suitable for young girls, but even at the age of “over 40” there is absolutely no need to abandon it. The style will help hide extra pounds on the waist and hips and visually make you taller.
A-silhouette. It looks feminine and elegant, suitable for women of any size.
Straight dress. Will not focus attention on the waistline. A round neckline will follow the curve of the jewelry on your neck. You can add a festive touch with a chiffon or lace cape.
Case. It looks a little businesslike, but the model is quite appropriate. Festive sheath dresses are made of textured fabrics with inserts of lace, velvet, and decorated with rhinestones.

Mature women are not recommended to wear dresses with a short hem; its length should be at or below the knee. You cannot skimp on a dress: it must be made of high-quality fabrics and fit your figure; preference should be given to a laconic cut without unnecessary details.

For pregnant

Evening dresses for pregnant women are full-fledged outfits, and not baggy clothes that spoil the image more than decorate it. Stylists advise expectant mothers to choose several styles that will not only highlight the beauty of their changed figure, but will also delight them with convenience:

The floor-length model with a high waistline or in the Greek style is one of the most popular. All attention is directed to the richly decorated bodice, while the belly is hidden by numerous folds of flowing fabric.
Straight with a low waistline - relevant for a short period of pregnancy. At the waist, the dress is loose enough so as not to restrict movement and not draw attention to an interesting position.
The hoodie looks great despite its simple cut. Models of evening dresses for weddings made of silk or chiffon with a floral print are best suited.

Evening dresses for girls for weddings in a classic style, which are dresses with a tight-fitting top, will have to be excluded.

For obese women

Curvy ladies should take into account the features of their figure, because the style you like can emphasize flaws. Photos of evening dresses for a wedding will help you decide on the cut. General selection rules:

Outfits made from stretch fabrics are absolutely not suitable for overweight girls and women - they emphasize every fold and create flaws even where there were none. You should not wear such a dress if you do not want to make people laugh behind your back.
Silk and chiffon models that fit the cut are ideal for those who are plump. Imperfections in appearance will not be noticeable behind the flowing folds.
Light shades, as well as too bright ones, increase volume, so preference should be given to darker, muted tones. Stylists recommend dresses in purple, red, green and blue colors.
The large print also emphasizes fullness. The best option is a small floral pattern or a plain dress with dark inserts on the sides.
If all the extra pounds have accumulated in the lower part of the body, you should divert attention from it with the help of a deep neckline or bright trim on the chest.
It is recommended to hide the fullness of the arms under wide sleeves made of translucent fabric, which look especially advantageous on stately ladies.

If you are overweight, it is important to choose the right jewelry – not massive, but not too fragile. Shoes must have high, stable heels. A thin stiletto heel that will emphasize a heavy figure is taboo.

For the bridesmaid

The witness is almost always next to the newlywed and is equally captured by the camera lens. An evening dress for a bridesmaid should highlight all the advantages of her figure. The following styles are suitable:

Maxi with bustier is a classic evening dress. Stylists advise choosing an outfit in a pastel color, which will emphasize the tenderness and romance of the image.
With a strap on one shoulder - recommended for those with a wide top. You can attach a fabric flower or bow to this element. With this cut of the top, a fluffy hem and a wide belt at the waist look great.
With an American armhole - the advantage of this model is a chaste look at the front and an open back at the back. The outfit looks elegant both in a tight-fitting version and with a full skirt. Looks sexy, but not vulgar.

A transformable dress is the best choice: at the registry office it’s a full-fledged evening outfit, and in the evening it’s a comfortable cocktail dress.

Evening dresses for weddings for mothers

For every parent, the wedding of their child is one of the most important events in life. Mothers of newlyweds should be especially responsible when choosing a dress. They will also get a lot of attention. Each of the mothers will want to stand out, but also look appropriate for the event.

Rules for choosing dresses for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom:

The length of the skirt is knee-length or floor-length;
The image of mothers should be elegant and expensive;
Women should feel comfortable, they should like the outfit;
The dress should be as comfortable as possible.

For a slender woman, styles with a fitted silhouette are suitable. As a rule, such a dress is suitable for many mothers; the main thing in this image is to choose the right shoes. Classic pumps or miniature sandals will do.

If your mother is the owner of curvy figures, long styles of floor-length dresses, models with a wrap and with flared sleeves will suit her best. The image of the mother of the bride and groom should be complemented with a small clutch of a suitable shade and neat jewelry. Makeup and hairstyle should be natural and elegant.

Choosing a dress depending on the time of year

Even though weddings peak in the summer, they are held throughout the year. In summer, the choice of dresses is widest: from classic evening styles to elegant sundresses with straps. Options with a boat neckline, sweetheart or square armhole are especially popular, as they do not exclude the presence of jewelry on the neck. A bustier or open back dress will look sexy. If you are planning a wedding, you need to think about how to cover your shoulders - it could be a bolero, a lace cape or a light chiffon shawl.

In spring or autumn, when it rains frequently or the snow has not yet melted completely, floor-length outfits, and especially with a train, are inappropriate. At this time of year, a knee-length dress for a wedding guest is ideal. In winter, you need to abandon light and flowy fabrics, as well as open cuts - the choice should be made in favor of dresses made of dense material, preferably with a mixture of wool, and always with sleeves. A fur cape will also come in handy.

When choosing an evening dress, you need to take into account the convenience and practicality of the outfit, because weddings are celebrated for several hours, and a significant part of the time will have to be spent on your feet, actively participating in competitions and dances. It’s good that there is a huge assortment of ready-made models, among which choosing the right option for a woman of any size and age will not be difficult. And if you wish, you can always order an original dress to be sewn in the studio, which will allow you to get an exclusive outfit.

Don't forget about little guests

Girls under 12 years of age are also very concerned about the dress she will wear to the celebration. Usually curvy models are selected, although older girls can choose something in the Greek style or with a straight silhouette. You can complement the look with a small bouquet or wreath; there is no need for excessive decor. “Mom and daughter” models are also very popular now, and this is not surprising, because such outfits look very harmonious. I wonder what type of dress you would choose for your daughter?

That's basically all I wanted to tell you today. As usual, I close the article with a useful video on choosing evening dresses for a celebration.

In addition, you can look at photos of evening dresses with prices in stores, ask for advice in the professionals section, so that you are completely prepared for the purchase. With this I say goodbye to you. I remind you that every day I prepare a new article, so subscribe to updates. If you found this article interesting, share it on social networks so as not to lose it. And, of course, share your opinions, photos in evening dresses from the wedding of your brother, sister or friend. I will be very interested to look at your photographs. Bye.

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Dressing restrictions for wedding guests

There are several fashion taboos that should keep you from purchasing even the most elegant wedding dress for a guest. The desire to outshine the bride is considered inappropriate at this celebration, and therefore a fashion ban is imposed on dresses of all shades of white (so that the wedding dress contrasts with all other looks), as well as overly ornate options (especially if you know that the bride prefers a modest style and will choose a dress without a lot of decorations). Black color is also considered undesirable at a wedding, but only if we are not talking about a high-status social event with a black-tie dress code. Your dress as a guest should not be too sheer or revealing, although slits, a neckline on the chest or back, and short skirts are acceptable, but not all at once. In any case, a wedding outfit should look more modest and elegant than a nightclub outfit. If the celebration begins in the afternoon, then you should abandon models decorated with sequins or a large number of shiny elements. It is also considered inappropriate to completely ignore the dress code if it is specified in the invitation, but it is not at all necessary to spend huge sums on purchasing a themed outfit; it is enough to complement the toilet with suitable accessories, and the dress will sparkle in a new way.

Elegant dresses for pregnant women

Pregnancy is not a reason to neglect your attractiveness. A beautiful dress will cheer up the expectant mother. But in order not to harm the baby, it is important not to forget about convenience and comfort. Women appreciated the loose-fitting models that slightly hid their round belly. Combinations of guipure and mesh are in fashion; who said they are contraindicated for pregnant women? The main thing is to combine materials correctly and guess the length!

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