Dressing in a beautiful dress for a wedding is necessary not only for the bride, but also for any representative of the fair sex, be it the mother of the groom or the bride, an honorary witness, or just a guest of the celebration. The evening look should be thoughtful and restrained in terms of decor. A pompous, pretentious outfit will look ridiculous and attract unnecessary attention, distracting the guests' views 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 the features of the figure, season, color scheme and location of the event, since a model 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 rules of selection
Wedding and evening dresses are selected taking into account the body type, skillfully combining it with shoes, accessories and other elements of the image. A successful cut will help hide problem areas, a harmonious interweaving of details will make the image elegant and memorable. Which dresses are suitable for a certain figure:
- Apple. This type has a prominent tummy, an unnoticeable waist, and the same width of the shoulders and hips. The lower part of the body is slender, so a mid-length outfit that reveals the legs is ideal. It is recommended to give preference to dresses with a neckline. The cut should repeat the silhouette of the figure, but you should not choose stretchy, tight-fitting fabrics, as they will only emphasize the roundness of the belly. To distract attention from the problem area, use dark inserts on the sides, a play on the contrast of the colors of the upper and lower parts, a vertical pattern, and drapery. 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 single-color material with contrasting inserts, as well as trapezoid-shaped models and models with a flared hem.
- Pear. The shoulders and chest are narrow, the hips are full, 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, a mermaid style. The top of the outfit should visually balance the 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 tapered hem, and a dark top.
- Triangle. This is the same pear, only in reverse: narrow hips, slender legs, and broad shoulders. Dresses with a flared skirt are suitable. Basques, folds, pleats, bows and ruffles on the hem are appropriate. At the same time, the shoulders need to be hidden, this can be done with a V-neck, asymmetrical neckline, American armhole, sweetheart neckline or bustier. Patch pockets, collars, falling sleeves and flounces in the upper part of the outfit should be avoided.
- Rectangle. A figure without a clear waist – it is recommended to specially “draw” it with a translucent insert or a contrasting transition. A-line and semi-fitted outfits are suitable. Dresses with a corset will highlight the flaws. Models with a low waistline, flounces, yokes, frills on the hips, as well as the “balloon” style look good on such a figure. The shoulders should be visually expanded with the help of puff 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 additionally emphasized with a belt. You should refuse loose dresses, they will hide the grace of the lines.
When choosing accessories, stylists recommend the following:
- You can complete the look with earrings, a necklace, bracelets, a handbag or a clutch. But there should be no more than three accessories and decorations.
- Jewelry should be selected in the same style.
- A long-sleeved outfit can be harmoniously decorated with beads or massive drop earrings.
- With a bustier dress and a short-sleeved model, it is worth combining bracelets or a watch.
Shoes should be high-heeled, regardless of style. If the outfit has a flared skirt, shoes with a strap will look harmonious. Sandals go well with a pleated hem. The handbag can be a clutch, on a strap or a chain. Bulky models are not suitable; you should choose an accessory of medium or small sizes.
It is important to take into account that miniature handbags emphasize a girl’s fullness.
Color palette
The color of the outfit is also extremely important when choosing. You cannot wear a completely white evening dress to a wedding, since this color is reserved exclusively for the bride's outfit. Black is associated with mourning, so it is also not recommended for guests to wear it. In extreme cases, by agreement with the bride, such evening dresses for a wedding celebration are acceptable if the event is planned for the evening. A popular option is combined models with black inserts.
In general, it is not recommended to choose dark-colored clothes, such as brown or blue, for a wedding. Dresses 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 will be appropriate; they look expensive and luxurious.
A wedding dress of a bright, saturated color, including red, is acceptable for the bridesmaid, because she should stand out from the crowd of guests. The bridesmaids can wear absolutely identical outfits or clothes of the same color, but different cuts.
The shade of the dress is chosen in accordance with the woman's color type, but the color of the accessories should not exactly repeat the outfit.
Basic recommendations apply to a classic wedding celebration. If the bride and groom have established a separate dress code or are planning to celebrate the wedding in a certain style, you need to start from these conditions. If a party in the spirit of hipsters is planned, bright outfits can be worn by all representatives of the fair sex. When the celebration is held in the Gothic style, the main colors will be “forbidden” black, dark blue, red.
Length
The length of an evening dress for a wedding can be almost any, given 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 appropriate, but you should definitely avoid ultra-short dresses that look too revealing and provocative and may cause disapproval from guests and newlyweds.
The most advantageous options are cocktail dresses of medium length. Retro models with a full knee-length skirt and Gatsby-style outfits are especially popular this season. Evening floor-length dresses are suitable for girls who want to appear slimmer. Long dresses with a high waistline especially transform the figure; they suit ladies with short legs relative to their height.
The Hollywood style image looks glamorous and luxurious, and wearing a long evening dress to a wedding will help hide full calves, varicose veins and other appearance flaws.
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 and baby-doll style look great. Successful short models include sheath dresses, which add femininity to the image and visually make the figure slimmer.
Material
The type of fabric and its texture determine the style of the image and how comfortable it will be to spend the whole day in it. Popular options:
- Chiffon. Emphasizes the femininity of the guest, suitable for romantic girls (organza creates a similar effect). It absorbs moisture well, drapes perfectly.
- Silk. It looks very expensive, it is used to create elegant dresses for women for weddings with flowing folds and folds. Due to its good air permeability, it cools the skin.
- Crepe satin and satin. They look solemn and noble, have a matte shine, and are beautifully draped.
- Velvet. Beautiful, does not electrify, suitable for both young girls and older ladies.
- Brocade. Does not wrinkle, looks festive, holds its shape perfectly.
Combinations of different materials are interesting, allowing 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.
Popular styles
The choice is made taking into account the age, build and the role that the beautiful lady will play at the wedding. An evening dress for a friends' wedding assumes 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 bride and groom's parents requires special attention. Recommended options:
- A tight dress with a small neckline. It should be tailored to the figure, but tight models are not suitable, as they will highlight the flaws of the appearance.
- In the Greek style. It is considered more suitable for young girls, but even at the age of "over 40" there is absolutely no need to give it up. The style will help hide extra pounds on the waist and hips, visually making you taller.
- A-silhouette. Looks feminine and elegant, suits women of any build.
- Straight dress. Will not accentuate the waistline. Round neckline will repeat the curve of jewelry on the neck. Festivity can be added with a chiffon or lace cape.
- Sheath. It looks a bit businesslike, but the model is quite appropriate. Festive sheath dresses are made of textured fabrics with lace and velvet inserts, decorated with rhinestones.
Mature women are not recommended to wear dresses with short hemlines; their length should be at or below the knee. You can’t skimp on a dress: it should be made from high-quality fabrics and fit the figure, preference should be given to a laconic cut without unnecessary details.
For pregnant women
Evening dresses for pregnant women are full-fledged outfits, not baggy clothes that spoil the image more than decorate it. Stylists advise expectant mothers several styles at once, which will not only emphasize the beauty of the changed figure, but will also please with comfort:
- The floor-length model with a high waistline or in the Greek style is one of the most popular. All attention is focused on the richly decorated bodice, while the stomach is hidden by numerous folds of flowing fabric.
- Straight with a low waistline - relevant at an early stage of pregnancy. In the waist area, the dress is loose enough not to restrict movement and not to draw attention to the interesting position.
- A robe – looks great despite its simple cut. Silk or chiffon evening dresses with a floral print are the best choice for a wedding.
Evening dresses for girls for a wedding in a classic style, which are outfits with a tight-fitting top, will have to be excluded.
For overweight women
Curvy ladies should take into account the features of their figure, because the style they like can emphasize the flaws. Photos of evening dresses for a wedding will help you decide on the cut. General rules for choosing:
- Dresses made of stretch fabrics are absolutely not suitable for plump 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 cause laughter behind your back.
- Silk and chiffon models, suitable in cut, are ideal for plumpness. Imperfections of appearance will not be noticeable behind the flowing folds.
- Light shades, as well as too bright ones, increase volumes, so you should give preference to darker muted tones. Stylists recommend dresses in purple, red, green and blue colors.
- A 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 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 should have a high, stable heel. A thin stiletto heel that will emphasize the bulk of the figure is taboo.
For the bridesmaid
The bridesmaid is almost always next to the bride and is equally in the camera lens. The bridesmaid's evening dress should emphasize all the advantages of her figure. The following styles are suitable:
- Maxi with a bustier is a classic evening dress. Stylists advise choosing a pastel-colored outfit that will emphasize the tenderness and romanticism of the image.
- With a one-shoulder strap – recommended for those with a wide top. You can attach a fabric flower or a bow to this element. A lush hem and a wide belt at the waist look great with this type of top.
- With an American armhole - the advantage of this model is the chaste look in the front and the open back at the back. The outfit looks exquisite both in a tight version and with a fluffy skirt. It looks sexy, but not vulgar.
A transformable dress is the best choice: at the registry office it is a full-fledged evening outfit, and in the evening it is a comfortable cocktail dress.
Choosing a dress depending on the season
Despite the fact that the peak of weddings is in the summer, they are held throughout the year. In the summer, the choice of dresses is the widest: from classic evening models to elegant sundresses with straps. Especially popular are options with a boat neckline, a sweetheart or a square armhole, as they do not exclude the presence of jewelry on the neck. A bustier dress or one with an open back will look sexy. If you are planning a wedding, you need to think about what to cover your shoulders with - this 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 dresses, and especially those with a train, are inappropriate. At this time of year, a knee-length dress will suit a wedding guest best. In winter, you should avoid light and flowing fabrics, as well as open cuts - the choice should be made in favor of dresses made of thick material, preferably with an admixture of wool, and necessarily with sleeves. A fur cape will also come in handy.
When choosing an evening dress, it is necessary to consider 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 dancing. It is good that there is a huge assortment of ready-made models, among which it will not be difficult to choose a suitable option for a woman of any build and age. And if desired, you can always order the sewing of an original dress in a studio, which will allow you to get an exclusive outfit.
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