Should You Wear Your Mother’s Wedding Gown?

When you become engaged, don’t be surprised to see your mom pulling a big box down from the attic. Inside that box is her wedding gown, saved all these years in the hopes that her daughter would one day wear it down the aisle. Some brides have always shared that same dream since childhood, while for others, nothing could be less appealing than wearing their mom’s gown. These are some things to consider while trying to decide if you should wear your mother’s wedding gown.

The style of your mother’s gown may well be the first thing that gets considered. However, do not put too much stock into the current version of the bridal gown. If your mom is willing and you can find someone who specializes in vintage restoration, an antique gown can often be remade to suit the taste of the next generation of bride. A good quality gown may pass through several generations, with each bride adapting it slightly to fit the style of her era.  Updated accessories like a beaded veil and beautiful bridal jewelry can also help to give a vintage gown a fresh new look. Of course, if your mom cannot bear to see her gown changed and you cannot bear to wear it as is, then it may be time to start shopping for a new bridal gown.

Most brides today are larger than their mothers. They are stronger, more muscular, and taller, which can make the mom’s old gown appear impossibly small. Happily, it is the rare gown which cannot be sized up at least a few inches to accommodate a modern frame. So if you are at all interested in wearing your mother’s wedding dress, it is worth taking it to a vintage specialist to see what the possibilities may be. Brides should be aware that if extensive resizing is needed, at some point restoring the family gown might get almost as expensive as purchasing a new dress.

One more factor to take into consideration is the wishes of both the bride and her mom. If it would mean the world to the mother of the bride to see her daughter wear her bridal gown, and she is willing to allow it to be refashioned to suit her daughter’s figure and taste, the bride should definitely think about wearing it. On the other hand, the daughter might feel strongly about getting a brand new gown. In the end, the bride has to feel good about whatever gown she wears on her wedding day, whether it is a family heirloom or a brand new wedding dress.

Wedding Gowns: Finding “The One”

Shopping for a bridal gown can bring up so many emotions, running from elation (“I am getting married”) to excitement (what could be more gorgeous than a wedding gown) to despair (“What if I don’t find my dream dress?”) to shock (“This dress costs how much?!”). Without a doubt, the pressure to find the perfect wedding dress can feel immense, especially for brides who are working with a short time frame. These are some great tips to help you find the wedding gown that is “the one” with a minimum of stress and a maximum of fun.

First of all, there is the question of cost. It will do you no good to fall in love with a $20,000 wedding gown when your budget is $2000. On the other hand, it helps to have an understanding of what is a reasonable price range for the style of wedding gown that interests you before you begin shopping to avoid any nasty sticker shock in the bridal salon. That way you can adjust your wedding budget accordingly and avoid disappointment.

A lot of brides wonder how they will feel when they find “the one”. If you do not burst into tears of joy the moment you put on a wedding gown, could it still be the right one for you? Absolutely! Absent the flood of tears, what should you expect? Well, you should definitely feel gorgeous, like you have dropped ten pounds instantly, and like you can’t wipe the smile off your face. A very good clue is that you do not want to take the dress off. If you have been standing in front of the mirror in the store for an hour admiring the gown and trying on all sorts of veils, headpieces, and bridal jewelry, the chances are you have found your gown.

Another great tip when it comes to finding the perfect wedding gown is to know yourself. You should definitely be open to styles that your bridal consultant wants to show you, but you can help her by cluing her in to your absolute must have features. Be honest! Give your bridal consultant more of your genuine personality to go on, and you will save a lot of time.

One final piece of advice is to only go wedding gown shopping with those who will be supportive…and honest. If you and your mom have never seen eye to eye on fashion, maybe she is not going to be the best sounding board for you. And only bring a couple of people with you to shop, or you will end up with so many conflicting opinions that your own voice will be lost in the crowd. With these thoughts in mind, it will be much easier to find the perfect wedding gown. And when you do find “the one”, snap it up without hesitation!

Elegant Gowns for Older Brides

Being an older bride and dressing appropriately in no way means being dowdy or conservative. A bride of any age can look incredible in a gowns and bridal jewelry sets which are chic and fashion-forward. What it means to dress like an older bride is to wear something which is sophisticated and elegant, rather than young and frilly. Anything that makes you look like Cinderella is out. Anything that makes you look like Grace Kelly is definitely in.

Sheath style wedding gowns are among the most elegant. The slim silhouette is womanly and sophisticated, perfect for a bride who is a grown-up with life experience. A draped silk satin gown is an especially gorgeous choice. The fabric is the ultimate in luxury, and the weight of the satin along with the draping add a bit of camouflage that other slender gowns lack. The one shoulder style is very stylish right now and looks marvelous on a woman of any age. Bridal jewelry sets which feature dramatic crystal earrings and bracelets complement the single shoulder style beautifully.

Lace is a traditional bridal favorite and it can be stunning for a more mature bride. A lace gown with a fitted bodice and tip of the shoulder cap sleeves is a beautiful option. Look for one which is slender through the hips and then gently flared out into a court train at the hem. Brides who prefer styles which disguise the hips can look for gowns in lace with a great weight such as Alencon which have A-line skirts. Special details such as keyhole backs or scalloped necklines only add to the appeal of classic lace gowns. Finish it off with a waist-defining accent like a mocha colored sash or a crystal brooch at the waist.

Color is becoming increasingly popular for wedding gowns across the age spectrum. This can be a great idea for an older or second time bride who wants a classic wedding gown, yet is not entirely comfortable with pure white. There are numerous bridal gowns coming for next spring which are created in soft colors like pale pink, gray-blue, or even a gentle (and surprisingly flattering) light gray. Many of these gowns are created in very chic styles which are both au courant and sophisticated. All in all, a perfect combination of features for the bride seeking a gown which is elegant, unique, and mature.

Glamorous Wedding Attire

Weddings are one of the few excuses we get to really dress up these days.  Let’s face it: dressing your best makes a special occasion feel even more special. That goes for everyone involved in the wedding, from the bride and groom to the wedding party to the guests. This guide to glamorous wedding attire will help you turn out in high style.

There are spectacular options available for the bride who wants a wedding gown with a glamorous attitude. It is all about the use of luxurious fabrics and rich details with a touch of drama. A trumpet style is one of the most glamorous, with its slim fit through the bodice and sudden flare of fullness at the skirt above the knee. The most au courant versions of trumpet shape wedding gowns are created in silk satin or silk taffeta and feature interesting ruching and gathering. A one shoulder gown would be very chic as would one with an asymmetrical oversized bow. Lots of dazzling crystal bridal jewelry and fabulous high heels will make the look even more glam.

When the bride is the picture of glamor, she will surely want her bridesmaids to embody the same fabulous style. Rich color can be an excellent way to make your bridesmaids look glamorous. Try an eggplant silk or a peacock blue for drama and sophistication. A satin draped column dress would be a fantastic silhouette for the bridesmaid dresses (the draping is not only gorgeous, but it hides any figure flaws). Sparkling crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets will be the perfect finishing touch.

Without a doubt, the most glamorous style for the groom and the rest of the gentlemen is black tie. The female wedding guests can take their cues from the bride and bridesmaids: rich colors, luxurious fabrics like silk, special accents like feathered accessories and crystal wedding jewelry. The entire wedding will be a marvelous sight to behold with such gorgeously attired people there!

Gorgeous Beach Wedding Dresses

The beach is one of the most wonderful places to hold a wedding ceremony. There is nothing quite like the sand under your feet, the ocean breezes, and the smell of the salt air. Such a special wedding calls for an equally special wedding gown. These are some tips on finding a gorgeous beach wedding dress to make you feel amazing on your big day.

Halter necklines are always fantastic by the water. They are not too formal, very flattering, and have a summery appeal which is great for any warm weather wedding ceremony. There are lots of different halter necklines available, from little wispy gowns which suit a fashion forward bride with very little cleavage, to more structured wedding dresses done in midweight fabrics such as silk gazar. Finish it off with beach theme wedding jewelry like crystal starfish dangle earrings.

Strapless gowns are always pretty for a bride, and they are lovely for a beach wedding. A lightweight organza wedding dress with an empire waistline and a slim A-line skirt would be comfortable and beachy. Choose a dress with special details, such as organza streamers in the back which will flutter in the ocean breeze. If the beach you have chosen for your ceremony site tends to be fairly windy, pull your hair back into a casual knot at the nape of your neck and accent it with a few pretty hairpins.

One shoulder bridal gowns are very popular this season, and would be a very stylish option for a beach wedding. Select one in a sheer fabric like organza or chiffon, which will gently float over a solid underlining. A cluster of organza flowers flowing over the shoulder or a large chiffon bow will give your one shoulder wedding dress the perfect amount of detail. When shipping for any style of beach wedding dress, it is a really good idea to try it on in bright sunlight to make sure that it will not be too see-through in the direct sun.

Sophisticated Ballgown Wedding Dresses

Ballgowns are one of the most popular styles of wedding gowns every year. Though many brides love the fairy tale princess look, not every bride who likes a full skirt wants to look like Cinderella on her wedding day. Happily, there are some gorgeous ballgown wedding dresses with a sophisticated style that will suit the bride seeking the perfect balance between chic and elegant.

A great way to get a sophisticated edge in a ballgown is to choose one with an interesting neckline. One of the most dramatic is an illusion neckline with a heavily jeweled band around the neck, which is almost like having jewelry built into the gown. Paired with a simple silk satin skirt, this style is fantastic for a bride who wants a full and formal wedding gown, but does not want to look like a young ingenue. Add a dazzling pair of Swarovski crystal earrings and sweep the hair up into a chic chignon studded with crystal hairpins to keep the effect chic and grown up (avoid a tiara at all costs if you seek to avoid the princess bride look).

A layered skirt can be a dramatic feature on a ballgown wedding dress. Look for lots of flouncy layers in an asymmetrical tulle or organza with a raw edge to achieve a more edgy style. A bridal gown with an origami layered skirt in a crisp fabric like gazar would also be very distinctive. With these very contemporary wedding gowns, unique accessories are a must. A bold feather headpiece tucked into a low bun would hit the perfect note of modern elegance.

Since most of the princess style wedding gowns are strapless, varying the neckline can be an easy way to get away from the fairy tale look in a full skirted dress. Necklines which are plunging without being overly revealing can be very sophisticated. A great design is a spaghetti strap or narrow tank style with a V-neck which plunges into a wide cummberbund sash at the waist of the bridal gown. This type of gown looks especially fantastic in silk taffeta or silk satin. Allow the neckline of the gown and the full gathered skirt to make a statement, without the distraction of a lot of extra embellishment. A classic pair of pearl and Swarovski crystal earrings with a matching pendant necklace add some sparkle to the simplicity of the wedding gown.

Tips on Finding a Budget Wedding Gown

Believe it or not, there are some truly breathtaking wedding gowns available for under $1000, even under $500. In general, it is far better to go with a simpler wedding gown which is well made from a high quality fabric like silk than a heavily embellished one which is cheaply made from poor quality synthetics. The first will look chic and modern, the second will look, well, cheap.

If you have your heart set on a very traditional full wedding gown, but your budget is tight, your best bet is to search creatively for a quality gown, rather than settle for one which is not well made. Sample sales and blow out sales can be a great way for brides to find a dreamy designer wedding gown at an incredible discount. Search the Internet for both local sales at bridal shops and huge discount gown events like the traveling Filene’s Basement “Running of the Brides” sale.

For brides who seek budget wedding gowns with a modern chic sensibility, a great place to shop is J Crew. In their bridal collection, they feature gowns in luxe fabrics like silk chiffon, taffeta, jacquard, and silk tricotine for under $1000 and in some cases under $500. The gowns tend to have slimmer skirts, either column or a small A-line, and are perfect for a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a city chic affair. The wedding gowns at J Crew include many fashionable designs and details, from the popular goddess look to the asymmetrical style which is in vogue this year.

Many brides will select an ivory or white dress from a bridesmaid line. When choosing an ivory “bridesmaid” dress to wear as a wedding gown, the right accessories will help to make sure that you look like a bride. A long veil, elegant bridal jewelry, and a pretty headpiece will make sure that no one mistakes you for a bridesmaid in an ivory dress. In fact, choosing distinctive and unique accessories like bridal jewelry is one of the fun things about wearing a more simple wedding gown. It allows you to express your personal style, look gorgeous, and find a fabulous wedding gown on a budget – you can’t do much better than that!

Romantic Illusion Neckline Wedding Gowns

Are you looking for a wedding gown which is elegant, romantic, and timeless? Something different than the typical strapless bridal gown? Then take a look at some of the latest illusion neckline wedding gowns, which have a special ladylike charm.

An illusion neckline is one which is created using a sheer fabric, usually either organza or a fine net or tulle. The thing that is so wonderful about a bridal gown with an illusion neckline is that it allows the dress to have real straps without looking too heavy or covered up. For brides who are uncomfortable wearing strapless or who simply want something a bit more modest, a sheer neckline can be the perfect answer. It allows you to have a bit more coverage and structure in the gown, yet does not look too covered up or conservative.

One of the most intriguing things about illusion neckline wedding gowns is that they can also be quite dramatic. The sheer fabric can be used to provide structure over a plunging back or daring low cut bodice. On a gown which would otherwise be very tricky to wear, the stability of the sheer organza or net makes it structurally practical. This is an effect frequently used in the world of figure skating, and it works just as well for a wedding gown. It allows a bride to have fun trying a style which is daring, yet not scandalous!

Oftentimes, an illusion panel will be embellished with light beadwork. It can be absolutely breathtaking to see a sheer fabric which twinkles and sparkles with the glow of many tiny crystals. The effect against the skin which is visible through the illusion material is just gorgeous. Play up the crystal detail with fabulous crystal bridal jewelry to match. The overall effect will be a truly sophisticated and elegant bridal ensemble.

Romantic Wedding Gowns

Weddings are all about love, so why not express that sentiment with a romantic wedding gown? There are certain fabrics, styles, and features which can go a long way to enhance the romantic flavor of a bridal gown. These are some of the most romantic wedding dresses, which are sure to appeal to any bride.

Fabric has a lot to do with creating a romantic effect. Soft and sheer fabrics such as lace, tulle, organza, and chiffon are the essence of femininity. Any gown that appears to float when it moves is a great choice. Very shiny fabrics such as satin, though gorgeous, tend to be more princess like than romantic, so that is something to keep in mind when shopping. Light and airy embellishments will be more dreamy than heavy or bold details.

Some of the most enchanting adornments for bridal gowns include lace, flowers, and fabric petals. Floral details are always romantic and charming, and they can work well on many different styles of gowns. Classic brides will adore lace appliqués which cover the bodice of a gown and drip down gently onto a tulle or organza skirt. Flower petals are another detail which embody the spirit of romance on a tulle or organza gown. An updated version of these petals can be seen in the current collection by Oscar de la Renta, which pairs timeless 1950s silhouettes with unique handmade organza petals. Echo the details on the gown with custom bridal jewelry which is created from keshi pearls, which are also known as petal pearls.

Cascading ruffles are another very romantic accent for a bridal gown. They can also strike a nice balance between romanticism and drama. Look for gowns with an abundance of ruffles in sheer fabrics like organza. Frothy tulle skirts are also very dreamy. Many designers are offering these styles right now, so there are some wonderful options. Don’t overlook the fact that a pastel color can also add charm to a wedding dress. Pale pink, apricot, and champagne all have a timeless romantic effect. Indulge your feminine and romantic nature with one of these dreamy wedding gowns.

Princess Style Wedding Gowns

What elevates a bridal gown into something so regal that it makes the lucky bride wearing it feel like a princess for a day? The answer is drama! A true princess wedding gown must have outstanding features that make all of your guests’ jaws drop and will leave your groom speechless. In other words, it must have that “wow” factor that will cause everyone in the church to gasp when you take your first step down the aisle. There is more than one special feature that can have this marvelous impact; here is a look at the top details.

Elaborate embellishment is one thing that will set a bridal gown apart. Think about it, when you see a royal wedding, they will always have the finest of everything, including lavish embroidery, exquisite lace, and opulent crystal beading. Sparkle is definitely a plus, as is silver embroidery or silver lace. A true princess style wedding dress has details that just look rich, and that are impressive enough that they will be instantly noticed. Subtlety has its place, to be sure, just not on a royal style bridal gown!

Another fabulous feature to look for in a princess wedding gown is a show-stopping train. Your wedding may well be the only day in your life that you get to wear a dress with a long train on it, so why not go all out? If your ceremony will take place in a grand venue with a long aisle, a cathedral length train will look impressive. Many of the best princess style wedding dresses have trains that are not especially long, but which have amazing details. There is nothing like a mountain of cascading ruffles to give your gown a stately presence when you glide down the aisle.

Once you have found a wedding gown to love, don’t forget to plan your accessories. They will certainly add to the overall impact of the dress you have selected. Every princess needs a crown, after all. Choose a bridal tiara with plenty of sparking crystals. To complement the tiara, glittering Swarovski crystal necklaces will hit the perfect note. When wearing a strapless gown, bold multi-strand necklaces of Swarovski crystal are amazing, or opt for a large crystal drop to highlight a V-neck. Finish it off with a fabulous pair of Swarovski crystal earrings and a bracelet to catch the light when you move. Gorgeous!