For brides all around the world, choosing the perfect wedding dress is an ordeal. There is a range of several options and styles available, however, choosing one for yourself can still be a serious challenge. It can cause women to become anxious – to select one dress from so many beautiful ones. While this may feel daunting at first, you can make it simpler for yourself by focusing your mind on your own style first. Scour through the extensive collection of designer wedding dresses by Jovani fashion, and discover dresses that are tuned to your sense of fashion. In this way, you will not only personalize your wedding dress (and what can be better than that?) but also appear your very best version on this special day of your life.
The Evolution of Wedding Dresses over the Years
If you wish to make your wedding dress to be the centerpiece of attention, it would be worth diving into the rich history of wedding dresses. The amount of information you will gather will be incredible as you will get to know about fashion trends, and tips to get the most flawless wedding dress designed for you!
Queen Victoria’s White Wedding Dress – Its History and Meaning
The venerable tradition of wearing a white wedding dress dates back to as early as the 19th century. In 1840, it was the much-acclaimed Queen Victoria who laid the stepping stone of this ceremonious attire. Breaking the aristocratic norm of wearing gold-embroidered, dark-hued satin dresses, the Queen chose a much simpler yet exquisite outfit. She donned a gleaming white dress, with Honiton laced hems. Her choice of outfit at such a significant event was found startling. It was mainly because in that era, through a show of extravagance, luxury, and opulence at weddings, monarchs projected their might and status in society.
However, after coming to power, Queen Victoria had a completely different point to make. At her wedding, she wanted to display a sense of humility and prudence. The very characteristics she would use to run the country of her people.
But why specifically the color white, you may ask? There is depth to the reason. It was primarily to portray support for the diminishing trade of village Beer, whose people designed her lace dress. It is reported that she believed white encapsulated the talent of these hand-weavers better.
However, at the same time, Queen Victoria also wanted her wedding to be more than a political affair. After all, she married her love. Through her simple wedding dress, bare of any rich jewels, fabrics, and stones, she wanted to tell the world she was not marrying her husband as a ruler. But in fact, as his beloved.
And hence, the traditional white wedding dress came into being. Right after Queen Victoria’s wedding, women belonging to affluent households were inspired to wear similar dresses on their wedding day. Over the years, the custom persisted, slowly making its way into middle-class social circles by the late 20th century.
The 1960s and 70s:
The 1960s and 70s are hailed to be one of the most prominent eras of wedding dresses. During this time, new styles became popular and unique trends were adopted. Many dresses that are worn today are renditions of those from this era.
In the 60s, the sophisticated column wedding dress, usually made of silk charmeuse or beaded satin, became the decade’s dress. Petite women mostly donned it as the dress has narrow tailoring and a slim skirt. Towards the close of the decade, empire-style waists became more common. These dresses have a raised waistline (particularly suited for women with smaller busts) and a flared bottom.
The 70s brought with them mainly chiffon gowns with square necks, loose sleeves, and ruffles.
Wedding Dresses of the 21st Century
The assortment of styles that exist today are chiefly spinoffs of dresses worn in olden eras. Let’s discuss some of the most cherished wedding dresses of the 21st century.
- Lace Wedding Dress
Women have worn lace wedding dresses at every time and age. The intricate design and delicate lacework transform these dresses into something magical. These elegant flowy gowns look enchanting on all brides and elevate their whole appearance altogether. Are you looking for a reputed inspiration?
Designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, Kate Middleton wore a glamorous satin dress with a full lace bodice and sleeves. The lovely wedding dress took the world by storm and received much praise and admiration.
- Short Wedding Dress
Short wedding dresses came into trend in the early 20th century and were much adored by women who wished to add a modern touch to their bridal outfit. These leg-baring dresses hold immense versatility, as they can be worn on several other occasions aside from your wedding. With their sequin, laced, or fur bodice, these tailored mini dresses leave ladies swooning over them. They also make a fashionable addition to a bridal wardrobe and can be tweaked and adjusted to be worn at other events.
- Mermaid Wedding Dress
The Mermaid Wedding Dress was inaugurated by a renowned French designer, Marcel Rochas, in the 1930s. This dress accentuated the female body figure, with perfect tailoring and fitness, and won its way into the 1950 Hollywood fashion wardrobe as well. Over the years, the mermaid dress has undergone many changes, and several modern adaptations have come forward. These include slitted skirts, sleeveless bodices, frills, and ruffles. But the very essence of the dress, its signature curvy cuts, have sustained after all this time. For a demure yet classy look, this dress makes a perfect choice!
- Backless Wedding Dress
While relatively common today, the chic backless wedding dresses initially came into trend in the 1920s. For brides looking for a wedding dress that maintains a delicate balance between regal and casual, backless dresses indeed make the cut! With an extensive train and a narrow bodice, a backless wedding dress has a graceful fit and gifts the bride a lovely outlook. Nowadays, these are popular amongst celebrities, and locals alike, for their beautiful design that is found charming by all!
- A-line Wedding Dress
One of the most basic yet classic silhouettes, the A-line wedding dress is loved by most brides for the simple elegance it radiates. Clasped around the waist, it flows down to have a large skirt. It can be especially worn by women who do not wish to accentuate their figure too much. As the dress is simple, it can be further modified and adapted with ruffles, beads, and lace to suit the bride’s wishes.
Photo by Dmitry Zvolskyi
