Archive for the ‘dress 8-3’ Category

When Did White Wedding Dresses Become Popular?

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

When Did White Wedding Dresses Become Popular?
In many countries today, it is automatically assumed that the bride will wear a white dress, a traditional color for a wedding dress. However, brides have only been wearing white for a relatively short period of time. The popularity of the white wedding dress started in 1840, when Queen Victoria was married, and by 1890, it was considered the only suitable color for a bride.

Previous Wedding Traditions
Prior to the popularity of the white Simple Wedding Dresses , brides wore a dress of any color. Buying a new dress or cloth for a dress was very expensive and making new clothing, sewn by hand, was time-consuming. A bride would either wear her best dress, or would wear a dress that could be worn again for other occasions for practicality. Some would adorn a dress with ribbons or flowers to make it a bridal dress. Only the richest could afford luxuries like a dress that was only for the purpose of getting married.

Symbolism of White
In society, every color has common symbolic associations. White is typically associated with purity and innocence, very fitting for a new bride. However, because a dress needed to be reusable, white was not a common color because it was not practical. White clothing is easily stained or discolored. Blue was very popular for brides in the past, as it is associated with the Virgin Mary, eternal love and with fidelity. It is still tradition to wear something blue to ensure that the bride’s husband will be true. Gray was also popular because it was practical and suitable to reuse and wear to church.

Queen Victoria
In 1840, Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe-Coburg and chose a white wedding gown for the occasion. The gown was made from satin and lace, and she wore a wreath of orange blossoms. Her daughter, Princess Alice, also married in white with an orange blossom wreath, thus continuing the tradition. Women at the time wanted to emulate the popular Queen by following suit, and white became the most desired color for a bride.

The Industrial Revolution
The combination of the Industrial Revolution and Queen Victoria’s wedding prompted the popularity of the white wedding gown. By the 1890s, department stores were common and most people were able to buy many sets of clothing due to improved manufacturing techniques, which greatly reduced prices. Cloth was much less expensive to buy, as well. Most women could buy a brand-new white gown for a wedding, according to the popular trend, rather than only the wealthiest women. However, for many years it was traditional to re-use parts of the gown or dye it to make the gown suitable for other occasions.

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How to Install a Bussel in a Wedding Gown

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Install a Bussel in a Wedding Gown
The wedding dress bustle is the solution to a dragging dress. Long fabric on the back of the dress, called the train, is traditionally desired for chapel or church ceremonies. After the ceremony, the train is lifted in a style that is still flattering to the dress and bride.

1
Determine where your bustle will go. Measure 14″ to 20″ down from the waistline in the back of the dress. By pinching the fabric between those measurements and raising it up to the waistline, establish which measurement is the correct length for the train of the dress to be bustled and still level with the hem of the dress. Mark this measurement by placing a needle into the fabric. Do not mark your wedding dress fabric with any type of marker or chalk.

2
Sew the hook onto the waistline of the dress, so that the majority of the fabric weight is held by looping the eye over the hook. Determine the middle point of the back of the dress’s waistline. Using a needle and white thread, sew the hook securely onto the middle point.

3
Sew the eye onto the back of the dress on the spot marked by the needle you previously placed into the dress. The eye must be pointed upward, so that when the dress is un-bustled, the loop of the eye is pointed up.

4
Test your bustle. If you are worried about its strength, add an adjacent hook and eye closure next to the one already installed.

5
To finish, sew a covered button directly below the eye closure on the train of the dress. This will allow the button to cover the hook and eye closure when bustled.

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How to Design Your Own Bridal Gown Online

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Design Your Own Bridal Gown Online

Your dream wedding dress does not have to be impossible to find if you already know what you want it to look like. Instead of spending hours in bridal boutiques with pushy sales clerks, you can design your Simple Wedding Dresses online, go to a tailor, and have the dress of your dreams made for you.

1
Sketch on paper some ideas for how you would like your dress to look. This will help prepare you for drawing the dress on a computer. Look through bridal magazines, stores, or go online to get inspiration.

2
Go to one of several websites that allow you to design your wedding dress with cartoon characters. Some sites have downloadable programs, while others have applications that are used while you are online. These sites will give you an idea of what you would like. This is not a true dress design, but it lets you play around to get ideas.

3
Go to a website where specific dress patterns are made. You can find these sites by using search engine keywords such as “design wedding dress sewing patterns.” At these websites, you can tailor the pattern down to the details.

4
If you don’t have knowledge of sewing, take your completed ideas to a tailor for help carrying out your look. Together, you can pick out fabrics and complete your perfect dress.

How to Dress for a Formal Wedding as a Female

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Dress for a Formal Wedding as a Female

Dressing in the appropriate attire for a wedding is always a tricky thing. Your No. 1 goal is to not upstage the bride, and then you have to consider the weather elements as well. However, when a wedding invitation specifically calls for “formal” dress code, what’s formal to you may not be formal to someone else. When you’re looking for the perfect Simple Wedding Dresses to attend a formal wedding, just remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

1
Look for a mention of the dress code on the wedding invitation. Because some brides’ ideas for what “formal” is may vary, narrow down your options to see if the bride and groom specified a requirement of “white tie” or “black tie” for the event. Traditionally, a white-tie event calls for an extremely formal gown, such as a ball gown. However, even the most conservative of brides don’t necessarily follow these rules. Consider the bride’s style and determine if “black tie,” “black tie optional” or “formal” means that you need to at least wear something more formal than a cocktail dress.

2
Select a long evening gown in a neutral tone with minimal beading. If you decide on a cocktail-length dress, choose tones such as a soft beige, dark brown, light metallics or an elegant black dress. Avoid too much cleavage and too low of a back line.

3
Accentuate your dress with colorful accessories in bold jewel tones or simple clear stones. Opt for a small clutch with beading, simple sequins or rhinestones. Avoid large handbags; they are not only bulky but impractical for wedding purposes. Choose heels that are complementary to your dress, and allow your accessories to be the conduit to showcase your personality.

4
Style your hair and makeup in natural hues that both complement your dress and work well with your skin tone. Remember that “formal” calls for elegant beauty, unlike events such as a cocktail party, where color and boldness are accepted and appreciated.

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How to Dress As a Wedding Guest

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Dress As a Wedding Guest
Don’t let your nervousness about what to wear overrun the joy you have for your friends or family getting married. Finding clothes to wear for a wedding is not complicated, although it might take a trip to the mall or a boutique. If you are usually casual, you might not already have clothes for a formal or semi-formal wedding. Following a few simple tips can help you find something appropriate to wear.

Difficulty:EasyInstructions

1
Search for clues about what the bridal couple is expecting. Wording on the invitation such as “formal” and “black tie optional” can help you determine what they want. Also take into account whether the invitation has a formal or informal style.

2
Gather additional information by considering the location. A church wedding is typically more formal than an outdoor wedding. Also take into account whether the reception is indoors or outdoors.

3
Pay attention to the time that the wedding takes place. Daytime weddings require less formal clothes than a nighttime wedding. Take into consideration whether an afternoon wedding has a nighttime reception—that still calls for nighttime attire.

4
Err toward more formal attire than casual. Although you may be comfortable in business casual clothing, you should not look sloppy. T-shirts, jeans and tennis shoes should always be avoided, regardless of the setting.

5
Follow simple rules of etiquette that dictate appropriate attire. For instance, avoid wearing long Simple Wedding Dresses that might make you resemble a bride. Also, consider asking the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses, and do not wear that color.

Wedding Gowns in the 1500s

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Wedding Gowns in the 1500s
Modern brides typically wear long white gowns that sometimes feature lace or bead details and flowing veils. Wedding fashions in the 1500s differed dramatically from this modern look. For wealthier women, the Renaissance and Elizabethan styles of the 16th century featured fuller gowns made of rich materials. A poorer woman would commemorate her wedding day by making a nice dress that could be worn again on other special occasions.

Colors
The tradition of a bride wearing white to symbolize her purity did not emerge until the 18th century. Brides in the 1500s wore dresses of any color. Richer women could afford expensive dyes to make Simple Wedding Dresses in shades of red, purple or black. Women from the lower classes wore green, grey, black, orange or tan gowns from homemade dyes. Brides often wore blue gowns or blue ribbons to symbolize their virginity and their husbands’ faithfulness.

Materials
Brides in the 16th century made wedding gowns out of the most luxurious and costly materials their families could afford. Satin, damask, velvet, corduroy and fur were prized among the upper classes. These fabrics often featured interwoven gold or silver thread. Poorer women created gowns out of fine homespun materials. These fabrics were spun, woven and dyed by hand.

Style
Wedding dresses in the 1500s featured large amounts of fabric. Full-length gowns were the norm, and richer brides wore dresses with trains and long, flowing sleeves to flaunt their wealth. Typical skirts were large and gathered to create fullness. Elizabethan wedding dresses for upper-class women often had low-cut necklines to draw attention to the bride’s breasts. Ruffs of silk or linen adorned the necks or cuffs of these wedding dresses as a further sign of wealth.

Details
Brides in the 1500s often accessorized their dresses to add further expense and detail. Middle class women adorned their dresses with streamers, ribbons, flowers and other less expensive accessories. Richer women wore dresses with precious stones sewn onto them. Small diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires and other stones made the wedding dress sparkle in the light. Some women also accessorized their gowns with capes or expensive furs.

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How to Pick Bridesmaid Dresses

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Pick Bridesmaid Dresses
Picking bridesmaid dresses can be one of the most difficult decisions for a bride. Not only does she have to like the dress, she must consider what her bridesmaids will think of the gowns. Dressing a group of bridesmaids can be challenging when everyone has a different shape, size and complexion…not to mention budget! Read on for tips on picking the best bridesmaids Simple Wedding Dresses that will ensure everyone is left smiling.

1
Start your search for bridesmaid dresses early and online. Before you head to any bridal shops or dress boutiques look on the internet to get ideas of what you like and don’t like. Try to pick out dresses at least 6-8 months before the wedding so your bridal party has enough time to order their dresses and have any alterations done.

2
When considering what color the bridal party will wear think of the season. Your bridesmaids may not be comfortable wearing yellow in the winter when they’re skin doesn’t have a nice bronze. If you have a large bridal party it’s also a good idea to take into consideration all of the girls’ skin tones. Bright red or purple may not look as flattering as another color if you have a red head in the group.

3
 The length of the dress is a very important decision when picking out bridesmaid dresses. If you’re having an outdoor wedding t-length may be the best bet. Your bridesmaids won’t be dragging their dresses all over the ground where they’ll get dirty and possibly snag or rip. If you’re getting married in a church t-length dresses are fine for an afternoon wedding, but are not appropriate for a formal or evening wedding.

4
Take your maid of honor along when you go shopping for bridesmaid dresses. It’s not a good idea to take all the bridesmaids when you’re first picking out dresses. You don’t want too many opinions. It will just add stress and confusion. If you want to be considerate and give all the girls a say, email them pictures of your top three picks and ask them which they’d prefer.

5
Avoid picking anything extreme or obnoxious. Forcing your bridesmaids to wear huge puffy sleeves or a patterned dress may not only annoy them, you risk upstaging yourself. It’s important to pick a dress that flatters your bridesmaids without drawing attention away from you - the bride.

6
Try to be budget-conscious when picking out bridesmaid dresses. It’s expensive to be in a wedding and you wouldn’t want to put one of your bridesmaids in a situation where she feels strapped for cash. Besides the dress, bridesmaids have to pay for hair, makeup, shoes, travel, a shower gift, and a wedding gift. Try to keep the bridesmaid dress you pick to under $250. (No matter what you think of the dress it probably won’t get worn more than just this once!)

7
 Since everyone is built differently you may want to allow your bridesmaids to choose from different dresses in the same color and designer line. Many lines offer two piece or mix and match gowns. Girls with larger chests may feel more comfortable in something different than a bridesmaid who is smaller chested. Many lines offer sweetheart necklines, strapless, and v-neck all in the same material. Be mindful though if all the bridesmaids picks the same top except one it may look a little odd, especially if she is not the maid of honor.

8
These days bridal parties are spread out all over the country. Make it easy for your bridesmaids and choose a dress from a national bridal chain store such as David’s Bridal or Jessica McClintock. This way the bride can register their dress selection at one store, but each bridesmaid can order her dress at a local store. You, the bride, won’t have to worry about collecting money, taking order, ordering the wrong size, and distributing dresses.

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Wedding Dress Design Ideas

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Wedding Dress Design Ideas
Choosing the right wedding dress is an essential part of planning a wedding. Many brides have been dreaming of their wedding day, and the gown that they’ll wear on that day, for years. Once the big day arrives, the bride should wear a dress that complements her as perfectly as possible. Selecting the right wedding gown is a matter of understanding gown design and knowing what works best for each bride. Simple Wedding Dresses design comes down to choosing a flattering shape, deciding whether sleeves or strapless is best, and then adding the extra touches that finish off the gown perfectly.

Body Shape and Gown Shape
Body shape inevitably plays a role in whether or not a wedding dress will flatter a bride as it should. Most female body shapes can be classified as hourglass, pear, or rectangle. A ballgown style, with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, looks best on a bride with a slimmer hourglass figure or a bride with a rectangle figure. Ballgowns don’t work as well for brides with a pear shape or an hourglass shape. On the other hand, an A-line gown, with a dropped waist and a skirt that flares only slightly, is usually flattering on a curvy bride. It doesn’t work as well, though, for brides with a rectangle shape. The empire-waist gown, with the bodice tucked under the bust line and a straight skirt, is most flattering on a bride with a rectangle shape or on a petite bride with a small bust; it’s less flattering on a bride with a pear shape. The mermaid gown, with its figure-hugging form that flares out considerably around the knees, is most flattering on virtually any hourglass shape but doesn’t work as well on a bride with a rectangle or pear shape.

To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve
Strapless gowns have been popular for a while and show no sign of disappearing. The strapless gown is not for everyone, however, and brides should consider the wide variety of necklines and sleeve options to find the most flattering. For instance, the traditional V-neck works with and without sleeves and is usually the most flattering on brides with smaller busts, while a round neck–which also works with and without sleeves–flatters a bride with a fuller bust. The scoop neck, which is a deeper rounded neckline, is flattering on virtually every bride, as is the sweetheart neckline, which is essentially a deeper V-neck from the edge of the shoulders. Both necklines work with short or long sleeves, as well without sleeves. As for the strapless neckline, it is flattering to most brides, except those with smaller busts, since the garment has little to hold it up and can gap in an unflattering way.

Something Extra, Something Elegant
The wedding dress ensemble is not complete without the little extras that flatter both the gown and the bride. Wedding dresses can have sashes, bows, and decorative trim, as well as beading, pearls, and lace. The style of the gown will dictate these extras, but the bride must keep them in mind when choosing her gown design. Some brides want nothing to do with lace, preferring instead plain satin. Others want extensive lace overlays, jackets, or sleeves to create a romantic touch. The bride should also consider whether or not to wear a veil with the gown and whether or not the neckline calls for jewelry. Even the most beautiful piece of heirloom jewelry can add the wrong touch if it doesn’t coordinate with the style of the gown.

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Wedding Dress Styles for Plus Sizes

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Wedding Dress Styles for Plus Sizes

Women come in many shapes and sizes; there are dress styles that flatter each. Today’s plus-size bride has far more gowns to choose from than her grandmother did. It is important to choose a dress by style, not by how it looks on the mannequin.

StylesThat Flatter
An A-line dress is sleek and flowing, widening as it goes, similar to the letter it is named for. Not only can the full skirt hide a larger lower body, but its long lines slim and elongate round figures. The empire gown is ideal for heavier brides, as the waistline is just under the bust and the dress flows loosely to the ground, hiding the waist, hips, and bottom.

Styles to Avoid
Both the column and the mermaid dress styles are body-hugging and therefore more flattering on long, lean figures. Dresses with layers of ruffles or tiered skirts should also be avoided, as they add width.

Helpful Tips
Try to remember not to get caught up in sizes; a larger size than normal is often required in a wedding gown. Look for details that draw the eye away from undesirable areas, such as an asymmetrical neckline or detailing on the bodice or hem. Don’t get discouraged if the first few dresses are disappointing; the right dress will turn up. Finally, a wedding dress is the most elegant and formal article of clothing a woman will ever wear, so take your time selecting it.

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How to Alter the Hem of a Bridal Gown With a Train

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

How to Alter the Hem of a Bridal Gown With a Train

On your big day, you want to look your best, so it is important that the alterations to your gown fit you just right. There are a variety of train lengths and styles, such as a sweep train which is a very short train to a monarch train, which can be as long as 12 feet. The longer the train, the more difficult the hem will be to sew. However, taking your time and being precise will ensure your dress looks beautiful on your wedding day. (See References 1 and 2)

1
Have the bride try on her gown and use the measuring tape to take appropriate measurements. The ideal length of the front of the dress, when appropriately hemmed, should be 1/4 inch off of the floor when she has her shoes on. Mark this on the underside of the dress with fabric chalk or a fabric pen. (See References 1)

2
Turn the length of dress that will need to be hemmed under. Pin the dress with straight pins so that the dress falls 1/4 of an inch longer than the mark you made in step one. This will give you some extra fabric to work with. The dress should be pinned equally the entire way around, including the train. For instance if you pin the dress up two inches in the front, the train should also be pinned up two inches. (See References 1 and 3)

3
Thread the sewing machine with thread that matches your dress. Place the underside of the dress face-up on the sewing machine and carefully sew a 1/8 inch hem around the dress, slowly removing each pin as you sew. (See References 1 and 3)

4
Remove the dress from the sewing machine and cut tightly around the outer edge of the hem which has just been created. (See References 1) This must be done very carefully, or the dress can be cut in the process of trimming the hem.

5
Fold the dress under again at the mark you made in step one. Pin the fabric in place. Your dress is now at the length it will be worn at. (See References 1)

6
Place the underside of the dress face-up on the sewing machine and sew another 1/8 inch. This process is done a second time to avoid puckering in the fabric. (See References 1 and 3)

7
Trim any hanging threads.

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