Choosing the Perfect Dress for an Elegant Wedding

Elegant wedding dresses are an extremely popular choice, especially because they can be appropriate for a wider range of bridal styles and wedding types than some other wedding dress styles which are available. While there are no specific guidelines on what constitutes an ‘elegant’ wedding dress or gown, in general gowns which are considered to be elegant are somewhat more modest than contemporary gowns. The amount of beading, lacework, or other embellishments on the gown are usually slight, and the overall lines and sleekness of the gown are emphasized rather than having a focus on more intricate details. 

It is mainly this last detail, the preference for sleek lines and the overall impact of the dress, which tends to define an elegant wedding dress. Because elegant gowns in general tend to be less low cut than more contemporary gowns, and are unlikely to call attention to the bride’s decolletage with excessive beading or sequins, some people refer to elegant gowns as ‘modest gowns’. Elegant gowns are also almost always full length gowns, with a short (not cathedral length) train. Tea length or shorter gowns are considered too casual for an elegant wedding.   

Often, an elegant gown will have a single stunning detail which makes the dress stand out from other dresses. After all, the vast majority of wedding gowns are white or ivory dresses with a full or very full skirt – having an element of the dress stand out while maintaining the simplicity of design that makes a wedding dress such a culturally recognizable symbol is the epitome of elegance. 

Smart brides tend to select a dress very specifically for the one element which it highlights, whether that is a dress with a gorgeous sash which defines the bride’s waist, a bit of delicate lacing in the back of the dress which calls attention to the bride’s bare back, or a colored trim on the dress which perfectly matches the bride’s eyes. Regardless of the specific detail about the dress which call attention to the beauty of its wearer, any truly elegant gown is designed to showcase the beauty of the bride, rather than making her compete with her own dress. 

One of the nicest things about finding a truly elegant wedding gown is that it is appropriate for so many different types of weddings. The sleek lines and understated embellishments which are the highlights of an elegant gown lend themselves well to dressing up or down by the bride. Indeed, a bride who is having a very formal ceremony, such as a full Catholic mass, and a more casual reception can both dress up and then dress down a single elegant dress within the course of a single day. 

Accessories such as gloves, jackets, tiaras, earrings, and even the bride’s bouquet can make a big difference in the overall impact of the dress. Additionally, brides can choose to use their hair and makeup to affect the overall feel of their gown: for a more casual feel, brides can leave their hair and makeup fairly natural and still feel that their dress is appropriate, whereas brides who would prefer to have more elaborately styled hair and makeup can do so without worrying that their overall appearance is excessively ‘done’. 

Some women feel that dresses from the past lend a greater sense of style and elegance to their weddings. This is especially true if the reception is to be more of a themed affair, such as a 1940s style cocktail party or a old fashioned 1920s soiree. For receptions like these which are intended to have a very specific atmosphere about them, the bride’s gown can get all of the guests into the spirit of the party, and really set the mood for the evening. There are many truly elegant gowns available which are either vintage gowns from decades past, or which have been designed using vintage fashions as their inspiration. 

Other women prefer to wear dresses which have been handed down in the family from a mother, mother in law, grandmother, aunt, or other female relative. Depending upon the era in which the gowns were made, they are generally likely to have more of the clean lines and understated elegance that some brides are looking for as an alternative to more excessively decorated gowns.