A woman's wedding day is one of the most memorable, romantic and important day of her life. Months of thoughtful planning, organization, time, and energy lead up to the day of her dreams. When one hears the word "wedding," perhaps he or she envisions a church, reception, flowers and photos. These are but a few of the key pieces which go into the composition of the final masterpiece.
Marriage in and of itself is abundantly comprised of symbolism. The bouquet, exchanging of rings, lighting of candles, joining of hands, flower girl and ring bearer, cutting of the cake, throwing of rice or grain, the honeymoon and carrying of the bride over the threshold are all common traditions. Let us not forget the most significant item and the major focus of the ceremony itself - the wedding dress. The dress sets the theme and mood of the entire day. Dresses are a reflection of the bride; they reflect her personal style and taste. A dress is something the bride looks and feels grand in.
Styles of wedding gowns have evolved dramatically with the changing times, with the earliest couture dating back to ancient Egypt. Styles, silhouettes and colors vary according to culture, beliefs and traditions in different parts of the world. Before the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840, brides would traditionally wear silver. Queen Victoria, a daring fashionista of her time, boldly broke that trend and set the stage for today's widely popular white dress. The white dress remains traditional to this day in America, Europe and many parts of the world.
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Throughout history, wedding dresses of famous people have been remembered. Princess Diana was a picture of elegance and beauty as she glided down the aisle in her magnificent ivory silk, lace and mother of pearl detailed gown. It is one of the most iconic dresses to date. More recently, the world was treated by Kate Middleton to a fairytale princess dress - pure perfection which produced a synchronized awe heard round the world.
What's trending for 2012, you may ask? This year, it's all about illusion necklines, complex and multi-layered hemlines, blush and pink shades, and lace sleeves. Whether a bride's style preference is classic, modern, romantic, or casual, the selection of dresses is endless.
Purchasing a wedding gown is an exhilarating time for the bride. Many women have even had their "dream dress" in mind since they were little girls. It is a special opportunity and a time for a bride-to-be to have fun. There are a few items a bride should consider before purchasing a dress. She should take some time to think about exactly what she wants, as far as the details of the dress are concerned. Comfort is also something to keep in mind. Looking beautiful is the goal, but it's also important to feel comfortable! A bride shouldn't have to worry about adjusting her dress throughout the day, being pinched to the extreme or unable to breathe. Beauty does not have to equal pain.
It is recommended that a bride allow herself approximately six to eight months to purchase a gown. There are primarily three ways a bride may go about purchasing a dress. The first and most cost-efficient option is purchasing online. The risk of buying online is that it may not appear as it was pictured, or the fit may not be correct. The second option is going to a wedding gown store and buying right off the rack. This option is still affordable with an added safety net, as a bride is able to try on the dress and see how it looks on her before handing over cash. Before purchasing off a rack, the bride should check for any stains, rips, etc. The third and most expensive option is buying a designer or custom-made gown. It is the most costly for a reason - it is made with precision and exactness. For a designer and custom-made gown, a bride will pay for the best materials.
Tall or short, curvy or slim, there is a dress out there for every bride. With all the options and items to consider when purchasing a dress, one thing remains certain: when a bride finds her dress, she knows it. It's all about the dress.
Make it a good week and think about spring and upcoming weddings. Next week, look for our trip to New York City for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Our Civil War Fife and Drum Corps has the honor of being invited to participate in the parade to lead the famous "Fighting 69." Rosamond will be a special guest at the St. Patrick's Cathedral mass and the parade's reviewing stand for her book "My Dear Jen" which is about the 69th during World War I.
