Every bride wants to look her best on the big day, which may explain why the quest for the perfect dress is such a demanding process. It takes time, energy, deliberation–and a bit of luck. Dress options are literally endless. Sometimes knowing what you don’t want is easier than knowing the type of dress you really want.
Sure, you abhor ornate lace, eschew conspicuous opulence and disdain over-the-top detailing. Flowing trains and full skirts are not you. But what if some of those features add that certain je ne sais quoi to the gown, or flatter a less-than-perfect figure?
Fortunately, these are sensible times, and the styles of the moment can work for every bride-to-be.
At the most recent bridal shows, says Antonia van der Meer, editor in chief of Modern Bride magazine, “we saw chic, simple silhouettes and a lot of skin. Women want dresses that have elegance and a bit of innocence, but are also sexy and exhibit some Hollywood glamor.”
Elegance goes without saying, and sexy we get. But innocence? It stems from a post-Sept. 11 desire to return to a simpler time. The blend of all those qualities translates into strapless or shoulder-baring designs that skim the body without constraining it. These sheathlike columns can have fitted bodices or nipped waists; sport straps or not; and bear bias-cut curves or softly flaring skirts–yet they all stick close to the bride to subtly highlight curves.
Star bridal dress designer Vera Wang calls her current crop of styles “a dignified, elegant and glamorous collection” that is “feminine yet tailored, minimal yet engineered.” Wang’s synopsis can be applied across the board, as the dresses on these pages show.
