What does a wedding dress mean to a girl?

For most women, the wedding dress is the most important dress they will ever wear. Nothing comes close to it – the engagement dress or a party dress are meaningful, but the wedding dress is the one you dream about from a very young age, the one that makes you feel like the princess you know you ought to be.

What are the more classic cuts for a wedding dress?

The most traditional of all is the classic full skirt princess dress with lots of flouncy layers. I like to call it the Barbie dress because when I was a little girl my Barbie had one. Another very traditional style is the floor-length lace dress, which carries a lot of Spanish influence. The mermaid style dress has recently gained in popularity and is becoming the style of choice for many women, especially in Malta, as it shows off curvy figures to their full advantage.

Can a bride be adventurous with cuts?

Gone are the days when tradition had to be respected and bridal dresses all looked the same. Nowadays, designers are adding interesting elements such as sheer pieces, asymmetrical features, and interesting bows. Another way to be adventurous is also with the accessories a bride chooses – why not go for interesting headbands, fur boleros or little embellished jackets? The good thing is that accessories can be removed at any point throughout the wedding.

Is white still the colour of choice?

Yes, I think this is one tradition that will always withstand the test of time. Most brides always wear white. Having said that, I recently attended a wedding where the bride wore a black dress and she looked ravishing. Also, blush pink was a very popular colour on the latest bridal catwalks.

Which materials best suit a wedding dress?

It depends on the style of dress. Taffeta, which is a stiff material, can look really lovely because it adds flounce and keeps the shape of the dress looking bouncy. Lace is a classic and adds elegance and sophistication. Personally, I love organza, which is a more lightweight material and gives an airy feel to the dress. Tulle is also synonymous with bridal dresses and veils – tulle accents and layers look lovely. Satin and chiffon are also very popular – satin looks gorgeous and glamorous and chiffon is used for sheer accents on the dress and extra lightweight, sheer layers. For taffeta ideally, organza, chiffon, satin, and tulle silk threads or at least a good silk blend is used, as this will make the dress more comfortable to wear and will also look nicer. Rayon is usually used as a silk substitute as it looks very similar but is less delicate and less expensive.

This year there’s a lot of old Hollywood glamour around, which means feathers, gold accents and gloves

What are the main wedding dress trends this season?

This year there’s a lot of old Hollywood glamour around, which means feathers, gold accents and gloves. An interesting current trend is for shorter wedding dresses and long dresses where the bottom part can be removed. This year, high-necked lace dresses with full-length sleeves are also popular, as are wedding dresses with sheer parts, especially around the neck and shoulder areas.

Can a dress look great but is also comfortable to wear?

I have to be honest – my wedding dress was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever had to wear in my entire life and a lot of people I know have said the same thing. A lot of dresses are very heavy, especially princess styles – since you’re wearing your wedding dress for hours, the weight can take its toll. However, there are many different body types and styles and I’m sure that for every body type there exists a dress that will be quite comfortable.

How important are make-up and hair to the wedding outfit?

Hair and make-up are very important on any occasion and not just your wedding day. Clothes, hair and make-up are a whole styling package and if any of these elements is missing, then the whole thing flops. Don’t skimp on hair and make-up – find a good hairdresser and make-up artist and you’ll be a much happier bride.

Caroline Paris is a freelance fashion and personal stylist and fashion blogger. She won the 2013 Best Fashion Stylist Award at the Malta Fashion Awards and has worked on various photo shoots and television shows.

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