Excursion into history
The bride in white is a symbol of purity and innocence. But this tradition is only 200 years old. In the old days, white was not a popular color for brides. It was considered mourning. In addition, it is very easily soiled and therefore expensive. There were a variety of colors for wedding decorations in Europe: red, green, purple.
The first time a bride was dressed in white was the wedding of Queen Anne of Brittany of France and Louis XII in 1499. More than 100 years later, the Anglo-Scottish Princess Elizabeth Stuart got married in a silver-white dress decorated with lace and diamonds.
At the wedding of Napoleon Bonaparte and Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria in 1810, the bride also wore white.
The most famous newlywed who chose white is Queen Victoria. Her outfit was decorated with lace, orange flowers and a 5.5 meter train. After the royal wedding in 1849, many brides began to prefer white outfits and orange blossoms in their hair.
The first models of wedding dresses with a less magnificent cut date back to the 30s of the twentieth century. Dresses slightly below the knee with a straight cut and a minimal amount of decorative elements have come into fashion.
The Art Deco style also contributed to the classics of wedding dresses. He pleased with his straight lines and refined simplicity of silhouette. Additional elements here do not overload the outfit with voluminous decorations or shiny elements.
Style Features
The top of the dress - a bodice with a corset - can be integral with the skirt, or can be worn separately. This part is especially highlighted in the classic cut style; it is decorated with the help of decorative elements: lace, ribbons, rhinestones.
The skirt is not too full, it can be crinoline or sewn from several layers of fabric;
The length usually reaches the floor, but models with a length slightly below the knee are also acceptable;
The waist , in classic dresses, is emphasized with a belt, ribbon or the cut itself;
The train should not be too long and it is not always present in dresses with a classic cut;
The neckline should not be too deep and provocative. Also, thin straps are excluded. It is appropriate to sew the neckline and sleeves entirely from lace or decorate them partially with it.
The back should be covered with thick fabric, like the material of the dress, or with openwork lace.
Getting ready for the holiday: first steps
A typical wedding begins with invitations made from light, heavy paper . They are decorated with openwork lace, gold embossing, designs in the form of doves and rings. The text should be sincere, but official: “Dear! We invite you to our wedding, which will take place (date, time) at the address...”
Classic wedding invitation
For the wedding procession, rent a black or white car. Decorate it with flowers and ribbons, but don’t overdo it. You can place dolls in wedding costumes, rings, artificial swans. These decorations also have a practical use: they are clearly visible in traffic jams. Friends and relatives following the young people will not lose sight of them.
Models
Classics are always relevant, and the bride in such a dress will look elegant and magical. The styles of classic style wedding dresses are varied. And they all have their own indispensable canons.
"Princess"
This option refers to curvy models, which are characterized by the presence of a tight corset and a very full skirt.
The top is decorated with embroidery, lace, beads, and rhinestones. It can be more open or have an off-the-shoulder design.
The skirt can consist of several layers of fabric or rest on a crinoline with 2-4 rings. There may be a train with different lengths.
Straight cut
It looks somewhat strict and reserved. But it can be diversified by using flowing fabrics or various decorative elements at the top of the model. It could be lace, flowers, rhinestones or sequins.
The outfit can have sleeves of different lengths or leave the shoulders open with a shallow neckline.
Materials and colors
Light fabrics - tulle, organza, chiffon are used when sewing fluffy dresses. Several layers of such fabric for a skirt will create the effect of lightness and airiness.
For straight-cut models, the basis is heavier material. Thanks to this solution, translucent chiffon lies on top in beautiful folds, softening the strict silhouette.
Satin will look great on curvy models. A petticoat made of lighter fabric will add volume to the skirt, and the dress will shine with a noble white color.
A straight dress made of satin fabric will look charming in its laconicism. When satin is used as a basis for light chiffon fabrics, it will create the effect of lightness and a flying silhouette.
Lace is considered a classic material for decoration. It is used for individual details of an outfit, inserts, or a dress can be sewn entirely from it.
A white wedding dress is a classic that does not lose its relevance, despite the modern diversity of the palette of wedding images.
But white does not suit all brides. Girls with white skin will simply blend in with the material of the outfit. In this case, you can turn to shades of ivory, splashes of champagne, creamy or pearl. Paired with a classic outfit, they will help any bride choose the perfect look.
Accessories
The snow-white outfit with an airy veil on the newlywed delights and attracts the eye. White color adds solemnity to the event and festivity to the image.
The bride's image can only be complemented with accessories that completely match the style.
Therefore, if a store comes with a veil or gloves along with a dress, it is better to purchase the set right away. Then, you may not find anything more suitable in color, style and texture.
Veil. If the outfit has a full skirt, a full veil will fit here. It can be long, up to the elbow or to the fingertips. The veil can have lace trim around the edges or be made entirely of one material.
For a floor-length straight cut, the above options are also suitable. But if the length is just below the knee, then a shoulder-length option or a very short veil that opens the neck will go well with it.
A one- or two-layer veil would be ideal for the last two models.
A wreath or tiara will be a wonderful addition to the veil and dress. The tiara should not be too big and the wreath should not be too bright.
Shoes. Stiletto heeled pumps will harmonize perfectly with the outfit. You should not experiment with options for open sandals or low-top shoes.
Bolero or cape . For a wedding in the cold season, you can choose a bolero that suits the style, for example, made of lace or a fur cape. If it’s already winter weather outside, the outfit can be complemented with a fur coat made of natural or faux fur.
Decorations. One of the main rules of the classic style is moderation. If the top of the dress is decorated with lace, embroidery or rhinestones, it is better to abandon the choker or necklace.
Jewelry made of pearls or elegant items made of silver, gold, and base metals are well suited.
Gloves. For styles with short sleeves or sleeveless, gloves are worn above the elbow, tightly fitting the arm. They can be made of openwork or lace fabric, jacquard, taffeta.
Classic wedding image of the bride
Classics oblige newlyweds to be restrained in their choice of outfits. Pretentious clothing with bright trim and an abundance of decor is not allowed here.
The standard option is an outfit with a corset made of a lace skirt and a satin top, or vice versa. If you choose this option, it is important to learn how to lace your wedding dress correctly. Here you will find photos, videos, useful tips, find out where to start and how to finish. A straight ankle-length outfit will also look great. A long train is also relevant, which is best avoided in late autumn and early spring due to the rainy season.
As for color, it is better to choose white, milky or beige. In cooler weather, you should pay attention to models with sleeves.
Accessories:
- Veil . A classic wedding won't be the same if you don't choose a long veil. It is desirable that it be made of tulle, with lace elements. It should be abandoned if the outfit has a train.
- Gloves . If the dress is sleeveless, you should choose long gloves to go with it.
- Handbag . It should match the outfit; it could be a small white clutch with rhinestones and a metal strap to be worn over the shoulder.
- Shoes . Closed-toe pumps with a minimum of decoration are welcome. The maximum that is allowed is white beads.
- Decorations . Thin necklaces, white beads or a gold chain are worthy of attention. They will look perfect in a duet with dangling inlaid earrings. Natural stones can be used to make them - sapphire, jade, emerald, aquamarine. This decoration is matched to the color of the eyes.
- Bouquet . If the dress is made of light, airy materials (chiffon or organza), it is best to choose a small composition. A pink bridal bouquet goes well with a white outfit. Who it will suit, what to assemble it from and how to decorate it, read in a separate article. But now we can safely recommend roses; the buds should be covered with golden powder on top. Also interesting are gladioli, lilies, and callas. To decorate the bouquet you can use some greenery, bright wrapping paper, bows and ribbons.
Bride in the center
It is best to twist your hair slightly and tie it back with a clip. A veil is ideal for this hairstyle. If you don’t have it, you can let your curls down to one side and wear a thin headband with rhinestones.
You also need to worry about makeup, which should not contain any bright colors. You need to stick to beige toner, pink lipstick, brown eyebrow pencil, a small amount of mascara and pale eye shadow.
As for manicure , the best choice is French, which can be decorated with rhinestones. It is enough to fix them on 2-3 nails of the bride.
The most famous dresses of the XX-XXI centuries
Many famous brides preferred the classic style for their celebration. Royal weddings are a public event watched by thousands of eyes. The main role here belongs to the bride. It is her image that will maintain the atmosphere of the holiday of love, beauty and tenderness.
The future Queen Elizabeth II married in 1947. It was a difficult post-war time of economy and the rationing system. Girls from all over the world sent her coupons for sewing a decent dress. We made an outfit from cream-colored duchess satin. The top and hem were symmetrically embroidered with pearl flowers. The attire was completed with a lace veil.
Jacqueline Kennedy's dress was made according to the fashion of its time with a full skirt and a deep neckline. The fabric of the outfit is ivory silk taffeta. The veil that adorned the bride's head belonged to her grandmother.
Grace Kelly received her wedding dress as a gift from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Made from silk taffeta and lace decorated with pearls, it is still considered a style standard today.
Princess Diana's dress is lush, luxurious and fabulous. It was made of ivory silk taffeta and decorated with pearls and antique handmade lace. A distinctive feature was the train, almost 8 meters long. Now, of course, it no longer looks so relevant, but it undoubtedly left its mark on history.
Kate Middleton is a 21st century bride, whose dress has also become one of the examples of classic style. The snow-white outfit with a 3-meter train was decorated with lace depicting flowers - symbols of Great Britain.
Decor
MONA Boutique Hotel coordinators collaborate with leading decorators who will provide your celebration with European-level design. When decorating a wedding in a classic style, much attention is paid to lighting - lighting is installed on the street and in the restaurant, professional light for a photo shoot in nature. There are an abundance of fresh flowers and floral arrangements with fabric draperies made of satin, chiffon and shiny organza. Other traditional decor attributes for a classic style wedding are:
- balloons;
- candles;
- figurines of the bride and groom, doves;
- images of hearts;
- ribbons, bows and so on.
The recommended palette of colors for a classic wedding is pastel, emphasizing the pomp and solemnity of the event.
