Matching Your Wedding Dress with the Ceremony Type

In addition to selecting a gown that’s flattering to your body type, you may want to base your selection on the type of ceremony you’re planning. You’ll also want to take into consideration your social and religious background. That said, you may have some leeway depending on certain factors.

Eloping and justice of the peace weddings

If your family and friends aren’t going to be present at your wedding at all, you’ll have very few wedding dress constrains. For the most part, all you’ll need to consider is looking your best and being comfortable in your gown. If you want to wear a traditional full wedding dress or a short, slinky gown, it’s all up to you.

Similarly, if you’re getting married for the second time, you may not feel comfortable wearing white. For example, if you’re going on a second honeymoon or planning to renew your vows, you may simply want to wear your favorite dress. On the other hand, if you regret not wearing a traditional dress the first time around, you may want to do so now. You may even want to explore what it would feel like to dress like a bride from another culture.

Ethnic considerations

In some cultures, you’ll need two or three separate dresses for your wedding day. You’ll also find that the wedding ceremony and reception last for several days in some cultures. Therefore, if you’re getting married according to the unfamiliar customs of the groom, it will be helpful to do some research and ask your prospective in-laws about suitable gowns and other related attire.

Church weddings

If you’re going to be married in a Christian church, you may find that you have some restrictions in terms of gown style and color. It’s best to check with your ceremony minister to see if his or her particular denomination has any constraints regarding what you need to wear during the ceremony. Some churches require a white or off-white gown in order to receive the sacrament of communion or marriage. However, if this type of gown doesn’t match your personal style, you may be able to change into a more suitable dress later on for the reception.

Elaborate weddings

If you’re planning a large, elaborate wedding, you’ll probably want to match the tone of the event with an elaborate wedding dress. In this case, you may find it helpful to have a special dress designed for you. If you aren’t comfortable with all of the pomp and circumstance of these proceedings, try to keep in mind that the ceremony will only last for one day. Make your family happy, then after the wedding is over, you can put the dress away, donate it to charity, or sell it.

When you’re shopping for a wedding dress, it’s important to find one that you love and that will be suitable for the type of ceremony you’re planning. For example, if you’re going to be married in a cathedral-type setting, you may feel uncomfortable wearing a plain gown. While these choices may seem difficult to make, you can always ask family members and friends about what would be most suitable or consult a number of bridal magazines to help you along.

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Filed under: Wedding Dresses — vicky at 1:53 pm on Monday, August 4, 2008