As if choosing a red wedding gown isn't bold enough, there are ways to accent the dress which could bring out the richness of the color. If you are considering on putting a dramatic touch to your wedding by going full color with a red wedding dress, you'll have to be extra careful, though. Red isn't really a popular color choice amongst the traditional; it is more for the free-spirited, not for the weak of heart. These tips may help you get the most out of your red wedding dress, while skirting easily and discreetly between the boundaries of convention and individual expression.
Red wedding gowns are essentially dramatic, and what better way to accent the drama than with the bodice. Halter-style and sleeveless bodice, with its high choke or wrap neck, are great for emphasizing beautiful shoulders and back, with the option of going bare back. One-shoulder bodice also add elegance to the overall appeal of the dress, with an asymmetrical cut and an exposed shoulder. Surplice bodice style, which is achieved by a cross-wrapping of the fabric either in the front or back, can also be used to expose more of the neckline if desired. For those who want to push the boundaries, a corset-style bodice is probably the best way to go, since this is very form-fitting and usually strapless, with boning support and lace closures which fastens tightly on the back. While making you look like a regal bride, corsets can also exude some wild and sexy appeal.
Neckline options become tricky when you consider that the color of the wedding gown is at any shade of red. If the color is of the deeper shades, then the neckline may make or break the look of the entire outfit. A cowl, or a neckline with a piece of fabric usually attached to the shoulder straps and droops loosely around the neck at the front or back, gives great complement to the dress; the cowl achieves better effect if it is in a color which accents that of the rest of the gown, such as silver, white or pale gold. Strapless necklines are flattering, if you've got the figure to show for it; otherwise you could opt for safer alternatives such as a v-neck or a portrait (with a shawl collar wrapping around the shoulders) neckline.
As with traditional color gowns, the same rules practically apply for the red wedding gown in terms of body shape and style. The full skirt or the ballerina dress is great at giving proportion if you have a slim-hipped and full-busted figure. The empire line dress gives the illusion of length, and is ideal for petit body types. The princess line gown hugs closely at the waist, which gives beautiful proportion for those with slim waistlines while accenting the bust area. This style also covers wide hips discreetly and elegantly. Bias cut and column gowns are very discriminating, as it looks best with women of more or less ideal figures; this shows off body contours, as it hugs the hip area closely. If you have great shoulders and you want to expose it, the asymmetric dress achieves the effect of emphasized shoulders and arms, while its flared skirt line effectively accents or hides the hip area.
A red wedding gown can wow a crowd if worn with pride and elegance. On the other hand, you could very well look like Little Red Riding Hood being led by the wolf to the altar. At redhotbrides.com, see how other brides are wowing their guests at their fairytale wedding in red style. |
