Weddings Week 2011

For people within the fashion industry, Kate Middleton's wedding dress was important because it paid tribute to the late Alexander McQueen . For civilians, though, the dress represented something else entirely: A break from the relentless tyranny of strapless wedding dresses . While the future Duchess of Cambridge certainly had big things to worry about on her wedding day, having her dress fall down in front of the entire nation wasn't one of them.

If only the rest of us were so lucky. As lovely as a strapless gown can be, it brings with it a host of complications, from bra wrangling to the pervasive fear that your friends and loved ones secretly think your armpits are flabby. But even a royal wedding can't change a trend as deeply ingrained as bare bridal shoulders. We consulted some local wedding dress experts , and every single one of them said that the strapless dress is here to stay.

No one loves their arms. The slimmest girls in the world hate their arms. But when you wear something that cuts your arm off somewhere, whether it's a cap sleeve, a strap, whatever, it draws attention to that area . So the fattest girl in the world looks great in a strapless dress. I don't think it'll ever go out. Everyone thought "Oh my" when Kate wore sleeves, but I haven't had one girl come in asking for that look other than one who needed sleeves for an Orthodox Jewish wedding. Even mothers of the brides, older women, they come in and leave with strapless dresses. All I've sold for the past ten years are strapless. Since the Royal Wedding, we have not seen an increase in the number of women asking for sleeves. I think it just feels too conservative and covered up for most women we meet. However, we have in the past year seen an increase in the number of women looking for non-strapless in the form of a strap or small cap sleeve. The reason most women want this is either a) to be different from all of their friends who have gotten married in the past five years and worn strapless or b) they fear their dress won't stay up while they are dancing. I think the reason that most wedding gowns are strapless is because it is difficult to make a gown that has straps or sleeves that is still feminine and delicate. Often, a strap or sleeve can make a woman feel bulky and less feminine. Once women put a strapless on, they generally feel beautiful.

Why you Should Have a Long Sleeve Wedding Dress » V Neck Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses with short sleeves, spaghetti straps or those that are sleeveless are definitely getting more popular. A lot of brides now seem to prefer baring their arms. A bride however, should never forget that a long sleeve wedding dress is also still a good option. Why would anyone want to have a long sleeve wedding dress?

Classic History

Wedding dresses have been around for as long as weddings have been. We all know of course that a woman of long ago only had one dress option, a long sleeve wedding dress. It can perhaps be safely assumed that since the medieval era, the long sleeve wedding dress effectively gave off the message of female modesty. A traditional medieval long sleeve wedding dress would have a fully closed neckline and sleeves that went down to cover the fingers. The ancient long sleeve wedding dress however was also a statement of fashion. A wealthy bride could have a long sleeve wedding dress of velvet and damask with trimmings of satin and silk. As part of fashion, sleeve tips could extend down to the floor.

Modern Elegance

The modern long sleeve wedding dress need not follow its ancient look. A present day long sleeve wedding dress does not have to look ancient or vintage at all but still convey female modesty. Long sleeves can easily imply a highly ladylike and modest look regardless of the bodice and neckline cut. It can also effectively bring out the impression of elegant formality.

Basic Purpose

A long sleeve wedding dress has one basic purpose which is to draw attention to your upper parts. If you have hips that are either too full or too small, you may want to draw eyes to your chest and arms instead. Having long sleeves is also a great solution to square shoulders and big arms.

Modern Modesty

Some brides may still prefer a long sleeve wedding dress design simply because of modesty. You can have full long sleeves of the same material as your dress and a simple round neckline. It is possible however to still look modest but also daringly modern. Have the sleeves made of a lighter mesh material and then pick an off the shoulder neckline. You also have the option of a portrait neckline or a low v-neck cut.

For All Seasons

A ¾ or full long sleeve made of the same material as your bodice can help keep you warm and comfortable in a winter wedding. You may still however have an elegant long sleeve wedding dress even in summer. Choose light materials like chiffon and organza if you think the weather will be warm on your wedding day.

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