Many factors go into choosing a wedding dress, including your body type, the aesthetic of your wedding, and your desired outlook. Finding the right dress means finding a dress that fits your body and suits the theme of your wedding.

Different parts make the perfect wedding dress. When choosing a wedding dress, you must consider the neckline, the desired silhouette, the sleeves, the waistline, and the train. Remembering these features when shopping for a wedding dress will save you time and help you find the perfect dress. The following are features that you must consider when choosing the right wedding dress:

The Neckline

The neckline is one of the wedding dress parts that can make a significant difference in your wedding day outlook. There are different types of necklines from which you can choose. They include:

  • Sweetheart neckline. This type of neckline is shaped like a heart that deepens at the front, hence its name. Most wedding dress silhouettes can go well with this neckline. However, it is a good choice for bridges with broad shoulders and medium-sized or full busts.
  • Plunge neckline. The plunging neckline is perfect for modern brides who desire a sleek silhouette. This neckline is like a slit that extends from the center of your cheek to the ribs. Most plunge necklines have a sheer illusion that connects to each side of the bodice.
  • Halter neckline. A halter neckline wraps perfectly around your neck, beautifully exposing the shoulders. This type of neckline is flattering for brides who want to show off their upper back and shoulders.
  • V-neckline. This neckline has a dip on the front, forming a V in the middle of the chest. It is flattering for brides with big busts or better. Sometimes, you can have a coordinating V at the back of the dress.
  • Scoop Neckline. The scoop neckline has a round front area, which gives it a feminine and flattering effect. Unlike the sweetheart neckline, it does not dip in the front and offers more coverage.
  • Square neckline. This neckline extends from the shoulder strays to form a straight line across the chest. It offers more coverage than the scoop and V necklines.

Sleeves

Another part of a wedding dress you must consider when looking for a perfect dress for your wedding day is the sleeves. Accessory sleeves are a hot trend for modern bridal dresses. Different types of sleeves you could look into include:

  • Off-the-shoulder. This type of slide sits off the shoulders, exposing the upper arms and shoulders. Off-the-shoulder sleeves could rest slightly off the shoulders or go to the upper arms. Additionally, the thickness of the straps that fall off the shoulder can vary depending on preference.
  • Bishop sleeves. Bishop wedding dress sleeves are long and gathered around the wrist. This type of sleeve is named after its similarity to the sleeves worn by religious leaders. The gathers around the sleeve create a volcano and elegant effect on our dress.
  • Juliet sleeve. A Juliet sleeve begins with gathers or pleats around the shoulder and narrows gradually towards the wrist. The overall effect is volume, which can add a dramatic touch to your dress.
  • Bell sleeves are a type of sleeve that flares out to the elbow and mimics the shape of a bell. They add a touch of femininity to your wedding dress. The length of this sleeve varies to cover your elbow; three-quarters of the arms are long enough to cover the wrists.
  • Cap sleeve. This sleeve covers the top of the shoulder and does not extend onto the arm. The cap sleeves on wedding dresses can vary in width. The caps can also be permanently sewn onto the dress or detachable. The detachable cap sleeves help to change your outlook from the ceremony to the reception.

The Waistline

A dress waistline is where the bodice meets the skirt. Choosing the right wedding dress waistline will dictate how well the dress fits your body. The following are some wedding dress waistlines you will find when shopping for your wedding dress:

  • Natural waist. The natural waistline sits at the lowest part of your torso. This means that with this type of waistline, your wedding dress's bodice and skirt meet slightly above the belly button. The natural waistline is the most common type of wedding dress.
  • Dropped waistline. A dropped waistline moves lower than the natural waist. With this type of waistline, the bodice meets the skirt at the hipbone.
  • Basque waistline. The basque waistline is a fitted bodice that dips below the natural waist and flares out again. This type of wedding dress waistline creates a dramatic and vintage outlook.
  • Empire waistline. An empire waistline sits above your natural waistline, elongating your torso and creating an ethereal look. This type of waistline is ideal if you want to shift the attention from your midsection to other parts of the dress.

Silhouette

The silhouette is another wedding dress feature that you must consider when choosing a suitable gown for your big day. This is the main shape of your dress, and you must find a silhouette that fits your body type.

 Common types of wedding dress silhouettes include:

  • Ball gown. This is the most popular silhouette of wedding dress among brides globally. The skirt is bell-shaped and full.
  • A-line silhouette. This wedding dress features a fitted bodice and flares at the bottom to create a flattering flow. This wedding dress silhouette is ideal for brides looking for a fairytale charm. Additionally, you can look into this type of silhouette if you do not want a voluminous dress.
  • Mermaid silhouette. The right way to go when you want a sleek and sexy look is a mermaid silhouette. This wedding gown style consists of a fitted bodice that hugs your curves to the knees. The mermaid dress is ideal for a bride who wants to show off their curves.
  • Trumpet silhouette. A trumpet silhouette forms one of the most comfortable wedding dresses. The wedding dress is fitted on the upper body and flares slightly above the knees. Unlike the mermaid silhouette, this wedding gown shape gives you more freedom to move your legs.

The Hemline

The hemline is the length of a wedding dress. When you purchase your wedding dress, you will buy a gown in a size designed by its designer. Before you go to a wedding dress shop to choose a gown, you should consider the specific length you desire for your dress.

Your bridal consultant will ensure that you walk out of the store with the right dress based on your body measurements and your desired outlook on your wedding day.

You can choose a wedding dress that covers your toes and flows down or leaves your toes and shoes showing. You can go with the bridal designer charges and make alterations depending on your preference.

Fabric

The fabric is another part of your wedding dress that you should consider when visiting your wedding dress retailer. Whether you want a custom-made dress or choose from what the retailer has in ten stores, you must choose a fabric with the fall and drape you desire. The different types of fabric for a wedding dress include:

  • Stretch. The demand for stretch material in the bridal fashion industry has increased significantly. Many people desire stretch crepe material for its exquisite finishes. The material is perfect if you desire a more fitted wedding dress silhouette.
  • Silk mikado. This is a stiff but gorgeous material with a subtle appearance. Its medium thickness makes it ideal for different wedding dress designs. Whether you want a voluminous ball gown or a flared silhouette, this material can suit your needs.
  • Chiffon. Many wedding dress designers use chiffon as an overlay for a dress with multiple layers. Chiffon is light and gives off a sheer and ethereal vibe.
  • Lace. Lace is the most popular material for wedding dresses. Its texture, weight, and diverse patterns bring out the feminine touch needed in a wedding dress.
  • Batiste. This lightweight, transparent fabric takes the form of an overlay veil. If you have a summer wedding, this fabric is perfect for your wedding dress.

Find a Wedding Dress Retailer Near Me

Your wedding dress is a big part of your wedding day. Since you want to look your best on this day, you must take your choice of a wedding dress seriously. When going to a wedding dress appointment, you need to understand all the parts of the dress. This helps ensure you can correctly explain your vision to your stylist and narrow down the options.

The important parts of a wedding dress you must consider when choosing the perfect one include the neckline, sleeves, silhouette, waistline, and train. Additionally, if you want to add accessories to your look, they should match different parts of your dress.

You need a reliable retailer if you seek the perfect wedding dress in Los Angeles, CA. At Beautiful Day Wedding, we have several wedding dresses to choose from. We will guide you through choosing the right wedding dress and make your dream a reality. Contact us at 213-386-1900 to book an appointment.