ELEGANT SHORT WEDDING DRESSES FOR DISCERNING BRIDES
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Author: Cynthia Grafton-Holt
Hello, my lovelies and welcome to my journal page where I share my thoughts on finding Short Wedding Dresses that are elegant, chic and timeless. Today, I would love to unpack and share a few tips of the reoccurring challenge faced by discerning brides.
As a new bride-to-be, there is a need to learn quickly the nuances and the processes involved when shopping for a wedding dress. which, can make you feel a little lost at first. The goal is to help you get up-to-speed as quickly as possible by sharing ideas and wedding planning tips that will help uncover the mysteries and challenges within the bridal shopping space. Discerning brides have to shop more thoughtfully with consideration for modesty, cultural or religious dress preferences that set their needs apart from the mainstream market, making the task of finding suitable gowns a little more challenging than norm.
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Current bridal trends are towards mini slips best suited to lingerie and extravagant corset inspired creations as worn by Chloe Kardashian; Whilst the styles do look fun and high energy, the trend is focused on a less affluent audiences attracted to the fast-paced approach of the high street stores. Whilst such fashions have their place, the result is not quite as sophisticated nor elegant when entering the bridal space.
As we all know, trends come and go with such speed there is a real conflict for the bride whose tastes and expectation are for something timeless for her special day. There is also the issue of quality. High Street fashion is mass produced, low quality, poorly cut, badly fitted and profit focused – which is totally the opposite and compromise of personal values and goals towards a sustainable planet. Many factories and makers today are glueing and stapling gowns during production, which the unwitting new bride-to-be does not discover until facing the task of alterations, drycleaning or repairs, to discover shoddy workmanship and work that cannot be rectified.
BUT, even having said all of this, there is no valid reason not to explore finding a second wedding dress that is irresistible, glamourous and leaves a lasting impression on the guests.
SHORT AND SWEET MINI WEDDING DRESSES
There is much debate as to whether Mini Wedding dresses are right for weddings. But, as this depends on who you are and your preferences, we must accept that not every bride has the same vision. Whilst yards of trailing tulle and a cathedral train might appeal to the idea of a traditional romantic dress, for many modern brides, the short wedding dresses trend provides a refreshing alternative. The option of choosing a shorter hemline, can range from ankle, midi, knee and ultra mini, meaning that almost everyone can find a style that fits with their style without compromise. So, shall we jump in and explore a few ideas together?
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15 ELEGANT SHORT WEDDING DRESSES WE LOVE!
Whatever views we may have on the topic, short wedding dresses are set to stay for a while as a key bridal trend, simply for the alternative benefits and choices provided for modern women to afford different looks across a range of celebrations and even during the ceremony.
If you already follow us over on Instagram, you will know that we don’t play by the rules. And why should we? Our brides are on the lookout for something refreshingly different and unique. We live by our motto of Going BOLD or Going Home! I guess if you are still reading this, the latter is not an option you wish to consider.
Below, we hope to inspire you with a range of low cut, high necklines dresses with sleeves and detachable trains to inspire your thoughts. The rest is up to your imagination and how you interpret each design according to your personal preferences.
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9 TOP TIPS WHEN BUYING A MINI WEDDING DRESS
For the Couture Bride– With constantly evolving trends in fashion and textiles, the trick is to stay focused on high quality materials that will stand the test of time whilst looking effortless and chic with every wear. Consider the purchase as you would an investment piece look that is easily transformed when worn with carefully chosen accessories or sentimental pieces. Whilst Short Wedding Dresses provide an extra layer of personalisation and glamour for the big day, it’ is paramount to remain focused on individual style to future proof the overall look and to shine through with unique memories that are as distinct as the bride herself.
Length – Mini does not have to mean super short. Unless of course you have the best legs on the plants, in which case, go for it and flaunt them! Short Wedding Dresses can range in length from ankle length, mid-calf, knee length and mid-thigh, all can seem longer or shorter depending on the heel height that is worn on the day. The most important factor when choosing a shorter gown is to choose a length that is flattering for your height and body type and, is comfy to dance the night away.
Mini Wedding Dresses that are Too Tight – I would say avoid body con dresses on your wedding day and opt for something a little more girly – there is something feminine and elegant about the latter. Mini body con dresses snap to fit the body but, the downside is that they tend to ride up leaving you to pull and tug to keep them in place. IF the venue style is modern, relaxed and intimate, opt for a glam chic shorter wedding dress to walk down the aisle; by choosing a semi fitted style of gown, the look will be effortless (rather than fashion slave) and, avoids the need to be tugging and pulling down your dress the entire time.
Long Sleeve Mini Dresses are great at covering up the arms and balancing out the amount of skin on show. Opt for long fitted sleeves so that the overall look is streamlined and sophisticated.
Family members may not be so on board with the option of a shorter gown especially where religious practices are a high priority. Speak to those who matter to you most – they will appreciate the consideration and be prepared for whatever choice you make on the day. Yes, it is essentially your day your way but bear in mind that family is everything and you want to start married life on the right path to success.
Embellishments: Opt for short wedding dresses with fun details such as sequins, embroidery, beadwork, pearls, detachable trains, oversized bows, sash appliqued petals or even feathers. All of the surface details mentioned, add an element of the unexpected and will elevate the simplest of dresses into a glamourous look that is really special (especially useful if your style is minimal.
Sleeve and neckline: Strapless, long-sleeve, one-shoulder, cold shoulder, Bardot, Sweetheart, low plunge, backless – you name it, there are numerous combinations along with all kinds of sleeves and necklines. Just as you would with a longer gown, think about the style you like and ultimately what feels the most like you. After all, the end results need to sing with your voice no matter whether it’s long or short.
Find a qualified seamstress – Begin by exploring and examining the work of your local wedding dress designer, who can take your ideas and bring them to life whilst providing you with knowledge and expert advice on materials along the way. If you are unsure (or can’t quite put all the images together in your head), ask for sketches, fabric swatches and anything else to help you build the vision and stay calm throughout the development stages.
Striking the right balance – Avoid overwhelming the design process with too many ideas. It is best to have a build it as you go approach which any highly qualified wedding dress designer can appreciate. By choosing to work in an organic way, ideas can be tried out and mocked up along the way, avoiding overwhelm and you not loving your dress once it is finished.
And lastly, approach everything with an open mind. Listen to your heart, be truthful with yourself and the designer. The bespoke dressmaking process requires close collaboration, honesty, openness and trust from start to finish.
HOW TO FIND SHORT WEDDING DRESSES PERFECT JUST FOR YOU!
Silk Wedding Dress | Cynthia Grafton-Holt Couture
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The best advice for discerning brides really depends on who you are and what you want to achieve. For most of my brides, I already know what the answer to that question will be; “I want to look bloody gorgeous Cynthia, isn’t that enough?”
Yes, I know, But HOW DO YOU WANT TO LOOK AND FEEL? Being honest with yourself is a chance to discover more about your needs. Below are a few pointers to help with narrowing down and focusing the search for your dream mini wedding dress.
- The Dance Hall Queen
- Ok! Do you want to dance? Are you a mover? If so, then make sure your dress isn’t too tight, especially around the bum so that you can drop all your favourite moves without ripping the poor dress to shreds.
- Bling Queen
- Love a bit of bling! Go for it! This is your moment to shine. Afterall, if you are going to make the effort to change, then make sure that you bring your best game with the ‘wow’ you’re looking for!
- Tattoo Queen
- For brides who feel they must cover up a favourite bit of body art for the religious ceremony, the chance to switch up styles can pay dividends. This is your chance to go for a style that sets you free and shows off your art. But, as I know most of you want to continue to be elegant right to the end, a fantastic option is to do a part disclosure. Always think, cool, glam elegance right to the end.
- Standout Queen
- Think feathers, crystals, fringing, metallic work, beaded work and embroideries – with a bit of creativity you might consider customising a gown to take the design to another level. Whatever you choose, it will be perfect for any season and can be elevated or dressed down for other occasions.
THE HISTORY OF THE MINI WEDDING DRESS TREND?
The trend for alternative bridal fashion began in the 1960’s with famous brides like Elizabeth Taylor, Rachel Welch and Audrey Hepburn leading the way. Elizabeth Taylor’s hooded silk chiffon wedding dress is quite something and she knew it! She even made the style her own, recreating the look for another of her weddings. More recently, artists, such as Lily Allen, chose an immaculately tailored Dior mini wedding dress and, the super model Cindy Crawford, wore nothing more than an Ivory Silk mini slip dress to walk hand in hand with her husband on the beach; famous brides have long provided the inspiration for an alternative take on bridal fashion, inspiring generations of modern brides to explore styles that will look cracking a hundred years from now whilst still making a modern statement in its own right.
Custom-made Mini Wedding Dress | Real Bride Story
Wish to learn more about the bespoke services we offer to brides? Click to LEARN MORE about our Wedding Dress Design Service HERE
Perhaps you already know exactly what you want and ready to move to the next stage of designing a custom made design just for you. We offer advice and assistance designing and sourcing the perfect materials. At the end of the appointment, you will have a clear picture and quotation of the costs. Once you have opted to go ahead, a design pack of selected materials with a sketch of the final will be dispatched along with a schedule of fittings dates.
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WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH
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