Choosing the perfect wedding dress can be one of the most exciting and important decisions of your wedding planning process. With so many details to consider, it can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding how long your dress should be.
What is the ideal length for a wedding dress?
Most tailors would suggest that the front of your wedding dress should actually fall about one inch from the floor and reach only to the top point of your shoes. This may seem a little shorter than you expected, but it is actually the ideal length for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it ensures that you don’t trip over your dress while walking down the aisle or dancing the night away. Secondly, it allows your shoes to really shine and be appreciated, especially if you have chosen a pair of stunning heels. Finally, it also gives your photographer the opportunity to capture beautiful, full-length photos of you and your dress, without any of the fabric getting in the way.
What are the different lengths of wedding dresses?
Of course, there are various styles and lengths of wedding dresses to choose from, and ultimately the length you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall look and feel of your wedding day. Here are some of the main options to consider:
Tea-length
A tea-length wedding dress falls to mid-calf and is a popular choice for more casual or vintage-style weddings. It can be a great option for summer weddings, as it allows for plenty of movement and keeps you cool in the heat.
Knee-length
As the name suggests, a knee-length wedding dress falls just above or below the knee and tends to be a more modern, fashion-forward option. It’s a great choice if you prefer a shorter dress, or if you want to show off a pair of statement shoes.
Floor-length
A floor-length wedding dress is the most traditional choice and is ideal if you want a more formal or classic look. The dress should just skim the floor, with the front of the dress falling an inch or so above your shoes. This length works well for all body types, and can be styled in a variety of ways.
Sweep train
A sweep train wedding dress is a great option if you want a touch of drama, but don’t want to deal with the fuss of a longer train. The train is just long enough to create an elegant, flowing look, without getting in the way or requiring constant adjustments.
Cathedral train
If you’ve always dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding, a cathedral train wedding dress may be just what you are looking for. The train is the longest option and extends at least six feet behind the dress, creating a stunning and dramatic look.
Things to consider when choosing the length of your wedding dress
There are a few factors to bear in mind when choosing the length of your wedding dress:
Venue
Consider the venue where your ceremony and reception will take place. If you are getting married on a beach or in a garden, a shorter dress may be more suitable. If you are having a formal wedding in a church or historic building, a longer dress may be more appropriate.
Time of day
The time of day when you get married can also influence the length of your dress. If you are getting married during the day in the summer, a lighter, shorter dress may be better suited to the occasion. If you are getting married in the evening, a longer, more formal dress may be the way to go.
Body type
You should also consider your body type when choosing the length of your dress. If you are petite, a shorter dress can help elongate your legs and create the illusion of height. If you are taller, a longer dress can accentuate your height and create a striking, dramatic look.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the length of your wedding dress is a personal choice and should reflect your own unique style and preferences. Whether you opt for a tea-length dress or a cathedral train gown, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful as you walk down the aisle on your special day.
FAQ
How long should the hem be on a wedding dress?
Choosing the right hem length for your wedding dress is an important decision that will affect the overall look and feel of your gown. There are many factors that should be considered when deciding on the perfect hem length for your wedding dress, including your height, the type of shoes you plan to wear, and the style of your dress.
The first thing to consider when choosing your hem length is your height. If you’re tall, you may want to consider a longer hemline that will add some drama and elegance to your look. On the other hand, if you’re petite, a shorter hemline can help elongate your body and make you appear taller. It’s important to take your height into account when choosing your hem length, as it can greatly affect how the dress looks on you.
Another important factor to consider when choosing your hem length is the type of shoes you plan to wear. If you’re planning to wear towering heels on your wedding day, you’ll want to limit the amount you hem your dress from the floor to 3cm or less. This will prevent the dress from being too short and will also help you avoid tripping. On the other hand, if you’re planning on wearing flats, you’ll probably want to hem your dress by more than 3cm to prevent you tripping over it.
Finally, it’s important to consider the style of your dress when choosing your hem length. If you’re wearing a ballgown, you may want to opt for a longer hemline to add some drama and elegance. Conversely, if you’re wearing a fitted sheath or column dress, a shorter hemline can help elongate your body and create a sleek, modern look.
Choosing the right hem length for your wedding dress is an important decision that should be based on a combination of your height, the type of shoes you plan to wear, and the style of your dress. By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that your wedding dress fits you perfectly and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
When should you do your final wedding dress fitting?
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. For brides to be, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a daunting task, but once you do, you’ll want to ensure it fits like a glove. Your final wedding dress fitting is a crucial step in ensuring that your dress is perfect for your big day.
So, when should you do your final wedding dress fitting? In general, most bridal salons advise that your last fitting take place around two weeks before your wedding date. This timing is not by chance, and it is important to note that this rule of thumb may vary depending on different factors such as the complexity of your wedding dress, any possible customization, or alterations that need to be made, as well as your body measurements.
With two weeks to spare, you have time on your side if you need to make any last-minute changes to the dress or your accessories. It is advisable to schedule an appointment for your final fitting well in advance, so this does not become a last-minute burden on your to-do list. When you arrive at your final fitting, it is best to bring along your wedding shoes, any undergarments that you intend to wear with your dress, and any accessories such as a veil or a headpiece as this will give you an accurate estimate of what you will look like on the day.
During your final fitting, a seamstress will make a last review of your dress’ fit and may make any necessary adjustments. After finalizing the fit, you’ll be able to see how the dress moves and will feel on your wedding day, so don’t forget to move around and dance a bit! Take your last fitting as an opportunity to get any questions or worries you may have concerning your dress addressed.
It is important to have your final wedding dress fitting scheduled well before the wedding day, preferably at least two weeks in advance, to give you ample time to make any necessary adjustments and ensure that everything is perfect on your big day. With proper planning and careful execution, your final fitting will help ensure that your wedding dress looks and feels incredible on your special day!
Do wedding dresses have to be floor length?
Traditionally, wedding dresses have been designed to be full-length gowns that create an elegant and sophisticated look for the bride on her big day. However, with changing times, trends, and societal norms, the idea of what constitutes a wedding dress has evolved, and brides now have a wide range of choices when it comes to the length of their wedding dress.
In general, the length of a wedding dress will depend on the type of wedding, the time of day, and the bride’s personal style. For formal, black-tie weddings, floor-length gowns are still the norm. For semi-formal and day-time weddings, a tea-length or knee-length dress may be more appropriate.
Some brides may prefer a shorter dress for practical reasons – for example, if they are getting married on the beach or in a garden, a long gown may be cumbersome or uncomfortable to wear. Similarly, if a bride is planning a more casual or intimate wedding, a shorter dress may be more appropriate.
The decision of whether to wear a floor-length wedding dress or not is a personal one. It’s important for the bride to feel comfortable and confident in her dress on her big day, regardless of its length. Whatever a bride chooses to wear, as long as it fits her style and personality, she will look stunning and radiant on her wedding day.
Should wedding dress be tight or loose?
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is undoubtedly an essential aspect of wedding planning. One question that commonly arises is whether the wedding dress should be tight or loose. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors such as personal preference, body shape, and the style of the dress itself.
It is essential to remember that the wedding dress should feel a little tight. Wedding dresses are usually altered to hug the body, so don’t panic if it feels snug. The dress’s hugging feature enhances your curves, offering a sleek and elegant silhouette. A well-fitted dress can accentuate your best features and make you feel more comfortable and confident on your big day.
However, it is essential to ensure that the dress is not too tight. Wearing a dress that is too tight could result in you feeling uncomfortable and having difficulty moving around. This could result in not being able to dance, sit, or move around freely, which could lead to you not enjoying your wedding day fully. Therefore, always ensure that the dress fits snugly but has enough breathing space.
In contrast, wearing a loose dress could result in an unflattering appearance. Although loose dresses are often comfortable, they can hide your natural curves, making you look shapeless and short. Therefore, when selecting a loose dress, choose a style that accentuates your body shape and complements your figure.
The choice between a tight or loose wedding dress ultimately boils down to personal preference. Select a dress that highlights your best features and makes you feel comfortable on your big day. When selecting a dress, ensure that it fits snugly, highlighting your curves, while leaving enough breathing space to make moving around easy and comfortable.
Is your wedding dress supposed to touch the floor?
Wedding dress can be one of the most important garments that a woman will ever wear in her life, and it is vital to do it right. Some women get confused about how their wedding dress should fit. One common question is whether the dress is supposed to touch the floor or not.
In general, the answer is yes, a wedding dress is supposed to touch the floor. However, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you should take your shoes into account when fitting the dress. Most tailors would suggest that the front of your wedding dress should actually be about one inch from the floor and reach only to the top point of your shoes. This will help to prevent you from tripping over your dress as you walk down the aisle.
Another thing to consider is the style of your dress. Some dresses are designed to be shorter or longer than usual, so it is important to ask your dressmaker about the specific length of your dress. Additionally, if you are having an outdoor wedding, you may want to consider a dress that is slightly shorter to prevent it from getting dirty or wet from the ground.
A wedding dress is supposed to touch the floor, but the length should be considered based on the wearer’s shoes, the style of the dress, and the type of wedding ceremony. With these factors in mind, choosing a dress that fits perfectly can ensure a comfortable and confident walk down the aisle.
Should I buy my wedding dress a size bigger?
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is an exciting experience, but it can also be a stressful one, especially when it comes to selecting the right size. One of the common concerns brides have while selecting a wedding dress is whether they should get a bigger size or stick to their current size. The answer to this question depends on several factors.
In general, wedding dresses sizes tend to run smaller than traditional sizes, and as a result, you may need to select a size or two bigger than your usual size. However, it is important to note that sizing is not standard across different brands, designers, and wedding dress styles. So, before buying a wedding dress, it is crucial to get yourself measured by a professional to determine your accurate measurements.
Another important factor to consider when deciding on the right size for your wedding dress is the type of alterations that it may need. Wedding dresses can be altered up to two or three sizes down without losing the integrity of the dress. In contrast, it’s challenging and often impossible to alter a dress more than two sizes up, especially if the dress has intricate designs or details.
So, if you purchase a dress that’s several sizes bigger than your current size, you may end up with an ill-fitting dress that requires extensive alterations. This can be costly and may result in a dress that doesn’t look and fit as you initially envisioned it.
While it’s understandable to want the extra breathing room or to worry about the dress fitting come the wedding day, it might not always be the best idea to buy a dress that’s too big. Instead, focus on finding the right size and style that works best for you and consider alterations to achieve the desired look and fit.