Empire Wedding Dress

Brides today are not limited to wearing traditional styled wedding dresses. Wedding dresses come in numerous creative and elegant styles. One such gown is the empire wedding dress. This dress comes with a raised waistline found just beneath the bust, and a flowing lower part that goes down to the hem. It is usually matched up with a square shaped neckline and broad sleeves or set straps. Apart from the waistline, other design options help to make the empire wedding dress what it is. Sleeve length is one such option. Sleeves can be long, bell shaped for weddings in the winter, and sleeveless for summer weddings. The skirt is another contributing factor of the empire dress. Some dresses have skirts that flow freely while some have skirts that hug the figure as they flow downwards.

When making the empire dress, it is advisable to use lighter fabrics. This is because they allow much movement and flow from the waist. For one to create a romantic effect on an empire wedding dress, they should arrange a layer of silk chiffon on top of a base fabric. The petal style arrangement that overlaps gently into the front is most preferred for layering. Lace too is another favorable choice for layering as it can add detail and texture to a simple design. One can use fabric embellishments and accents like beadwork and capped sleeves on the empire wedding dress to help draw attention to one’s neckline as well as their chest and create the illusion of a full bust.

The empire dress is timeless having been made popular in olden times by women in Greece and Rome. Almost all women can wear the empire wedding dress and look good. However, apple and pear shaped women are most flattered by this design.  Because it is gathered close to the breasts and high waisted it draws emphasis away from the stomach, hips and thighs and emphasizes the bust.  The flowing skirt serves to lengthen the body making petite women look taller. Its traditional square cut also serves to make small-busted women appear larger, while somehow managing to make larger busts look smaller.  This versatility is what has made it so popular. 

This style allows for the use of more feminine, soft fabrics like satin, silk and chiffon.  They are excellent for any occasion both formal and informal.  This is because of their simple style and sleek lines.  They look best when made from solid colors and with minimal beading or other adornments.  The choice of adornments used makes it either casual or formal.  Beads or other enhancements make the dress great for a casual wedding and sashes, ribbons and ornate beading make it fabulous for a more formal affair.

Empire wedding dresses can be purchased at any bridal store or online at affordable prices.  Most online bridal stores offer great discounts and shipping services at a low rate.  This is the perfect dress style for any bride and the fact that one can get it at reasonable prices makes it worth the effort.