Weddings Supplies and Accessories

Traditional Wedding Gowns with Plenty of Stylish Details

Formal affairs are all about rituals and traditions, and few are more formal than a wedding. While it is true that more and more couples are opting for casual ceremonies due to rising costs, most prefer a traditional white wedding. Let us take a moment to review the history of this interesting tradition.

It may surprise you to learn that white weddings are a relatively recent phenomenon. The custom began in 1840 when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria were married. Monarchs rarely wore white before that time, but due to her reputation for purity and chastity, white soon became the color of choice. It came to represent innocence and virginity in women.
But sex was only a small part of the equation. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a storybook romance. As a result, white wedding gowns came to symbolize not only chastity and innocence, but also romance and lifelong devotion. It is arguably the most influential and enduring fashion trend of our time.

Traditions have been somewhat relaxed in recent years. Brides today are far more likely to dress in lighter, more comfortable gowns on their wedding day, though white remains the color of choice. Statistics aren’t easy to come by, but bridal salons, department stores, and bridal emporiums report that nine out of every ten wedding gowns they sell are white. Western brides, even if it is their second time down the aisle, often go with white.

Where to Start?

Many brides-to-be make the mistake of assuming that traditional means extravagant. Most people of marriageable age have attended at least one formal wedding in their time. You know what we’re talking about—the long flowing veil, the heavily embroidered dress, the enormous train. Now, there’s nothing wrong with pomp and pageantry. But most modern brides like to move around on their wedding day. Gowns like the one described can weigh ten to fifteen pounds and most of them simply do not breathe.
Of course, that does not mean that a formal gown is off limits. There is a simple solution to this problem. Believe it or not, most brides actually prefer formal ceremonies. Not only are they easier to control than informal affairs, but they let everyone know how important the day really is.

The solution to the heavy, embroidered brocade gown with the elaborate veil and train is a simple reception gown. Most formal weddings hold the ceremony and the reception at different venues, which means that the bride has time to change into a different dress after the pictures have been taken. In fact, she often has at least an hour, sometimes two before the bridal party is introduced to the guests. If her dress is heavy and uncomfortable, this is the time when she will slip into something more comfortable.  Buying two dresses gives formal brides the best of both worlds, i.e., the ceremony she always dreamed of and an enjoyable reception.
What does it mean to be traditional? Again, traditional is a subjective word, since everyone has a different idea of what it is. For some people, traditional ceremonies involve a church, three hundred dewy-eyed guests, and an elaborate gown. But for others, tradition is what they make of it.

New Styles

White has been the color of choice for bridal gowns for well over a century and that may never change, but styles certainly have. As you might imagine, the venue has a profound effect on the formality of the gown. And since more couples are scheduling outdoor and destination weddings, the average wedding gown has adapted. Hemlines have gotten shorter, materials are much lighter, and the wedding veil is a bit less elaborate.

These dresses often eschew the frills, ruffles and furbelows of traditional gowns and embrace more comfortable, contemporary styles. Instead of heavy fabrics like satin or velvet, they are generally made of lightweight materials that breathe well, like douppioni or china silk.  Both fabrics are common for outdoor ceremonies held during the spring and summer months. Since they can breathe and they are relatively lightweight, brides often wear them the entire day.

Though the veil is still seen as an indispensible accessory, the days of large, elaborate veils may be numbered. More and more brides are choosing shorter, smaller veils. The blusher veil is a short, lightweight accessory that is worn mostly at informal weddings. Beach and garden brides almost always choose the blusher. For slightly more formal affairs, they may go with the flyaway veil, which is a multi-layered, shoulder-length veil.

Hemline

As a general rule of thumb, the more informal the ceremony, the higher the hemline. An outdoor bride almost always wears a dress that is cut a bit shorter. There are two very good reasons for this. For one thing, she will not be wearing a train when she walks down an imaginary aisle in the sand or on the grass. Not to mention the fact that she may not even be wearing shoes. Many outdoor brides, especially sand brides say goodbye to their shoes and choose to show off their legs a bit. Tea length dresses are incredibly popular at informal ceremonies.

Every bride has her own idea of the wedding gown of her dreams. When picking the perfect dress for your wedding, consider these tips and suggestions to help narrow the search.

About the Author

Kyle Sterzer is a freelance writer who writes about weddings, fashion and specific products like wedding gowns

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Weddings: Embroidered Wedding Dress Options

Silk Embroidery Piano Shawl: Pink with Colorful Flamenco Floral 60×60 $99.95 1. Brand new. 100% silk, 100% hand embroidery. 2. Color: pink with colorful flamenco floral silk embrodery . 3. Size: 40×40 inches, plus 20 inches crochet & fringe, total 60×60 inches. 4. It feels extremely soft and has a wonderful sheen, with beautiful hand-embroidered work and artistic design. 5. It’s a very elegant and stylish embroidered silk shawl or stole that can be worn all year round for…

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White Silk and Embroidered Tulle Christening Baptism Gown $112.00 Precious silk and embroidered gown with tulle lace and matching bonnet. Short sleeves with embroidered trim and a tie back sash. Button back closure for easy changing. Perfect for christening, baptism, dedication, and blessing. Made in the USA. (Please note that all natural silk fabrics have slubs which are an inhearent part of the fibers and add to the individuality of the set. These should not b…

White Embroidered Tulle Christening Baptism Gown $75.00 Adorable embroidered tulle gown with tie back sash and matching bonnet. Button back closure for easy changing. Perfect for christening, baptism, dedication, blessing, and weddings. Made in the USA….

White Embroidered Organza Christening Baptism Gown with Bonnet One of our Best Sellers! So reasonably priced, and So Sweet embroidered organza gown with matching bonnet is perfect for Christenings and Baptism….

Two Gowns $1.74 Cream colored invitation / announcement has two wedding gowns and a gold border. Perfect for a commitment ceremony invitation.Cream reception, respond and informal/thank you cards are available.

Newborn Girl Carter’s 2-Pk. Embroidered/Dot Gowns $20 Newborn girl 2-pack Elephant embroidered, dot print gowns. 100% cotton, machine washable. Available in Pink. Sizes 0-3 Months.

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Lady's Embroidered Handkerchief $21.95 Mothers-in-law cry at weddings too. Honor yours with an embroidered hankie keepsake made especially for her. Each beautifully embroidered handkerchief is accompanied by a commemorative poem entitled "Your Special Son." White cotton; measures 10" x 10".

Mother Embroidered Handkerchief $21.95 Afraid your mom will cry a puddle? This handkerchief will catch those tears of joy, while giving her another sentimental moment to, well, cry about. The word "mother" is beautifully embroidered on this white cotton handkerchief, which is accompanied by a commemorative poem. Handkerchief measures 10" x 10".

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2028 $1080 This is Casablanca wedding dress style number 2028. All over beading with textural appliqués are lovely on this strapless wedding dress. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. TJ Formal is proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Silky satin with embroidered tulle. Strapless with a softened sweetheart neckline. Double-layered beaded and embroidered tulle over satin with a slim slight flared A-line silhouette. Beautiful sheer overlay on the train. Shown in Ivory / Ivory / Silver.

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2032 $990 This is Casablanca wedding dress style number 2032. Richly embellished bodice and train on this A-line strapless wedding dress. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. TJ Formal is proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Sleek satin. Strapless with a unique modified scalloped neckline. Beaded and embroidered A-line gown features the embellishments heavy on the bodice through the hips. Plain front of skirt with embellished train. Shown in Ivory / Silver.

Allure Wedding Dress 8751 $1408 This is Allure wedding dress 8751 from the Bridals collection. This romantic lace, satin, and tulle fit to flared bridal gown has a tank style bodice. Allure wedding gowns are breathtaking. Offering traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. Embroidered, Venice lace appliqués create drama in this style. The fit and flare silhouette and v-shaped neckline combine for a beautiful design. The empire waist is accented with a ruched satin band and Swarovski crystal detail. The delicate three-dimensional detailing continues throughout as the sweep train completes this gown. Low v-back with covered buttons.

Allure Wedding Dress 8752 $1019 This is Allure wedding dress 8752 from the Bridals collection. This is a beautiful taffeta ball gown with embroidered strapless bodice and tiered pick up skirt. Allure wedding gowns are breathtaking. Offering traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. This gorgeous ball gown is created from our rich taffeta. The fitted bodice features a sweetheart neckline, delicate embroidery, and Swarovski crystals. The romantic ball gown skirt is highlighted with soft pick-ups with embellished rosettes in front and a chapel length train. Corset lace up back ensures a perfect fit.

silk tote, embroidered tote, Indian wedding handbags $69 silk tote, embroidered tote, Indian wedding handbags

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2020 $900 This is Casablanca wedding dress style number 2020. Classic design with beautiful beaded bodice on this pick-up bridal gown. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. TJ Formal is proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Sleek satin. Soft sweetheart strapless neckline on a bodice that is completely beaded and embroidered. Drop waist leads to the A-line skirt with light pick-ups and train. Shown in Ivory / Silver.

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2006 $970 This is Casablanca wedding dress style 2006. Beautiful beadwork and embroidery decorate this fit to flared organza bridal gown. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. We are proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Spaghetti strap, sweetheart neckline, beaded and embroidered sheer organza over silky satin lining. The beadwork and embroidery is accented with Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and sequins with a mermaid gown silhouette. Silver beadwork comes standard on all color options. Shown in Ivory / Ivory / Champagne.

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2025 $900 This is Casablanca wedding dress style number 2025. Fit to flared shapely bridal gown with gorgeous embroidery. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. TJ Formal is proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Silky satin. Beaded and embroidered mermaid gown with a pleated strapless sweetheart neckline and empire waist. The beadwork and embroidery design is accented with crystal and rhinestone three-dimensional flowers. Shown in Ivory / Silver.

Casablanca Wedding Sash SA005 $400 This is Casablanca wedding dress sash SA005. Intricate beaded leaf embroidery design on this satin bridal sash. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. We are proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Silky satin. A re-embroidered leaf print motif is accented with Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, pearls, and silver backed crystal sequins. Shown in Ivory / Silver.

Casablanca Wedding Dress 2022 $900 This is Casablanca wedding dress style number 2022. Sexy slim gown with front slit and lace is shapely and alluring. Casablanca Bridal brings to us gowns of superb quality, original design, and special attention to detail. Custom sewn, not mass produced, these beautiful bridal gowns are romantic and classic and customizable to each bride. TJ Formal is proud to bring these beautiful gowns to you. And, we can complete your ensemble as well as provide for your bridal party with a wide selection of bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, and mother of the bride or groom gowns. We have shoes, jewelry, headpieces, veils, tiaras, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. Lace, netting, satin, and organza. Beaded and embroidered lace appliqués sewn onto netting overlays a satin lining on this slim gown with strapless sweetheart neckline. An organza band edges the neckline and the train with a zippered slit on the side. Shown in Ivory / Ivory / Silver.

Allure Couture Wedding Dress C163 $2365 This is Allure wedding dress C163 from the Couture collection. This is a romantic A-line organza bridal gown with beautiful floral motif on the skirt. Allure Couture wedding gowns are stunning gowns of the highest quality. Offering traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. A-line gown with beautiful detailing. The strapless neckline is ruched while a ruched band accents the empire waistline. The a-line skirt features embroidered Venice lace appliques that continue through to the hem and chapel length train. Buttons on the back.

Allure Couture Wedding Dress C167 $3012 This is Allure wedding dress C167 from the Couture collection. This couture mermaid bridal gown is breathtaking with a sheer overlay with exquiste embroidery. Allure Couture wedding gowns are stunning gowns of the highest quality. Offering traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. This slim modified mermaid slight flared gown is embroidered throughout and is encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals. The v-shaped neckline continues to the back while a sweep train completes this stunning look. Straps are sheer. The back is stunning with a open cut-out.

Allure Couture Wedding Dress C173 $1334 This is Allure wedding dress C173 from the Allure Couture collection. This is a beautiful couture strapless tulle and organza A-line gown with ribbon and beading detail. Allure Couture wedding gowns are stunning gowns of the highest quality. Offering traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure Bridals is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. Tulle and organza. This natural waisted A-line gown features an all over three-dimensional ribbon embroidery detail. The waistline is embellished with an embroidered and crystal belted accent. Slight dipped back. Available in Ivory or White with Silver.

Moonlight Tango Wedding Dress T474 $513 This is bridal dress T474 from Moonlight Tango Informally Yours. This alluring taffeta mermaid gown has sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps. Tango Informally Yours is a collection of destination or informal bridal gowns . Long gowns and short dresses, too. Alluring gowns and dresses in quality fabrics and modern designs, these gowns are beautiful at affordable prices. Ready for a get-away vacation wedding, a garden wedding, or for bride’s reception, these gowns and dresses are perfect. And, TJ Formal is ready to outfit you and your entire bridal party – from the bride to her bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers, and guests. And we can complete your outfit with shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Makes us your one stop shop. Taffeta. Delicate spaghetti straps with a sweetheart neckline. Sexy, open lace-up back. Ruching on the fitted body with asymmetric drop waist. Flared lower skirt with beaded, embroidered appliqué on the side. Cocktail train. Shown in Ivory.

Allure Wedding Dress 8804 $963 This is Allure wedding dress 8804 from the Allure Bridal Collection. Stunning beading on the bodice of this satin bridal gown with flower and sash at the waist. Allure bridal collections offers traditional, stylish gowns, couture gowns, modest gowns, plus sized gowns, and informal bridal gowns, Allure is sure to have a style that is perfect for you. Beautifully designed with exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics, these are heirloom gowns. And, these gowns are offered at such spectacular prices, we can’t show them — CALL US for pricing and to see if we have your style in stock – you won’t be disappointed! And, TJ Formal is your one stop shopping destination for all your formalwear needs — we can outfit all the ladies in your bridal party — bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride or groom, special guests – we have a huge selection at the cheapest prices you’ll find. But, don’t stop there — we offer shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories you need to complete your outfit. Satin. A-line gown with a strapless, gently curved neckline. The dropped waistline bodice features an embroidered and crystal tulle overlay with pleated satin sash and floral detail at the waist. Completed with a full satin skirt. Covered buttons all the way down the back into the train. Available in White, Diamond White, or Café, all with Silver.