As a bride-to-be, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your wedding dress. With so many different styles and trends to choose from, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options. One classic and timeless style that has been popular for generations is the empire wedding dress. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this elegant and flattering style, from its history to its modern-day variations.
Table of Contents
- What are empire wedding dresses?
- The history of empire wedding dresses
- The benefits of wearing an empire wedding dress
- Who should wear an empire wedding dress?
- Choosing the right fabric for your empire wedding dress
- The most popular styles of empire wedding dresses
- How to accessorize an empire wedding dress
- Empire wedding dresses for different wedding themes
- Tips for shopping for an empire wedding dress
- Alterations and customizations for empire wedding dresses
- How to care for and store your empire wedding dress
- Frequently asked questions about empire wedding dresses
- Conclusion
1. What are empire wedding dresses?
An empire wedding dress is a style that features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with a flowing skirt that falls to the floor. The style is named after the Empire period of the early 19th century when high-waisted dresses were popular. The dress is designed to create a long and lean silhouette, making it a flattering choice for many body types.
2. The history of empire wedding dresses
Empire dresses were first popularized during the Napoleonic era in France, where the style was embraced as a symbol of the country’s cultural revival. The dresses were characterized by their high-waisted design and soft, flowing fabrics. During this time, white became the popular color for wedding dresses, and the empire style was adapted for brides. The style fell out of fashion in the mid-19th century, but it was revived in the 1960s as part of the Bohemian fashion movement.
3. The benefits of wearing an empire wedding dress
Empire wedding dresses have several benefits that make them a popular choice among brides. Firstly, the high waistline of the dress can create the illusion of longer legs, making it a flattering choice for shorter brides. Secondly, the flowing skirt of the dress can be forgiving to any areas that a bride may be self-conscious about, such as the hips or thighs. Finally, the empire style can be adapted to suit a range of wedding themes, from classic and traditional to modern and bohemian.
4. Who should wear an empire wedding dress?
Empire wedding dresses are a versatile style that can be worn by many different brides. The style is particularly flattering for brides with a smaller bust, as the high waistline can create the illusion of a larger chest. The style can also be a great choice for brides who are expecting, as the flowing skirt can accommodate a growing bump.
5. Choosing the right fabric for your empire wedding dress
When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your empire wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Soft and flowing fabrics such as chiffon or silk are popular choices, as they can create the elegant and romantic look that empire dresses are known for. Heavier fabrics such as satin or taffeta can also be used to create a more structured look, which can be a great choice for brides who want a more formal wedding.
6. The most popular styles of empire wedding dresses
There are many different styles of empire wedding dresses to choose from, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular styles include:
- A-line empire dress: This style features a flowing skirt that gradually flares out from the waist, creating an A-line silhouette. This is a versatile style that can suit many different wedding themes.
- Bohemian empire dress: This style is characterized by its loose, flowing silhouette and its use of light and airy fabrics such as lace or chiffon. This style is a great choice for brides who want a relaxed and romantic wedding.
- Classic empire dress: This style is a more traditional take on the empire dress, featuring a structured bodice and a flowing skirt. This style can be a great choice for brides who want a more formal wedding.
- Strapless empire dress: This style features a sweetheart neckline and a strapless bodice, which can be a great choice for brides who want to show off their shoulders and arms.
7. How to accessorize an empire wedding dress
When it comes to accessorizing an empire wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Because the dress has a high waistline, it can be a great opportunity to add a statement belt or sash to accentuate your figure. Jewelry should be kept simple and understated, with delicate earrings or a simple pendant necklace. A veil can also be a great addition to an empire dress, with a floor-length veil adding to the romantic and elegant look of the dress.
8. Empire wedding dresses for different wedding themes
Empire wedding dresses can be adapted to suit a range of different wedding themes. For a classic and traditional wedding, a structured and formal empire dress can be a great choice. For a beach or destination wedding, a flowing and lightweight empire dress can be a practical and romantic option. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, a loose and flowing empire dress with lace or floral details can be a great choice.
9. Tips for shopping for an empire wedding dress
When shopping for an empire wedding dress, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the type of fabric you want for your dress, and how it will fit with your wedding theme and venue. Secondly, think about the style of empire dress that will best suit your body type and personal style. Finally, consider the accessories and alterations that you may want to add to your dress to make it truly your own.
10. Alterations and customizations for empire wedding dresses
Because empire wedding dresses are such a versatile and timeless style, there are many opportunities for customization and alterations. Common alterations include adjusting the hemline or neckline of the dress, adding sleeves or straps, or adding embellishments such as lace or beading. Customizations can also be made to the accessories, such as adding a unique belt or a custom veil.
11. How to care for and store your empire wedding dress
After your wedding day, it’s important to properly care for and store your empire wedding dress to ensure its longevity. Be sure to have it professionally cleaned and preserved, and store it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing the dress in plastic bags, as this can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric.
12. Conclusion
Empire wedding dresses are a timeless and elegant style that can be adapted to suit a range of different wedding themes and personal styles. With their high waistline and flowing silhouette, they are a great choice for brides who want a comfortable and flattering dress. Whether you opt for a classic and structured empire dress or a loose and flowing bohemian style, there are many options to choose from. When shopping for an empire wedding dress, keep in mind your body type, wedding theme, and personal style, and don’t be afraid to make alterations or customizations to truly make the dress your own. With proper care and storage, your empire wedding dress can be a treasured memento of your special day for years to come.
13. Frequently asked questions about empire wedding dresses
- Are empire wedding dresses only suitable for certain body types? No, empire wedding dresses can be a great choice for a range of different body types. The high waistline of the dress can help to elongate the body and create a flattering silhouette.
- What types of accessories should I pair with an empire wedding dress? When accessorizing an empire wedding dress, consider adding a statement belt or sash to accentuate your waistline. Simple and understated jewelry such as delicate earrings or a pendant necklace can also complement the dress well.
- Can I customize or alter my empire wedding dress? Yes, empire wedding dresses are a versatile style that can be easily customized or altered. Common alterations include adjusting the hemline or neckline, adding sleeves or straps, or adding embellishments such as lace or beading.
- What fabrics are typically used for empire wedding dresses? Empire wedding dresses can be made from a range of different fabrics, depending on the desired look and feel of the dress. Common fabrics used for empire dresses include silk, chiffon, lace, and satin.
- How should I care for and store my empire wedding dress after my wedding day? After your wedding day, be sure to have your empire wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved. Store the dress in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid storing it in plastic bags which can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric.
In conclusion, an empire wedding dress can be a beautiful and elegant choice for a bride on her special day. With a range of different styles and fabrics to choose from, an empire dress can be adapted to suit many different wedding themes and personal styles. With proper care and storage, your empire wedding dress can become a cherished memento of your wedding day for years to come.
