If there is one piece of advice I would give any bride it is to select a wedding dress that suits the wedding location. It is really important for making the whole event flow together naturally. And I must confess that it has always been a pet peeve of mine to see brides on the beach wearing heavy satin ballgowns that would make more sense in a cathedral. These are some inspirational ideas about matching your wedding gown to your wedding venue.
- A futuristic glam gown like this one by Angel Sanchez is perfect for a wedding at a modern art museum. Gown image credit: Fairchild Archive via Brides. Museum pictured: Denver Museum of Art.
If you plan to have your wedding in a place that is grand and modern like a contemporary art museum, the perfect style of wedding gown will both glamorous and fashion forward. This utterly unique Angel Sanchez gown would be ideal for a modern art wedding; the full ballskirt has plenty of presence for a large open space and the creative geometric acetate appliques are like works of art themselves. I love how this gown is both classic (the natural waist, ballgown silhouette, the illusion neckline) and absolutely cutting edge (who ever imagined using glossy acetate embellishments on a bridal gown?). You can be sure that people will be talking about your one-of-a-kind modern wedding for months to come if you wear a wedding dress like this one.
- A romantic garden wedding gown by Oscar de la Renta. Credit: First View
Garden weddings call for dresses that are light, romantic, and perhaps a bit flowery. This lovely empire waist gown by Oscar de la Renta fits the bill perfectly. The gentle A-line skirt is just right for an outdoor wedding, and the flowing tulle embellished with cotton guipure floral lace is a wonderful style for a garden ceremony. I adore the simple lily of the valley bouquet shown with the dress. If you are not a May bride, you could carry a loose arrangement of white garden roses, peonies, and whatever else is in season. Delicate bridal jewelry, such as a pearl drop pendant would strike the right note with this dainty gown.
- A classic gown from Amsale is perfect for a country club reception. Gown credit: First View. Reception credit: Bliss Weddings and Events
Classic reception venues such as country clubs, golf clubs, and yacht clubs are perennial favorites among brides who favor timeless understated elegance. This gorgeous silk taffeta bridal gown captures the essence of timeless grace and effortless style that epitomizes the country club lifestyle. The classic cummberbund waist and asymmetrical bow add just enough detail to this simple wedding dress. I imagine bridesmaids in pink dresses and the groom wearing either a classic tuxedo or a navy suit, depending on the time of day. You could never go wrong with a gown as tasteful as this one.
- This crinkle silk chiffon halter by Jenny Yoo would be right at home on a sandy beach. Beach image: Marissa Rodriguez
The best beach wedding dresses are simple, flowy, and not too fancy. I tend to think that halter gowns are particularly well suited to the beach. If you are getting married on the sand, shop for a wedding dress that is breezy and comfortable. This pretty Jenny Yoo dress would be so lovely for a beach ceremony. The crinkle silk chiffon and halter neckline are perfect for an informal summer wedding. Imagine it with a single layer veil and bridesmaids dressed in knee length crinkle chiffon dresses in shades of ocean blue. There is nothing more beautiful than the perfect wedding dress at a gorgeous location.
