Once you've said yes to the all-so-important question, you'll soon be faced with lists of other decisions. None is as nerve-wracking as saying yes to the perfect wedding dress. After all, it's the outfit that you'll don while you walk down the aisle with all eyes fixed on you. Not to forget that it's the gown that will forever be immortalised in photos of you from the big day.

Most brides have likened the process of searching for THE DRESS to searching for a specific needle in a stack of needles. From online stores that promise to unite you with your ideal wedding gown to the stacks of gorgeous designer dresses stocked by leading bridal boutiques; the options are overwhelming.

While poring through bridal magazines and putting together a wedding dress inspiration board, it also helps to learn about bridal style. Borrowing from the Alea Lovely Photography editorial and the gorgeous gown by Hayley Paige; let's also explore gothic glam wedding ensembles and styling.

Wedding Dress Styles

You'll come across countless wedding dress styles and even more keep popping up on the bridal store racks every other day. However, there are about six main classic silhouettes that you should be familiar with because they essentially serve as the base of other bridal trends.

A-Line

The A-line is a universally flattering silhouette and it features a snug top with a flared skirt. It accentuates the waist and pairs well with most necklines, trains, and veil styles. The contrast between the snug bodice and flaring skirt also creates an overall slimming effect. A-line silhouettes equally help petite brides look taller.

Ball Gown

The ball gown is the outfit that comes to mind whenever you mention a fairytale or princess. A cinched waistline is created by the gown's fitted bodice and full skirt. Most brides pair the look with a lace or tulle underskirt for an even more dramatic look. It's easy to find pre-made ball gowns and with a few adjustments, the style looks flattering on just about all body shapes.

Mermaid

The mermaid silhouette is a figure-hugging style that hugs the curves in all the right places and flares out at the bottom. It's a dramatic style that is most flattering for the bride with an hour-glass figure. However, it can also help the bride with a petite or slim frame to achieve the hour-glass illusion.

Trumpet

The trumpet style is related to the mermaid silhouette only that it's a more toned-down version. It features a straight bodice and the skirt flares out from around the thighs going downward. The silhouette favours a bride with a slender frame who wants to amplify the curvy illusion. It equally works for women with hourglass bodies because it allows them to flaunt their curves.

Column/ Sheath

The sheath silhouette fits snuggly from the neckline all the way to the hem. It gives brides with petite bodies an elongated look and for tall women, it gives them definition. An embellished belt or sash helps the bride with a rectangular body shape to create a defined waist. It also works for the bride who doesn't necessarily want a train.

The column is closely related to the sheath with the difference being that the sheath is typically lighter and seamless. Columns are also snug-fitting but they feature some structure created by fabrics like corded lace, taffeta, and brocade. It's most flattering for women with slender figures but also favours the bride with an athletic frame.

Slip

The slip silhouette is sophisticatedly minimal and chic. It falls in the category of less is more with a tendency to fit like a glove. It's a wedding dress you want to get made to measure with attention to details like the back detailing and neckline.

Wedding Dress Necklines

With a better understanding of the types of gown silhouettes you'll encounter, it's equally important to learn about wedding dress necklines. They are varied but you'll come across a few recurring necklines.

Square Neckline

Square necklines favour brides with ample bosoms, and in general, they pair well with A-line wedding dresses. Depending on the precise cut, it can display a bit of cleavage or hide it entirely.

V Neckline

Outfits with V-necks help accentuate the collarbone and neck. It favours brides who are mid-to-short because it adds height. A sensual plunge is also flattering for women with small bosoms.

Sweetheart

The sweetheart neckline is perhaps the most popular and it resembles the upper curves of the heart shape. It makes the neck look longer and favours women with ample bosoms. It pairs well with corset bodices featuring embellishments like 3D applique and crystal beading.

Off-shoulder

The off-shoulder neckline exudes a regal feel and it's best paired with cap sleeves or full-length sleeves. It favours women with narrow shoulders who want to showcase their complexion while also highlighting their collarbones.

Asymmetrical Neckline

The asymmetrical neckline is more of a runway trend that has equally been making its way to weddings. It frames the shoulders while accentuating the collarbones and making the bosom look less busty. One-shoulder styles create a romantic and ethereal aesthetic, and it's befitting for the contemporary bride.

Gothic Glam Wedding Inspiration and Styling For The Modern Bride

The Alea Lovely editorial also shows how you can steal some gothic glam for your own big day. The black and white beaded necklace pairs well with the strapless gown. The red bouquet with green foliage further exudes a romantic tone.

The styling is equally gothic chic and if you want something a bit more dramatic, draw some inspiration from 1920s pin-up girls or screen legends like the American silent film star Theda Bara. A dark red lip colour paired with a smokey eye completes the look.

Black and white as well as black and gold combos would look great sprinkled all over the wedding venue. From the tablescape to the wedding decoration; the colour palette looks great on various elements on the big day. Black, white, or red tapered candles are equally perfect for the gothic glam aesthetic.

Holiday couture: classy stripes

I’ve got such a treat for you today! This gorgeous shoot from Alea Lovely Photography is just part one of a four-part series of inspiration shoots presenting the very best in holiday couture looks.

They range from today’s classic striped wedding dress by Hayley Paige to tomorrow’s haute couture gothic glam outfit (it’s too perfect for a New Year’s party), and two more fabulous gowns over the weekend. Plus at the end of it there will be a giveaway from one of the vendors involved in this awesome event!

I love the mix of sweet and sassy in this shoot. The puppy brings a touch of softness to this otherwise smoldering ensemble. And that gown? It’s definitely one of my all-time favorites. It elevates stripes and makes them classy and effortless!

Credits:Photography: Laura Gordon // Gowns: Sareh Nouri // Location: Central Park, NYC // Laces: Sophie Hallette // Veils & Headpieces: Liv Hart of Enchanted Atelier // Hair: Magda’s Designs // Makeup: Faces by Liz.