A growing number of brides are forgoing the traditional, elaborate wedding gown and embracing a less formal approach to their wedding dress. The good news for today’s bride is that there is no shortage of options for those looking for a simple wedding dress to wear on her special day. Not every young girl grows up dreaming of looking like a princess as she walks down the aisle to her prince. Instead, wedding style is found in dresses of every length and of every color of the rainbow in addition to the more traditional white and ivory.
Indeed, a simple wedding dress can mean just about anything. A bride may choose to wear a dress that is quite casual for a beach wedding or a sleek and elegant tea length dress for an evening wedding, for example. A sleeveless or halter dress is just as valid as a skirt and a lovely jacket. The dress may or may not be comprised of the usual fabrics of satin, organza, taffeta or chiffon. Likewise, the veil is completely optional. For some brides, a cocktail dress becomes a wedding dress that can be worn again and again once the wedding day is over. The fact is that a simple style wedding dress opens up so many more possibilities for the bride who chooses to exercise this option.
So what is driving this trend away from the traditional, formal wedding dress? We have discovered several factors that appear to play a role. Some couples simply wish to spend less money on their weddings. Others desire a more informal and relaxed wedding day. Of the less formal types of weddings, beach weddings in particular have become quite popular. Other couples choose a more modest wedding experience out of respect for friends and family who are suffering through job losses as a result of the current economy. And finally, some couples find that selecting a simple style allows them to create a unique wedding event that better reflects their creativity and individuality.
Save Money
A cheap wedding dress doesn’t have to look cheap. In fact, smart shoppers can find great deals on wedding dresses and gowns that look just like their more expensive counterparts, with no one being the wiser. On auction sites such as Ebay, brides-to-be can find new as well as “like new” dresses that have been put up for sale. Second hand shops are another great venue for bargain hunters. In addition, high-end bridal boutiques sometimes sell dresses at clearance prices to make room for newer or better-selling styles. Even so, a simple wedding dress is usually less expensive than a more traditional one as a general rule.
No matter where a bride chooses to shop for her dress, the driving factor here is the need to shop within a particular budget. The current economy finds many couples planning a wedding on a budget that is less than it would have been just a few years ago. If you find yourself in this situation, try to focus on all of the possibilities that are available to you rather than on the limitations. Remember that it is not how much you spend that makes the day special!
Informal and Theme Weddings
Many couples desire a more casual experience for their wedding day. Others choose a theme wedding for their nuptials and many popular themes call for more informal attire. Beach weddings have become very popular but so have other less formal themes such as outdoor, rustic and vintage weddings. Backyard weddings and receptions are making a huge comeback as couples strive to keep wedding day expenses within a reasonable budget. Lastly, couples marrying for a second time often choose a more informal wedding than they had the first time around.
Modest Weddings
Many families are experiencing tough times these days due to problems with the economy. Some couples are choosing to be sensitive to this, especially if they are aware of a number of family members and friends who have been impacted by job losses and salary cuts. So while they may not be held to a strict budget by necessity, they may still choose to have a less formal wedding, feeling that extravagance under these circumstances may be seen as out of place.
Unique Weddings
A wedding is not only an expression of a couple’s love for each other but also is a reflection of their personalities. With that said, it is understandable that some couples choose to plan a wedding day that is as unique as they are. Some ideas for a wedding that is out of the ordinary are an eco-friendly or green wedding, a picnic wedding, an indoor garden party or a pool and barbeque wedding. Couples may even choose to do as some celebrities have done recently and plan a surprise wedding party where the guests are unaware that the event they have been invited to is a wedding until after they arrive. Simple wedding dresses are often more appropriate for unique wedding plan ideas such as these.
So don’t be afraid to do something different when it comes to choosing a dress for your wedding day. Traditional wedding gowns are beautiful, but as you can see, a simpler wedding dress can also be truly special.
