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Choosing the Right Classic Wedding Gown
Due to its timeless and universally complementary nature, a classic wedding gown is a stunning choice for each and every bride regardless of the wedding’s formality, venue, or individual style. We suggest consulting with your personal bridal stylist to discover the classic wedding dress that best aligns with your personal style, body type, and vision. To help guide you further, here are some tips for finding a classic wedding gown based on your body type:
Pear-Shaped Brides: If you have a narrower upper body and fuller hips and thighs, consider an A-line or ball gown silhouette. These styles accentuate the waist while providing balance to the lower body.
Hourglass Brides: For those with well-defined and balanced curves, wedding dresses that cinch at the waist and follow close to the body, such as mermaids and trumpets, are ideal.
Apple-Shaped Brides: For brides who have a fuller upper body and a more narrow lower body, consider an A-line or modified A-line silhouette. These shapes provide balance and effortlessly elongate the body.
Rectangle-Shaped Brides: This body type typically features a narrow frame where the bust, waist, and hip are all equal in size and proportions. Opt for a sheath or column gown as it accentuates the long and lean stature.
Petite Brides: Brides with a shorter stature may want to consider simpler designs with delicate or minimal embellishments. A sheath or soft A-line silhouette elongates the body while open necklines, such as strapless or V-necklines, further lengthen the overall frame.
Plus-Size Brides: Fit-and-flare, A-line, and ball gown silhouettes are stunning choices for plus-size brides. Details that accentuate and cinch the body, such as corsets and ruching, are ideal for providing physical comfort and visual definition.
Classic Traditional Wedding Gown Features
Classic wedding dresses can be identified by their understated elegance, enduring beauty, and timeless nature. A-line and ball gown silhouettes paired with strapless, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, or V-necklines are often associated with the style as it is quintessentially bridal. Similarly, simple fabrics, such as satin or mikado, are widely adored. Delicate and traditional laces, like Chantilly, are also frequently utilized in classic bridal gowns. While these are just a few features of the classic look, the timeless aesthetic can be conveyed through varying materials, necklines, silhouettes, and styles.
Fabric Choices
Classic wedding gowns can be found in a variety of fabrics. However, a few traditional bridal fabrics that are widely adored for their timeless appeal include satin, mikado, and delicate laces such as Chantilly or Alençon. If you’re seeking a simple and clean gown with a touch of dimension or texture, embossed materials, such as jacquard or embossed organza, are incredibly striking.
Popular Designers
Sareh Nouri, Rivini, Anne Barge, Reem Acra, and Augusta Jones are just a few of our world renowned designers who offer an incredibly stunning collection of classic wedding gowns thanks to their impeccable craftsmanship, simplicity, and elegance.
Accessorizing a Classic Traditional Wedding Gown
Complete your classic bridal look with one (or several!) of Kleinfeld’s hundreds of accessories. From shimmering headpieces and heirloom-worthy veils to timeless jewelry and shoes, there is a seemingly endless assortment to choose from. Book your accessories appointment with a personal stylist to discover the ultimate match to your classic wedding dress! For those striving to achieve this look, we recommend opting for delicate yet striking accessories, such as pieces involving pearls or a cathedral-length veil. Learn more about accessories by exploring our Wedding Accessories Guide here.
Care and Preservation
With a piece of clothing as special as a wedding dress, it’s no wonder why so many brides opt for gown preservation. Regardless of the style, whether it be classic or edgy, it’s usually possible for all types of wedding gowns to be preserved both before and after the wedding! Learn more about wedding dress preservation here.
As for cleaning your gown, we suggest a professional dry cleaner who specializes in bridal. Most importantly, it is best to store your wedding gown in a dark, dry closet out of direct sunlight. We also recommend avoiding basements, attics, or cedar closets regardless of the style chosen.