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Crepe Puff Sleeve Wedding Dress Trend

2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends

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2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends

It’s a new year, which means it’s just about nearing the end of engagement season! This means, wedding planning season will be in full swing soon! As you get shopping for your wedding dress, it’s important you know what the 2022/2023 wedding dress trends are. Here are the 2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends you are sure to see and love.

Bell Sleeves

This is a dainty and unique addition to how popular wedding dress sleeves have been in the last few years. Bell sleeves come in many styles from at the wrist to higher up on the arm. This is a great way to highlight if you have beautiful wrists or as an artful camouflage if you don’t want to show your arms.

Shoulder Puffs

This trend from the 1980’s that continued into the 1990’s is back with a bang. This sleeve style is great if you are trying to balance a pear figure. The sleeves add dimension to the top of the body also bringing the eye up to your face. They are still puffed, but unlike the over the top shoulder puffs of the past, this years’ are balanced with simpler details elsewhere on the dresses.

Square Neckline

Perfect for the modern & simple bride, square necklines add a contemporary feel to any wedding dress. If you are planning a clean and modern wedding this will go perfectly with your theme. This is definitely a neckline you have to try on to know if you feel good in it. It is a unique neckline option that pairs well with any fabric details or skirt size.

Ruffles

Ruffles are definitely a love or hate detail for many brides. However, there are as many styles of ruffles as there are brides. If you are having a fun and over the top wedding, numerous tight, small ruffles might be perfect for your wedding dress. Contrastly, if you are having a simpler wedding, or are smaller in stature, consider having gentler ruffles or tiers instead.

Cape-like Sleeves Instead Of Veils

If you do not want a wedding veil in your hair, having a cape or long draping sleeves is a great option! They also photography beautifully framing your gown and wedding day smile. If a cape is your option know that they are in addition to your gown. If you like the look of the cape, but don’t want to purchase one on top of your wedding dress, the sleeved option is perfect for you.

Have you started shopping and have seen these trends? Which have been your favorite? We hope a sneak peek of the trends will make your wedding dress shopping easier. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and advice, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Wedding Dress

How To Know Your Wedding Dress Is ‘The One’

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How To Know Your Wedding Dress Is ‘The One’

Whether it is friends’ stories or TV shows, everyone has their own theory on how to know if your wedding dress is ‘the one.’ From the internet to boutiques there are more wedding dress retailers than ever. Choosing a dress can be difficult because brides can see so many beautiful wedding dresses. While every person is different, there are common signs to look for. We can help you figure out if your wedding dress is ‘the one’ with these tips.

Trust your gut!

The old adage is definitely true as you shop for your wedding dress; trust your gut. Rarely do you regret trusting your intuition, so don’t start while searching for your wedding dress. If you are between a few dresses and your heart pulls you toward one, trust it. Shopping for a wedding dress is a new experience. Even if you can’t put your finger on why you are pulled toward one dress versus another, trust your gut.

You cry as you put it on.

This is one that happens only half of the time. Some people get a flood of emotion when they put on their dream dress. The tears come and everyone joins in with them as they realize their loved one found her wedding dress. In contrast, other times, brides aren’t criers, so this doesn’t happen at all. That being said, if you do cry it could be a telltale sign that this is your dress.

You have zero doubts.

When your dress is right you have no regrets or doubts. When you put on this dress you should feel the most you. This means you feel confident and can see yourself getting married in this dress. The excitement you feel about your dress should only stay the same or grow. This is why some brides choose to sleep on it, as it is such a big decision. The dress you go home dreaming about, or cannot stop looking at pictures of, is your dress.

It’s the opposite of what you thought you’d want, but it feels so right.

So often brides are surprised to find they love a dress so different from their Pinterest board. That isn’t just okay, it’s very common. How you know the dress is your dress is you look and feel confident and beautiful in it. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your shopping companions ahead of time so they are supportive of whichever dress you choose, even if it is unexpected. That way you can avoid any uncomfortable moments that may overshadow your saying, “yes,” to the dress.

Have you gone wedding dress shopping? If you are ready to get started check out more wedding dress shopping tips and inspiration in the Chicago Wedding Blog posts. We hope you found these tips helpful as you get started! Happy Planning!

Alterations Seamstress

Wedding Dress Alterations

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Wedding Dress Alterations

When planning your wedding there are many ways to adjust your budget to save money; your wedding dress alterations should not be one of those ways. Your wedding dress is the most special dress you will ever wear. Here are some important details you need to know when planning your wedding dress alterations so you look and feel your best.

Work with a seamstress who specializes in wedding dresses.

Your friend’s aunt who can hem a pair of pants should not work on your wedding dress. There are professional seamstresses who work with wedding dresses every day. The best seamstresses to work with are those who also could design a wedding dress from scratch. In that case, you know they can make any big adjustments you may want, such as adding sleeves or beadwork.

Do not be surprised by the cost, it is an important investment in your wedding day.

Expect to pay no less than $500 -$600 for simple wedding dress alterations. This usually will cover the basics such as a hem & a bustle, which are important adjustment for your wedding day comfort. Your hem and bustle are another reason it is important a wedding dress seamstress does your wedding dress alterations. You do not want your bustle to be held up by one hook then to rip on your wedding day. Buttons and bows are always more sturdy and an expert wedding dress seamstress will incorporate them into your dress. Furthermore, not every bustle works with every dress and there are many different styles of bustles; an expert can advise you on the best options for your dress, both aesthetically and for ease on your wedding day.

There are specific alterations you should consider.

As you try on wedding dresses it’s important to think about how you will work a bra into your wedding dress. If you are someone who has a larger bust size it’s important to determine whether you will wear a bra or whether a seamstress can add in bra cups into your dress. Similar to bra cups, adding boning into the bodice will help support the bust line, keep any dress smooth, and keep a strapless dress snug. While these alterations will add to the cost of your total alterations budget, they are well worth it for your comfort as well as when you love how you look in your wedding photos.

Scheduling your alterations appointments are as important as scheduling your wedding weekend events.

While wedding dress seamstresses are practically magicians with their skill, it is important to not rush their work. Typically three wedding dress fitting appointments are needed to finalize your wedding dress and have it ready to go for your wedding day. It is recommended you begin your wedding dress alterations eight to ten weeks before your wedding. That being said, during busy wedding seasons seamstresses can book up quickly. Therefore, schedule your first wedding dress fitting a few weeks before your eight to ten week window.

We hope these tips help you plan for your wedding dress alterations! Don’t forget to check out some of our favorite vendors both on our website and our Instagram highlights. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

2021/2022 Wedding Dress Trends

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Thank goodness 2020 is coming to an end! Looking ahead, 2021/2022 weddings have some amazing wedding dress trends. This coming year simple, sleek is the name of the game. That being said, you’ll see there are many ways to accomplish that look to fit any bride’s style. Here are the 2021/2022 wedding dress trends you will love as you begin your wedding dress shopping.

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Wedding Dress With Pockets

2020 Wedding Dress Trends

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Before you begin your wedding dress shopping process for your 2020 wedding, take a look at the 2020 wedding dress trends for the year. Bring photos with you to make your shopping easier. These trends will give you a vision to inspire your wedding day attire. Here are five 2020 wedding dress trends to look for as you go shopping.

Trend #1- Bows, Bows, & More Bows

Bows are not just for little girls anymore! They are back for bridal, and in a big way. These bridal bows come large or small and in many fabrics too! Bows can be the straps on a gown, on the back of the gown, or on the front. Either way, you cannot choose wrong with a bow gown.

Trend #2- Plunging Necklines

Plunging necklines do not need to make grandma nervous anymore! This new trend is done in a tasteful way. It doesn’t make you nervous about slipping out anymore either! The support and beauty of the designs are purposefully placed to be supportive, yet sexy.

Trend #3- Pockets

We think this trend should never go away and should be in all outfits ever! Who doesn’t love pockets? Women’s clothing designers, take note: women need pockets! Pockets in a wedding dress are perfect for tissues & mints to ensure you’re wedding day ready!

Trend #4- Detachable Trains & Overskirts

We love a good bustle! But, if you are not a fan of taking up some of your wedding day timeline to have your bridesmaids or loved ones bustling your gown, never fear! This year’s trend of a detachable train or overskirt is exactly what you need. Rock your beautiful flowing train for pictures, then take it off for your night of dancing at your reception.

Trend #5- Straight Across Necklines

This classic is a classic for a reason! This neckline is timeless, feminine, and flattering especially for taller brides. You cannot choose wrong with this timeless option. If you want to embrace some elegant, Audrey Hepburn vibes, here’s how you do it!

Did you use these trends to find your 2020 wedding dress? We want to hear from you! Comment below, or send your 2020 wedding photos (with vendor credits) to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com! We’d love to share your story. For more wedding planning tips and tricks, check out the suggested blog posts below! Happy wedding planning!

Wedding Dress Shopping

Myth & Truth of Saying, “Yes” To Your Wedding Dress

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Before you start your wedding dress shopping process it’s important to differentiate between reality and reality TV. TV shows and movies add dramatic moments surrounding saying, “yes” to your wedding dress for entertainment. At best, they give you an outline of the wedding dress shopping process, at worst, they put so much pressure on you, brides, to have a specific reaction, or emotional moment that it sabotages your experience. We are here to help you have a successful dress shopping process by differentiating fact from myth.

Myth #1- “If you do not cry, it’s not your dress.”

Truth: There is so much thought and pieces that go into a dress shopping appointment. Most brides are so shocked they found their gown they do not cry at all. Even brides who are “criers” are often so confident with the wedding dress they fall in love with they react calmly. Other brides who are usually very stoic, cry like they never have before. It’s an experience we only do once in a lifetime. You don’t know how you’re going to react until you experience it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to react a certain way because a TV show says it’s a must.

Myth #2 “You can’t try on a veil until the last dress of the day.”

Truth: We do not wear bridal veils with a wedding dress every day. If you do not try on multiple styles of veils you won’t know what options exist.  Veils can also change the feel and look of a wedding dress, so it is important to try them on with your favorites. TV shows like to make putting on a veil a magic moment. Sometimes it helps you realize you are truly, finally a bride, but it is important to envision yourself as a bride in multiple different styles to determine which is your favorite.

Myth #3 “You have to bring all your favorite people with you to go dress shopping.”

Truth: Only bring people with you who you know, for a fact, will support your wedding dress vision and style. It seems fun to bring all your friends and family, but it quickly turns into negative chaos with too many opinions. No two people have the same exact style preferences, body types, or wedding day visions. It is important to only bring people with you who will put your wants and needs over their own. There are so many wedding planning related events you can share with your friends and family together. Keep dress shopping only with your closest family members or confidants.

Myth #4 “There is only one wedding dress that is ‘your dress’.”

Truth: Dress shopping is fun because wedding dresses are made to make us all look beautiful. You truly can fall in love with multiple dresses from multiple different stores. The most important thing is to keep in mind your budget, time frame, wedding day vision, and comfort. Then, choose the wedding dress that checks the most boxes. You can go dress shopping forever, but if you don’t narrow down your bridal shop options, style, or price point you will never get a gown in time for your wedding day. The most bridal shops you should go to is three shops with different designers. That is more than enough options to find a wedding dress perfect for you. Extra Pro-tip: Don’t go to more than one shop in a day!

Myth #5 “You will not be able to sit in a mermaid dress.”

Truth: No dress silhouette should restrict your movement if it is fitted correctly. Bridal sizing runs very small, do not pay attention to the number of size in which you measure. The goal is for the wedding dress to fit. The last thing you want to do is order a smaller size because the number sounds better and have your wedding dress come in way too small. Trust the consultant with the size they recommend with your measurements, even if the number is much bigger than your normal size. When the gown comes in the consultant recommended size, a good seamstress will ensure you can sit, squat, stand, dance, and move so you can dance the night away on your wedding day.

We hope helping you learn myth from truth will help you have a great wedding dress shopping experience. Always remember every bride, wedding, dress, and shop is different. Find the combination of those things that work for you and enjoy planning your wedding!