Royal Blue Wedding Dresses: A Style Guide
Wedding royal blue dress – Royal blue, a color signifying royalty, elegance, and sophistication, makes a stunning choice for a wedding dress. Its rich hue offers a captivating alternative to traditional white or ivory, allowing brides to express their unique personality and style. This guide explores various styles, accessorizing options, and the incorporation of royal blue into a cohesive wedding theme.
Royal Blue Dress Styles for Weddings
Source: colorsforwedding.com
Several dress styles beautifully showcase the regal charm of royal blue. The choice depends on personal preference, body type, and the wedding’s formality.
- A-Line: This classic silhouette flatters most body types. Consider a sweetheart neckline for a romantic touch or a bateau neckline for a more sophisticated look. Sleeves can range from sleeveless to long sleeves, depending on the season and personal preference.
- Mermaid: This form-fitting style accentuates the curves before flaring out at the knees. A strapless or halter neckline complements this style, while long sleeves add a touch of drama.
- Ballgown: For a truly princess-like look, a ballgown with its full skirt and fitted bodice is perfect. A V-neckline or off-the-shoulder neckline creates a balanced look. Sleeveless or capped sleeves are common choices.
- Sheath: A sheath dress offers a sleek and modern silhouette, ideal for a more contemporary wedding. A high neckline or a simple scoop neck would work well, with either sleeveless or cap sleeves.
- Empire Waist: This style features a fitted bodice that sits just below the bust, flowing into a loose skirt. It’s incredibly flattering for various body types. A simple V-neck or a delicate halter neck are suitable choices. Sleeves can range from short puff sleeves to long, flowing sleeves.
Fabrics like silk, satin, crepe, and lace are commonly used for royal blue wedding dresses. Silk and satin are luxurious choices suitable for formal weddings in any season, while crepe offers a more structured and lightweight option for warmer weather. Lace adds a touch of romantic detail, perfect for a variety of settings and seasons.
| Style | Silhouette | Suitable Body Types | Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Line | Fitted bodice, gradually widening skirt | Most body types | Classic, flattering, romantic |
| Mermaid | Fitted bodice, flaring skirt from knees | Hourglass, pear | Dramatic, glamorous, figure-hugging |
| Ballgown | Fitted bodice, full skirt | Most body types | Princess-like, romantic, grand |
| Sheath | Straight, close-fitting | Slender | Modern, sleek, minimalist |
| Empire Waist | Fitted bodice below bust, flowing skirt | Most body types | Romantic, flowing, flattering |
Accessorizing a Royal Blue Wedding Dress
Accessories play a crucial role in completing the overall look of a royal blue wedding dress. The right choices can enhance the dress’s elegance and reflect the bride’s personal style.
- Jewelry: Silver or platinum jewelry complements royal blue beautifully, offering a sophisticated contrast. Consider delicate necklaces, statement earrings, or a sparkling bracelet.
- Shoes: Silver, nude, or even a metallic shade like gold can create a stunning contrast against the royal blue. The heel height should be comfortable and appropriate for the venue.
- Headpieces: A delicate tiara, a floral crown, or a simple hair comb adorned with crystals or pearls can add a touch of elegance and romance.
- Veil: A sheer or ivory veil provides a classic contrast, while a royal blue veil adds a bold and dramatic touch. The length of the veil should be chosen based on the dress style and the overall wedding aesthetic.
- Clutch: A small, elegant clutch in silver, gold, or a complementary shade of blue adds a finishing touch, carrying essentials while maintaining style.
Lighter shades of royal blue pair well with brighter accessories like silver jewelry and lighter-colored shoes, while darker shades of royal blue can be enhanced with gold accents or deeper jewel-toned accessories.
Royal Blue as a Wedding Theme Color, Wedding royal blue dress
Extending the royal blue theme beyond the bride’s dress creates a cohesive and visually stunning wedding. This involves thoughtful coordination across various aspects of the event.
Royal blue can be incorporated into bridesmaid dresses, tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces, invitations, and even the wedding cake. Color palettes that pair well with royal blue include silver, gold, ivory, blush pink, and shades of green. For a modern feel, consider pairing royal blue with metallic accents and geometric patterns. For a more traditional aesthetic, combine royal blue with ivory and soft pastels.
A sample wedding table setting might feature a royal blue tablecloth, overlaid with a lighter blue or ivory runner. Centerpieces could include tall, elegant vases filled with white hydrangeas and royal blue delphiniums, accented with silver candelabras and scattered pearls. Napkins could be a coordinating shade of blue or ivory, tied with a royal blue ribbon.
Finding the Perfect Royal Blue Wedding Dress
Source: tpbridal.com
Finding the perfect royal blue wedding dress involves careful planning and consideration. A structured approach ensures a smooth and successful dress-finding journey.
- Set a Budget: Determine a realistic budget before starting your search to avoid exceeding financial limits.
- Research Designers: Research designers known for their expertise in bridal gowns and those offering royal blue options. Look at their collections online and check reviews.
- Schedule Appointments: Book appointments at bridal boutiques carrying the designers you like. This ensures a personalized experience and avoids long wait times.
Buying a ready-to-wear dress offers convenience and potentially lower costs, while a custom-made dress allows for complete personalization and a perfect fit. However, custom-made dresses usually require a longer lead time and higher cost.
- Consider the Silhouette: Try on different silhouettes to see which flatters your body type.
- Check the Fabric: Ensure the fabric feels comfortable and is appropriate for the season and venue.
- Assess the Fit: Pay close attention to the fit of the dress, ensuring it’s comfortable and flattering in all areas.
- Get Professional Advice: Consult with bridal consultants for expert opinions on style and fit.
- Trust Your Intuition: Choose the dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Royal Blue Dress Appropriateness for Different Wedding Roles
Royal blue’s versatility allows its use in various wedding roles, but appropriateness depends on the shade, style, and the specific event.
Bridesmaids can wear royal blue dresses, but the shade and style should complement the bride’s dress without competing. Mothers of the bride and groom can also wear royal blue, opting for more sophisticated styles and richer shades. Guests should be mindful of the wedding’s formality and avoid overly flashy or attention-grabbing styles. A darker, more subdued shade of royal blue is generally more appropriate for a guest dress than a brighter, bolder shade.
The style should also be suitable for the setting – a simple cocktail dress for a less formal wedding and a floor-length gown for a black-tie affair.
As a guest, wearing a royal blue dress requires consideration of the overall wedding aesthetic and avoiding any potential overshadowing of the bride’s attire. Choosing a different shade or a less formal style can prevent any etiquette issues.
Essential FAQs: Wedding Royal Blue Dress
Can I wear a royal blue dress as a wedding guest?
Yes, but be mindful of the wedding’s formality and the shade of blue. A darker, less vibrant shade is generally more appropriate than a bright, eye-catching royal blue.
What are some budget-friendly options for a royal blue wedding dress?
Consider shopping at online retailers, consignment shops, or looking for sales and discounts from bridal boutiques. Renting a dress is also a cost-effective alternative.
How do I clean a royal blue wedding dress?
Always check the care label. Dry cleaning is usually recommended for delicate fabrics, but some materials might be hand-washable. Professional cleaning is often best to avoid damaging the dress.
What if my royal blue dress doesn’t fit perfectly?
A good alterations specialist can adjust the fit of your dress to ensure it’s comfortable and flattering. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for alterations.
