You don’t have to be planning a Hollywood wedding in order to wear a gown that screams glamour.
“On their wedding day, people should be able to be as glamorous as they like, even if it’s not a black-tie wedding,” said event planner, Marcy Blum, owner of Marcy Blum Events.
Sequins, beading, feathers and a luxe fabric, such as Mikado silk, come to mind, but that’s not the limit of the genre. According to Julie Sabatino, bridal stylist and author of “Dressed, Styled, and Down the Aisle: Becoming a Stylish Bride” (Greenleaf Book Group Press), a glamorous wedding gown is simply one that makes a statement and has a big wow factor. “Glamour can be achieved in lots of ways including a long train, voluminous skirt or dramatic draping,” she said.
Glam-styled gowns can be provocative but still have an overall sophistication, according to Maisie-Kate Keane, bridal stylist of Maisie-Kate Style, but “there’s a fine line between glamorous and overly sexy,” she said. “The silhouette of the dress is often tailored to accentuate the figure, whether through a formfitting design or a voluminous, dramatic skirt.”
Look to the wedding ceremony and reception venue to help determine what to wear.
“A glamorous gown in a large cathedral or grand ballroom would be perfectly fine, but in a garden at home or on the beach, not as much,” said Sabatino, noting that, “if [glamour] comes from the simplicity of the dress — think: Carolyn Bessette — then it could be appropriate in a more casual setting.”
In fact, an unembellished gown can be very glamorous.
“A minimalist glamorous dress should feature clean, sleek lines and subtle detailing, allowing the luxurious fabric and tailoring to be the main focus,” said Keane. “Think of a gown with a streamlined silhouette, with a hint of shimmering fabric or a touch of delicate lace.”
Glam wedding dresses may reveal some skin, like a high slit in the leg or a plunging neckline.
“If you’re showing a lot of leg, keep the neckline more modest,” said Keane. “Conversely, if you’re showing cleavage, consider a longer hemline or sleeves.”
For the rest of the wedding party, choose glam suits and dresses for a cohesive look. “For winter weddings, there’s something incredibly chic about dressing bridesmaids in all black or rich jewel tones and choosing luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet and sequins,” said Keane.
When it comes to warmer months, lighter fabrics like silk chiffon or organza drape beautifully and feel airy and elegant.
With accessories, choose pieces that complement the dress and don’t overpower it.
Designer Esé Azénabor asserts that anything goes when it comes to accessorizing your glam wedding dress, but “it’s important to remember that glamorous doesn’t mean gaudy or overdone.”
Keane advised statement earrings, “such as chandelier or drop earrings encrusted with crystals, diamonds or pearls. Depending on the gown’s neckline, style with a bold statement necklace or a more subtle, delicate piece if the dress is already heavily embellished. A cathedral or chapel-length veil with lace, beading or crystal embellishments helps to add drama and sophistication. For shoes, opt for high heels in satin or adorned with crystals or pearls. Metallic tones like silver or gold can also add a touch of sparkle.”
Sabatino cautioned against going too far. “Accessories should highlight the woman and coordinate with the dress but not make the whole look over the top,” she said. “Save that for the after-party.”