So, it’s time to go dress shopping! Maybe you’re excited about this. Maybe you’re more like 😬because trying on dresses can be stressful AF on a good day, forget on a wedding dress day. But whatever you’re feeling, you know what doesn’t help? When the wedding industry works against you. Aka when you try to make an appointment at your local boutique only to be told they’re booked for weeks (unless you come on a Wednesday at 10 a.m.). Or they only carry one size for you to try on and it’s five sizes too small. (As if it wasn’t hard enough trying to find something that flatters your body, fits your budget, and you actually like.)
But that’s why we at APW love David’s Bridal. Because they get that women’s bodies come in a full range of shapes and sizes (🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏻 🙌🏿) and they are able to carry a selection to support that. They believe in inclusivity, authenticity, and empowerment, and it’s their mission to help you find the wedding dress that will help you feel like the best, most genuine version of you. Since that’s totally APW’s mission (sans the dress part), I obviously couldn’t be more onboard with that. Plus? You don’t have to wait half a year for an appointment. Hell, you don’t even have to have an appointment. Score.
One of the best things about David’s Bridal is that they are constantly updating their collections with new designs. If you haven’t seen what they’ve been up to recently, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised: beautiful lace selections, dramatic open backs, and ballgowns that feel like they belong in the twenty-first century. And because they practice what they preach, most of these styles go up to 26W. So, in case you don’t spend all day looking at wedding dresses (what? It’s my job), today we’ve partnered up with David’s Bridal to showcase some of our favorite new designs:
BACK IT UP
Dresses with a dramatic or detailed back are one of my favorite styles. Because let’s face it, this is one day where a whole bunch of folks are going to be looking at your back more often than not. So play it up, and show it off. While some of these looks are backless and mean that you can’t wear a bra (sorry!!), some of them allow for support plus drama. (For those of you who can get away with no bra, please live it up for the rest of us.)
I’m totally in love with the modern feeling lace AND the ivory color, because the truth is most folks don’t look great in pure, bright white. This dress is sophisticated but still sexy. (Lace Wedding Dress with Short Illusion Sleeves, Galina, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $549)
This dress is exactly what you want if you’re going for a classic, elegant look and still want to show off your hot bod without grandma having a fit. (Plunging Illusion Bodice Lace Wedding Dress, Galina Signature, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $1,258)
Totally effortless and perfect for a beach or daytime wedding, with the sweet tie in the back. This warm ivory tone flatters all skin tones and totally shows off your glow. (Flower Lace V-Neck Wedding Dress with Empire Waist, Galina, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $499)
This dress really covers all the bases: lace, tulle, volume, and illusion details. (Scalloped V-Neck Lace and Tulle Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $958–$1,008)
Glitz meets modern meets whimsical. ✨ This dress is for those of you who want a little vintage drama on your wedding day. (Beaded Illusion and Crepe Sheath Wedding Dress, Galina Signature, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $828)
Having a BALL (GOWN)
Get ready to be whisked away by these fresh ball gowns. Romantic or modern, David’s Bridal has you covered. Varied amounts of skirt volume means you can find exactly what works for you and your style!
When I hear the words ball gown, I immediately think of a cupcake, and not in a good way, but this ball gown is so modern and chic. The double straps give it a little extra detail so it doesn’t feel too simple. (Pleated Tulle Ball Gown Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $499–$549)
This gown manages to add a little edge to a full-scale princess dress. (Beaded Illusion Bodice Ball Gown Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $958–$1,008)
Remember when I mentioned ball gowns that looked like they belonged in the twenty-first century? Yeah, this is it. I’m totally in love with this sleek, modern ball gown. Plus, it also has an available embellished modesty panel for additional coverage. (Satin Cummerbund Ball Gown Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $549–$599)
This dramatic flowing silhouette is just the perfect balance between romantic and modern. And yup, you can probably wear a strapless bra! (Basque-Waist Lace and Chiffon Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $599)
SLEEVES & STRAPS
Does anyone remember that horrible era, not so long ago, when all wedding dresses were strapless cupcakes? We couldn’t be more glad that times have changed, and we may well have Kate Middleton’s wedding to thank for that. Sleeves feel fashion-forward these days (with a nice nod to the past). They give a little coverage, a little support, and a whole lot of style.
This dress is so good on all different body types. The straps offer support without weighing you down visually. The beaded detailed waist helps accentuate your curves and adds just the right amount of sparkle. (Tulle A-Line Wedding Dress with Beaded Waist, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $399–$449)
The vertical stripes of lace add visual interest on this Melissa Sweet dress. And the illusion sleeves with appliqué touches give the dress a little romantic edge. (Linear Lace Wedding Dress, Melissa Sweet, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $1,258–$1,358)
This is a perfect courthouse or daytime wedding dress. The modern lace and slight hi-low hem keeps it totally fresh. Plus it has a great open back detail! (Knee-Length Lace Sheath Dress with Flounce Hem, DB Studio, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $139.95)
The scalloped neckline of this dress shows off your killer collarbone and the lines of the lace detail totally highlights your curves. Add a belt as shown, or wear it without for a softer look. (Illusion Lace and Chiffon Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $499–$549)
ALL IN THE DETAILS
These dresses all have really lovely details that take your look to the next level. It’s the little things that make dresses look luxe in photographs and IRL, even when you (thankfully) didn’t spend a gazillion dollars.
If you’re looking for that minimal dress that still has details that make it feel special, this is it. The ruched bodice not only does amazing things for all sorts of body types by smoothing and holding everything in, but it also gives you a delicate visual detail. This dress is great for adding accessories, like a belt or statement necklace. (Ruched Bodice Chiffon A-Line Wedding Dress, David’s Bridal Collection, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $399–$449)
This blush and ivory tulle dress is one of my faves. I am totally into the etherial vibes it’s giving off. Plus the hint of color looks gorgeous on all skin types. This gown has the perfect balance of elegance and whimsy. (A-Line Wedding Dress, Melissa Sweet, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $1,258)
Want a little more movement in your dress? This chiffon dress is exactly what you need for an easy breezy wedding (plus imagine all the Boomerang possibilities!!). Great for a beach or garden wedding, the small train gives it enough drama without (literally) dragging you down. (Tiered Chiffon A-Line Wedding Dress, Melissa Sweet, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $858)
This lace ball gown is just so sweet and completely flattering. The lace modesty panel is great for those who want a little more coverage, but it can be easily removed if you want a true plunging neckline to show it all off. Modest in the church, plunging at the reception, anyone? (Plunging Lace Halter Ball Gown Wedding Dress, Galina, exclusively at David’s Bridal, $499–$549)
Plus, omg the back?? I just love the understated ball gown feel. Dramatic and elegant without being overwhelming.
David’s Bridal has a great selection of tools on their site to help make dress shopping a breeze, like their wedding dress style quiz and their real wedding galleries. So, if your dress shopping experience has been less than stellar, or you’ve just started looking, pop over to a local David’s Bridal stat—make an appointment here. They’ve got dresses in sizes 0–26 and prices to literally fit any budget. Because you totally deserve an empowering wedding dress shopping experience that makes you feel as amazing as you’ll (undoubtedly) look.
Let’s chat! WHat ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A WEDDING DRESS? How have YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCEs BEEN SO FAR?
This post was sponsored by David’s Bridal. If you’re looking for a modern, stylish wedding dress that won’t cost your whole wedding budget, that you can actually try on in store, and that comes in your size off the rack, then David’s Bridal is as good as it gets. Check out their brand new 2017 collections here! With over 300 stores across the country, it’s easy to find a convenient location—make an appointment at your local salon here.
