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Bridal Style 101: Finding the Right Fit

  • Writer: Finer Details Artistry
    Finer Details Artistry
  • Jun 25, 2019
  • 4 min read

Trends & what to expect before you start shopping for your dress.


It’s time for you to choose your wedding gown. Do you want to look like a fairytale princess, chic and elegant, or maybe you prefer a slimmer fit? Audra’s Bridal Gallery in Rapid City has all the inside 101 about bridal style and trends in the Black Hills region. General manager Frankie Stone breaks down what’s popular and what to expect before you start shopping for your dress.

Style When it comes to popular styles and trends, the Midwest region is usually a year and a half behind the east coast. Depending on the time of year and season, popular styles tend to vary. Frankie highlighted a few they’ve noticed with their brides— A-line, tight-fitting, and sleeves seem to be in high demand. Ball gowns haven’t gone out of style either. “You can customize your ball gowns by taking out material to make it a little more A-line or vice-versa,” Frankie says.

Are you concerned about what style dress will look best on you? Your consultant can help choose a dress that will boost your confidence and make you look beautiful for the special day. Frankie encourages, “A-line dresses tend to fit all body types because it hits at your natural waist and flows away.” Every bride is different though, so don’t rule out a style you love until after you try it on!

Pro-tip: consider what material your dress is. Is it breathable? Is it scratchy? Make sure the material is going to be comfortable to be in the whole day. Some fabrics that are popular include crepe (it’s kind of like satin), soft tulle, and lace.

Detail & Color Lace, lace, lace. The most popular dress detail by far is lace. Whether it is lace just on the top with tulle on the bottom or lace detail on bottom, a lot of brides are looking for lace. “Back details are huge,” Frankie says. Some brides are looking for low backs, but they aren’t comfortable with all of the skin showing so they go with more of an “illusion.” Buttons are trendy right now too. The intricate little details seem to really do the trick.

Another key detail in dresses is the color! Traditionally, an American wedding dress is stark white. That isn’t the only option as a bride. There are lots of shades of ivory that can be appealing if you’re untraditional.

Accessories Cathedral veils and big earrings are proving to be very popular. Many dresses are starting to have high necks, so brides are straying away from necklaces and turning toward more statement pieces. Hair-wraps that can be braided or integrated into your hair style are also in high demand.

Shopping for the right dress can be overwhelming; keep these tips in mind to alleviate some of your worries!

Party Size: We know you want to include Grandma Betty and your best friend in the shopping stage, but it may not always be the best choice. “There can be a lot of opinions being thrown around that can easily overwhelm the bride,” warns Frankie.

“Shop” Beforehand: Window shopping is your best friend. Visit a local boutique or gallery you’re interested in before you go with the entire group to get a better grasp on what style you want. Frankie suggests waiting until after narrowing down your style or selecting a few dresses on your own to bring in a larger group. If you don’t want to go by yourself, just bring a smaller group. Maybe you want mom and dad’s opinion or a sister’s?

Budget for Everyone: “It’s how much!?” We all know that finances can be a big concern. Talk to your consultant about your options! Most bridal boutiques and galleries have a clearance area that might match your budget better. The average cost of a new dress is roughly $1,200 - $1,500.

Give Yourself Time: The suggested length of time allotted for bride’s dresses is between 8-10 months. Depending on which designer or brand you are ordering from it can take between 4-6 months to arrive. Don’t forget to allow time for alterations too!

Wedding Party Men Whether you decide on a tux or a simple suit, here are a few color schemes to think about. All grays seem to be very popular, specifically charcoal gray this year. Last year navy or French blues were very popular, and it isn’t abnormal to see the occasional tan or traditional black. If you’re eloping and want a little more of a relaxed feel, opt-out of the vest and go for a simple look by just wearing a jacket and tie. Most men who choose the tux route end up renting, which helps save on costs, but the option to purchase is always available.

Bridesmaids Floor length is a big hit right now. Length seems to trend more toward floor length, but there are always plenty of options. Frankie says there’s a wide variety of colors with no one specific color that seems to be overly popular. Audra’s sees a lot of parties where the bride will choose the desired color, but the bridesmaids get to select the style they want. Allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dress can make them more comfortable and confident. One style seems to be in higher demand than most; slim A-line dresses with straps are very flattering on all body types.


Published on Black Hills Bride.

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