Choosing your bridal attire is not just about finding a gown that makes you feel and look good right now. It is also about picking something that you will still love when you look back on your wedding pictures in ten years or even twenty years. If your taste runs towards the timeless more than the trendy, you will enjoy these suggestions on wedding attire for traditional brides.

Of course it all begins with the wedding gown! As hip as a one shoulder gown or a trumpet gown may be, it does not exactly convey a timeless elegance that will never go out of style. The most traditional silhouettes are those which are not the hottest trend, but rather the most classic. Strapless works well, especially when worn with a coordinating fitted shrug for the wedding ceremony. A strapless bridal gown with a fitted bodice, defined waist, and full skirt is one of the most classic feminine silhouettes, and it flatters all figures. The great news is that with all of the 1950s inspired gowns in the bridal salons these days, this is a gown style which is widely available.

Another fantastic traditional wedding gown design is the portrait or tip of the shoulder neckline. A very flattering neckline which shows off the collarbone to perfection, this shape is perfect for the bride who prefers something other than strapless. The open neckline is high cut enough to be modest, yet open enough to really showcase a gorgeous pearl necklace. When the bride is busty, she can have the neckline cut a little higher to keep the cleavage under control, while still enjoying the appealing style of the aptly named portrait neckline.

The bateau neckline is also a stunning traditional silhouette for a bridal gown. It comes high, and just grazes the collarbones before meeting in delicate shoulders. Small tailored bows look lovely on the shoulders of the bateau neckline. This silhouette is frequently sleeveless, but also works beautifully with elegant three-quarter sleeves. It tends to look best on smaller busted brides – think of the lithe grace of Audrey Hepburn. A fabric with a nice body such as silk mikado is perfect for a bateau bridal gown. Keep the lines very simple, with minimal adornments. A row of fabric buttons down the back is all this elegant gown may need for embellishment. A pair of pearl drop earrings will complete the look beautifully.

Every bride needs accessories, of course. For the most traditional style, choose timeless jewelry, such as a pearl necklace, a coordinating pair of simple pearl earrings (either studs or a teardrop shaped drop), and perhaps a bracelet to match. A veil is a must to create the traditional bridal look. A blusher over the face is very special for walking down the aisle, along with a fingertip or floor length veil at the back. For the reception, a long veil can be removed, and the blusher can be repositioned to be a short veil at the back. Add a pair of cotton or kid gloves to coordinate with the shade of bridal white in the gown, and you will be the vision of a traditional bride.

While it can be fun to chase down every trend in your everyday wardrobe, for your wedding, there is something to be said for the classics. When you opt for traditional bridal attire, you know that you will look as gracious as generations of brides have before you, no one at the wedding will wonder what possessed you to choose your wedding dress, and your wedding pictures will always look stylish. Really, what more could any bride ask for?

Author Bio: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, customs, and etiquette. A pearl necklace set from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ is the perfect finishing detail for a traditional bridal gown. All jewelry orders over $99 receive complimentary shipping.

Category: Marriage
Keywords: pearl necklace, wedding attire, traditional wedding gowns, traditional bride, bridal gowns