How to become a princess bride for your wedding

Duchesse satin and tulle ballgown with chapel train, from FELINE WEDDING. Hairband, from GIOIELLI. Photo: Her World Brides September - November 2015

After the number of royal and celebrity weddings, as well as fairy-tale weddings (relive the stunning gown from Cinderella that was released in March 2015, as well as a selection of stunning princess-like gowns here), we can’t help but experience a little wedding or dress envy after seeing these brides float down the aisle in voluminous tulle skirts (tiara optional).

Although choices in wedding attire have grown, the princess-style wedding dress (see romantic princess wedding dresses here) remains for many brides to be an essential piece that helps transform a wedding ceremony into a living fairy tale. Specialised brands and fashion houses alike have pulled out all the stops to offer luster, volume and couture details in their new collections.

Volume! For many future brides this is a number-one priority when looking for a princess-style dress for their wedding ceremony. Light and fluid materials are key, but close-fitting dresses require volume. In addition, a long train can accentuate the princess look and give off some definite star appeal. In terms of material, princess-style dresses are most often created with lace, organza, silk and tulle, either in a classic or slightly more girlish, modern style. Pearls are often used for detailing.

Traditionally, skirts are long and voluminous but can be given a contemporary twist with designs that opt for a longer back and shorter skirt front. Bodices are kept strapless with lace layering to create chic transparency.

The advantage with this type of dress is that any up-do and almost any makeup style are permitted. In order to fully embrace the princess look, a chic and glamorous makeup look with extra attention to the eyes is recommended; a smoky eye paired with matte red lips or a glossy pout is a perfect combination.

For the hairstyle, chignons are definitely a top choice, in every style, though very tousled looks should be avoided. The best bun-styles to adopt: top-knot, French twist, ballerina and braided.

Note these tips to make your transformation complete:

Take a leaf out of Princesses Grace Kelly of Monaco, Diana of Wales, the Duchess of Cambridge, Charlene of Monaco and Sofia, Duchess of Varmland, Sweden’s bridal style books.

Tiara

No princess is complete without her tiara (see Angelababy’s gorgeous antique Chaumet headpiece). If you can’t get a real one, consider bejewelled headpieces that resemble it, like the ones from Gioielli.

Gloves

The classic and somewhat old-school accessory lends elegance and class to your look. Make it modern by wearing shorter, delicate gloves (read: nothing that extends all the way to your elbow!), which doesn’t impede movement.

Closed-toe shoes

Have you seen a royal bride wear open-toe heels or sandals? Our point exactly. Royal or princess brides are required to wear closed-toe shoes due to the venue they’re marrying in, which is usually a religious or a very formal place, where open-toe heels or sandals aren’t appropriate for the occasion.

Pearls

Before you write it off as an old-fashioned gem, pearls are classic, and like gloves, lend sophistication to your look. You can include them as part of your wedding gown design, your bouquet, necklace (a choker is preferred), and even your gloves.

Dangly earrings

Diamond studs are beautiful, but long earrings will draw attention to your look, especially if you’ve got your hair up in a chignon or a top knot.

Trains

These help make any entrance a regal and memorable one. Which brings us to our next point…

Seek help

Have a few flower girls or a bridesmaid or two carry your train when making your walk down the aisle, which only adds to the effect.

Nothing sexy!

If you’ve not caught on from our first few points already, don’t wear anything revealing or sexy. A figure-skimming silhouette is fine, but remember: princess brides are usually seen in demure, classic designs that don’t draw attention to her figure. So if you’re looking to emulate the style of a princess bride, remember: nothing too fashion-forward, too.