Wedding Dress Bodice Selection: Fit and Cut

(To see larger images of any bodice, click on its named link)
To any LDS wedding dress, there are essentially two parts: the skirt and the bodice. The skirt is generally flowing and no precise measurements are needed. The bodice, however, is another story. The shape and fit of the wedding dress bodice makes a huge visual impact on the overall appearance of the dress.

When shopping for your perfect Mormon wedding dress, make sure that you understand the different fits and cuts of bodices so you can pick one that puts you in your best light.

Crumbcatcher

– a visually dynamic neckline with a ruffled or scalloped fabric ridge at the top of the bust. Though it really is an unflattering name, crumbcatcher bodices are vintage, cute, and have been regaining popularity since 2008. Another advantage is that the neckline simultaneously draws attention to the face and visually “round outs” the bustline of the chronically flat-chested bride. Most crumb catcher dresses are sleeveless, but LDS brides could be on the lookout for modest versions.

Boning

– a way to support and give a rigid shape to the dress bodice, usually by means of a flexible steel wires (i.e: “bones.”) Advantages of a boned dress include clean lines, side seams that stay straight, and a bodice that is guaranteed never to sag or appear ill-fitted. Boning is also indispensable to preserve a V-shaped waistline at the bottom of the bodice. A wedding gown with boning gives a very regal and Victorian feel, and is often seen in corsets and strapless dresses. Excessively boned dresses support and give definition to plus-size brides, but can sometimes overwhelm a more petite bride.

Corset

– inspired by the corset that was popular among high society Europe in the 1700s, the corset wedding dress bodice has a very stiffly shaped bodice that creates and emphasizes an hourglass figure. It also traditionally laces up the back (though sometimes in the front) and ties with a bow at the waistline. Not for the faint of heart, the corset is a very stunning and dramatic choice for a wedding gown.
bodice types for modest wedding dresses

Overlay

– a sheer fabric is layered on top of the dress bodice to add fullness and softness simultaneously. This is great for vintage 1920s-style dresses and lends itself beautifully to modest wedding dresses of any style.

Ruching

– a cute, flirty detail where fabric is bunched together to create horizontal lines across the bodice. Slim brides can use ruching to emphasize their figures or fill them out. Ruching is great for hiding a few extra pounds in the midsection, but not an ideal choice for plus-sized brides.

Insert

– a piece of material, usually in a contrasting color or texture, is inserted into the dress at the neckline. Most Mormons can easily visualize the insert bodice by imagining a deep V-neck top with a high tank top underneath. Inserts are a modest choice for any LDS wedding dress.

♥ Jenny Evans
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