Spanish Wedding Dresses
Theme weddings, particularly cultural weddings, have become quite a rage these days. We see many couples opting for oriental, Victorian or Spanish style weddings to celebrate their union. It is the tradition, culture, significance and belief behind each and every ritual that sets these weddings apart from the regular church weddings.
For an outsider who is considering a Spanish wedding, it is very important to understand the various traditions first, before going in for one. In a Spanish wedding, everything, right from the color of the flowers used in the wedding to the dress of the bride, has some cultural significance and meaning. One of the beliefs regarding Spanish wedding dresses is that the groom should not see it before the wedding as it is considered inauspicious. Also, the shoes to be worn with the dress are kept on each other a day before the wedding as the Spaniards believe that it will keep the couple bonded in happy matrimony forever. In fact, there are a number of things that the bride-to-be should keep in mind while getting her wedding dress designed. Here are some useful tips.
Color of the Gown
Black is the most preferred color for a traditional Spanish wedding. According to Spanish culture, the black gown of the bride represents the character of the bride, which will be revealed to the groom on the wedding day. If black is a color that the bride does not want to opt for or is too boring for her tastes, then she can go in for red or white-colored gowns, which are equally acceptable in the wedding.
Design of the Gown
The classic Spanish wedding dresses are designed in the same elegant way as the wedding gowns but with a little Spaniard twist to them. In the lower part of the gown, near the hem, there are a number of frills, similar to a Flamenco skirt. The gown is designed with full sleeves, with ruffles at the end of the sleeve, near the hand. The gown is mostly designed in materials such as silk, chiffon, organza, laze and taffeta.
Traditionally Spanish wedding dresses were considered incomplete without a black lacy veil or a mantilla, so one can decide to wear either of these, or let go of it according to one's likings. Brides opting for modern dresses, who do not want to wear a black veil, can go in for a white gown, with a lacy black overlay and black and red embroidery on it. Wearing a traditional Spanish black shawl, if it goes well with the bridal gown, makes for a unique style statement. Lastly, for brides who want to embellish their gowns, can do so, by adding crystals, ruffles, beads, embroideries and diamante to their gowns.
Hand Bouquet
Spanish wedding dresses would be incomplete without the bride carrying a hand bouquet of orange blossoms, while walking on the aisle. According to Spanish traditions, orange blossom, the flower of fulfillment and fertility, brings happiness in the life of the newly wedded couple, and hence is a must-have on the wedding day.
Along with the right dress, the bride should have the right attitude to carry it off too. Spanish brides are supposed to be very confident, proud, passionate and defiant, all at the same time. So, display these qualities, while flaunting the dramatic flares in your wedding dress on your D-day.
