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Your grand entrance will certainly make a first impression but consider what’s going to go on come reception time. This is when and where your guests will have glimpses of you from all perspectives, including the back of your dress, train and veil; all pretty significant to the overall picture you create.Think of the back of you in components that make up a total picture: There’s the veil, back bodice, skirt and train. Choosing the right veil depends on the length of the gown, the interest of the back bodice, etc. You may opt for a shorter veil or no veil at all if there are some details you really want to show off. These details can be as simple as a row of buttons all the way down the back, or as elaborate as silk flowers cascading the length of a cathedral train. How much or little detail you choose is a matter of preference. Here are a few treatments you might want to consider for the back of your gown.
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Above: CLUSTER- Grouping of florals or florals mixed with bows, tassels and ribbons. Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridalsource source
Above: BOW-This can be a series of small bows spaced down the back like button closures or a sizable one placed on the waistline or lower back.Top Left: BUSTLE- Result of train being pulled up or under and fastened to the gown or underskirt.Top Right: Panel Train-An abrieviated version of a watteau train. This one is covered in Alencon laceBottom Left: Criss Cross-Bands of fabric add back interest to this gown.Bottom Right and Below: BUTTONS-A row down the back is classic; either fabric covered or pearl.source
sourceRUFFLES-Some gowns have a treatment of ruffles part or all the way down the skirt. BOW-This can be a series of small bows spaced down the back like button closures or a sizable one placed on the waistline or lower back.
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DRAPE-Popular back treatment for low-necklines in evening gown silhouettes. Usually a cowl in crepe or chiffon.
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Custom design is the best option if you have a specific back feature that ordinarily would have to be engineered into the gown rather than simply added on. Bows, florals, sashes and detachable trains can all be matched up in color and fabric and added on to a ready made gown with little or no problem. But features like back overlay skirts and lace-up bodices are usually built in and need to be planned out with a skilled dressmaker or designer. Going custom might cost more in time and the number of fittings, but you’ll get that wonderful back feature that makes the gown uniquely yours, uniquely one-of-its-kind . . . . .
