As governments across the globe install lockdown rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus, many are stuck at home with little to do. Just because you can’t leave your house, however, doesn’t mean you can’t still plan your wedding.

Virtual wedding dress shopping has been in existence for years now, but we think this trend might really take off given the current climate.

Essentially, virtual wedding dress shopping takes online shopping to the next level by allowing you to “try-on” the items you have your eye on. Users upload a forward-facing full body image of themselves, and then the dresses are superimposed onto their body.

This virtual try-on tool helps to envision the general look and colour of a dress against your body. However, brides still need to be cautious and consider the measurements and the fabric type.

Wedding lines like Amsale, as well as Amazon in partnership with Israeli startup Zeekit, offer this service.

While Amsale’s virtual try-on service is currently only available for bridesmaid dresses and the ‘little white dress’, the company plan to expand the service across their full site. They take it even further and offer a Zoom conference call, where one of their bridal experts helps you “try on” dresses and find your perfect fit.

Of course, virtual wedding dress shopping is no replacement for the real thing. The service is mainly offered as a jumping-off point to allow brides-to-be to envision what they want their dress to look like and get a general idea of how it would look on. This is especially helpful if you plan on buying a dress from a specific store that you would have to travel far to visit. Brides are still encouraged to come in-store (when it is safe to do so) and get a real feel for their dream dress.

Want to buy a wedding dress online? Make sure to read our tips first.

Feature image: Pexels

When it comes to wedding dresses there are a lot of decisions to make. What style, which neckline, what fabric, and the list goes on. These decisions become even more complicated if you don’t understand the jargon being thrown at you by store consultants.

To help you through this process of decision making, here is a list of necklines, so you don’t misunderstand what’s being said and end up with something you don’t want.

Here is a helpful chart to begin with: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkhq6YUnPZx/

Now let’s move on to some more detailed descriptions:

– Sweetheart 

Soft and feminine, the sweetheart neckline resembles the upper half of a heart. It follows the natural curves of the bust, and slightly dips in the centre.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9k0ycIlmmB/

– Bateau or Sabrina 

Recognised by its similarity to the shape of a boat, the bateau neckline has a slightly softened straight cut that extends from one collarbone to the other. It has a wide opening at the neck.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2heDCdjYDt/

– Halter Neck

The halter neck can be high or low cut, depending on what the bride prefers. Straps go around the neck and close at the back behind the neck, usually with buttons or fabric.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tDzEyJWch/

– Queen Anne

The Queen Anne neckline is high at the back and lower in the front. Looking at the dress directly from the front you’ll see a partially open neck with cleavage and collar bones covered and it may appear as though the dress has a collar at the back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4siSuFj3JB/

– V-neck 

A versatile style, the v-neck is exactly as it’s name suggests. The neckline forms a v shape and culminates in a pointed dip in the centre of the chest.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuG_7YvB3zE/

– Jewel 

This neckline is similar to that of a normal t-shirt. It is a very high-cut scoop neckline, that covers up the upper torso, shoulders and collar bones. Often, if a dress has a jewel neckline, it will be made sleeveless.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k1kl-HIbI/

– Cowl 

With draped fabric that hangs loosely around the neck, the cowl neckline instantly draws attention to the décolletage area.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvM-bGgoUU/

– Square

As the its name suggests, the neckline is square. The neckline and straps meet at right angles, and it’s depth can vary as the bride pleases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Yhz_rBqi2/

– Illusion 

This one seems to be universally loved. Featuring lace or sheer fabric that covers the bodice and continues upwards to form a higher, second neckline, the illusion neckline is a classic. The sheer layer creates a stunning contrast with the other fabric and looks ethereal in it’s finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pDsDlIPXn/

– Single shoulder 

Also known as the asymmetrical neckline, this one drapes towards one shoulder and leaves the other exposed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oImNyBMdA/

– Off-the-shoulder 

Characterised by absence of sleeves around the shoulder, this style is quite popular. The neckline begins lower than the shoulder, and extends in a line, across the chest.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BykXurADZoV/

– Scoop 

Very simply the scoop neckline is any neckline that forms the shape of a U or is round.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3SIy6gs6Y/

Image: Unsplash 

Ever since Megan Markle stunned us with her classic bateau-neckline wedding dress, we’ve been loving this regal look.

The bateau or boatneck neckline features a wide, high neckline that follows the natural curve of ones collarbone and traditionally ends at the shoulder points. The style was actually made famous by Audrey Hepbrun in the 1954 film Sabrina, thus earning the nickname ‘Sabrina neckline’.

Bateau necklines give an effortlessly vintage and classic feel, perfect for the timeless bride. Here are a few of our favourites:

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Feature image: Unsplash

Who doesn’t love a statement piece? Get creative and add a dash of whimsy to your bridal look with a beautiful bow.

Feminine detail like bows, lace trims and delicate tulle are classic additions to your dream dress. Whether your dress is modern or boho, a bow will perfectly compliment the final finish. Use them to adorn your shoulders, your sleeves, your bust, or your back.

Here are some dresses to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8eFbfMIFnb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUmS9UHALYc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Feature image: Unsplash