Is a wedding a setting in your novel? Do you need ideas on how to describe a wedding dress in a story? You can use the 10 words listed below.
1. Luxurious
Definition
Something that’s expensive and very comfortable.
Examples
“The Queen demanded that her only daughter would wear the most luxurious wedding dress in the world.”
“Ella gazed at the brides and their luxurious wedding gowns. She wondered how much they’d paid to wear such garments.”
How it Adds Description
You can show a wedding dress is very beautiful and expensive through “luxurious.” This adjective is often linked to the finest fabrics and designs, and therefore, you can imply that your character has spent a lot of money on their gown. A character who wears a “luxurious” wedding dress will likely feel very confident and content while wearing it.
2. Traditional
Definition
To describe beliefs, methods, or customs that haven’t changed over time.
Examples
“Mark wanted his bride to wear a traditional dress, as he knew it would impress his grandparents.”
“I don’t want a traditional wedding dress! I want to wear one of the latest fashions to shock my guests.”
How it Adds Description
A “traditional” wedding dress is usually white, long, and not too over-the-top. A character who’s more conservative or holds “traditional” beliefs is more likely to opt for a “traditional” dress. Characters with different beliefs might judge a “traditional” dress, especially if they think the tradition is old-fashioned.
3. Vintage
Definition
Something old but the best of its kind.
Examples
“The crowd gasped when Elise waltzed into the room in a vintage wedding gown.”
“As the bells chimed, the bride started her walk down the aisle. But she had to hold up the voluminous skirts of her vintage wedding dress.”
How it Adds Description
“Vintage” wedding dresses are a popular choice for modern brides due to their unique styles and intricate designs. A character who chooses a “vintage” dress might have a passion for history, or they could have an emotional connection to the decade the dress is from. True “vintage” dresses often impress spectators, as they’re not only beautiful but often expensive because they’ve been well preserved.
4. Billow
Definition
When a piece of clothing slowly moves in the wind.
Examples
“As the boat set sail into the sunset, Anna’s ivory wedding dress billowed in the wind.”
“Though she tried, the princess couldn’t stop her wedding dress from billowing out beneath her.”
How it Adds Description
You can describe the movement of a wedding dress (particularly the skirt of the dress) via “billow.” This verb shows how a draft or the wind is blowing the dress, and this could create a beautiful image for your readers. However, it might annoy the character in the dress, and they might want to move somewhere without a breeze.
5. Dramatic
Definition
Something that’s impressive, exciting, or attention-catching.
Examples
“Everyone expected Paris to have a dramatic wedding dress, but no one guessed it would be made from gold.”
“The priest’s mouth fell open when he saw the bride’s dramatic gown. It was too large to fit in the aisle!”
How it Adds Description
Some brides might want to make a statement with a “dramatic” wedding dress. “Dramatic” dresses are usually very large and colorful or contain unique fabrics. If a character chooses a “dramatic” wedding dress, they might have a larger-than-life personality and lots of confidence. They also probably don’t follow tradition and are happy to live life on their own terms.
6. Lacy
Definition
Something made with pieces of lace.
Examples
“The bridal designer prayed that her collection of lacy wedding dresses sold quickly.”
“The lacy wedding gown was immaculate. It looked as if it had been crafted by the gods.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that your fictional wedding dress is made of lace or contains lace parts, “lacy” is a great adjective to use. Characters who want a more feminine wedding style might opt for “lacy” dresses, as these look more delicate and graceful than some of the modern styles.
7. Sparkle
Definition
Something that shines or catches the light.
Examples
“You could barely see the bride and groom due to the sparkling wedding dress. It reflected the sunlight in the church everywhere.”
“Carrie knew she wanted a sparkly wedding dress, but the bridal magazines only showed boring minimal ones.”
How it Adds Description
If a dress is “sparkling,” it’s likely made with materials that can reflect light, such as sequins. A character who chooses a “sparkly” wedding dress might enjoy opulent styles or be the center of attention, as a “sparkling” wedding dress is tough to ignore.
8. Elegant
Definition
Something that’s graceful and pleasing in appearance or style.
Examples
“Audrey Hepburn’s wedding dress was elegant, and no one could deny it.”
“The mother urged her daughter to try one of the elegant dresses, but she wanted a punk-inspired wedding dress.”
How it Adds Description
An “elegant” wedding dress might be more on the traditional or feminine side. “Elegant” also shows the dress is pretty, and thus, the bride might be excited to wear it because they like the style. An “elegant” wedding dress will likely be worn to a stylish wedding, and it will also impress attendees and surrounding characters.
9. Outdated
Definition
Something that’s old-fashioned and not modern.
Examples
“Jenny’s mother was begging her to try on the outdated 80s wedding dress, even though Jenny had said no multiple times.”
“Though the wedding dress was only one year old, it was already outdated.”
How it Adds Description
If a dress is old-fashioned and not attractive, it can be described as “outdated.” Unlike vintage dresses, “outdated” dresses are not the best of their time and often look ugly to the modern eye. Characters will usually avoid wearing “outdated” dresses and might be upset if they have to.
10. Repulsive
Definition
Something that’s very unattractive and even offensive.
Examples
“The bride burst into tears when she saw the repulsive wedding dress that her personal shopper picked out for her.”
“That wedding gown is utterly repulsive. I’d rather walk naked to the altar.”
How it Adds Description
If a dress is very ugly or unattractive, you can use “repulsive” to make the character’s negative feelings about it clear. People might be shocked by a “repulsive” dress, and some might even laugh at it. If a character has to wear a “repulsive” wedding dress, they’ll likely be very upset or angry.