5 Wedding Gowns that Will Keep You Cool in the Hottest Weather

Rachel Daven Skinner
Summary:

Whether you are getting married on the exotic beaches of Aculpoco or in sweltering Florida, the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day is to feel like she's wandering in the middle of the Sahara desert. While every bride needs a good deodorant that can stand up to the stress of in-laws and nerves, what kind of dress she wears will also play a huge role in how comfortable she stays - physically at least. From the length of the dress, to the neckline, to the material it's made of, there are many aspects to consider when choosing a dress that will make you shine in all the ways you want it to, and not in the way you don't.

While most bridal gowns still come in the traditional full length with a chapel train or more, most designers now have collections that include no trains at all or are bringing the length off the floor entirely. When it comes to layers, less is more so that heat does not get trapped next to your body. This means that it's best to forego a petticoat of tulle. Lighter fabrics such as chiffon, crepe, charmeuse, georgette, and the like are going to provide better air flow as well. The following is a list of guaranteed winners that will make any bride feel radiant.

From David's Bridal's Galina collection, Style VW8897 is a lovely tea-length wedding dress. With only two layers of material, the top being a light chiffon overlay with minimal metallic designs near the bottom hem, this is an elegant dress with flirty lines. The modest A-line skirt flares just above the knee ever so slightly, similar to the way a sheath cut would flare more dramatically below the knee. This strapless dress allows complete freedom of movement with minimum skin contact. The length perfectly lends itself to keeping cool while fresh air is able to swirl about your legs as you dance the night away.

If you are wishing for a formal style, but don't want the cumbersome length, Alfred Angelo's Style 2041 is a great compromise. This cocktail length gown is completely covered in elegant lace with a romantic sweetheart neckline, and best of all it comes with optional spaghetti straps. With a vintage feel, this A-line skirt is reminiscent of a 1950's summer dress with a slightly less full skirt.

If your style is sexy and dramatic, this full length gown from Demetrios is meant for you. Style DR143 is a full length satin gown with a small sweep train, meaning that the train touches the ground by only a few inches. The stunning aspect of this dress is the split up the front of the sheath skirt that comes to above the knee. This combination provides the more classic formal look while having the advantage of allowing air to circulate under the skirt to keep you cool. Of course, the sweetheart neckline and charmeuse gathered bodice is just as eye catching.

David's Bridal also carries several lines exclusively in women's sizes including Style 9MP9449, which is a part of their Galina Woman collection, which comes exclusively in sizes 14W to 24W. This is a halter style dress made of chiffon with an elegant crocheted lace band encircling the empire waist line. The simplicity and flow of this A-line dress means that you will not be needing the ball gown slip with all those heat trapping layers of tulle. This dress was given a positive review by an impressive 24 out of 25 brides and is a beautiful fit for a woman's full-figured form.

For a very open torso, try Watters and Watters Style 2092B, which features a deep V-cut back, sure to keep you fresh. The gown is made of silk crepe which will provide optimal breathability as well as class. The bias cut skirt features a sweep train while the V-neckline, bodice, and skirt have beautifully beaded details.

Of course, no matter what dress is the most practical, it all means nothing if you don't feel at your very best in it. If you will always regret not wearing the princess dress with 25 layers of tulle, you can always consider wearing that for the ceremony and slipping in to something more comfortable for the rehearsal. While these five fabulous dresses will make you look and feel like the cool bride that you are, there is no guarantee that your soon-to-be mother-in-law won't still make you sweat.

Published by Rachel Daven Skinner

Rachel is a fiction and freelance writer/editor and former Flight Attendant. She's currently living in the London area with her husband, who is in the US Air Force. She wants to explore the world and share t...  View profile

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