While a hot summer day might make a long sleeved gown uncomfortable, sleeves are perfect for cooler seasons or for weddings in buildings that may have air conditioning and are kept cool.

Women who are not proud of their arms for any reason may love a sleeved gown, whether you have dark hair on your arms, scars or blemishes, or even if you would prefer not to display a lack of toned muscle. Long sleeved gowns add a formal look and may add comfort, both physical and psychological.

Image credit to Simple Elegance.

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This gown from French Novelty is a perfect example of the ballerina style wedding gown. The top, usually fitted and close, is paired with a full skirt, often  make up of layers of a sheer material over an opaque layer for modesty. The ballerina style gown is flowy, feminine, and beautiful, and there are tons of options out there to please any bride. You will look and feel like a total princess in a ballerina gown.

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In a floor length gown, stairs can be a disaster. If you aren’t used to wearing a long gown, even the most graceful bride can forget about a step, miss seeing it because her gown blocks her view, or even step on her hem as she ascends, creating an awkward moment at best, and a dangerous situation at worst.

Some gowns are hard to hike up, some are so tight that stairs are a challenge, and some may not be a problem provided that the bride has a free hand (which she often does not, in a wedding ceremony). The key is to plan ahead for every step and stair you will encounter, from pinning your gown up until the reception to planning for exactly how you will get up a set of steps.

You might choose a fun and humorous option, like having two groomsmen “kidnap” you from your father at the end of the aisle and carry you up the steps to your waiting groom. You can also choose the practical, like carefully sewing or pinning the front of your gown up a couple of inches. You can also have a bridesmaid assigned to duck in and lift the front of your gown enough to let you get up the steps. Whatever option you choose, even if your choice is to hoist your own skirts and take your changes, try to arrange a dress rehearsal so you can get a feel for how those steps feel in a long gown and heels.

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There are a lot of things to consider when you are choosing your wedding gown, from style to color to beading. One thing you might not have considered is the material and the heaviness of the gown. During the summer, a heavy gown can be very uncomfortable.

Before you choose your gown, consider the ceremony location as well as the season. Find out for sure whether your wedding site and reception site have air conditioning, and if they do not, keep that in mind when you’re choosing your gown.

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Check out the hot looks from Ritva Westenius.

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Yellow is a bright, joyful, and energetic color, perfect for the mood of your wedding day. While not everyone looks amazing in yellow, for those who can wear it well, a yellow wedding gown is a great choice. This example of a beautiful wedding gown in yellow comes from Wedding Dress Fantasy.

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Long or short, this style has you covered. The beautiful ribbon pattern of the bodice is flattering and fun without being overstated or drawing too much attention, but your maids will love wearing something so sexy and fun. Check out this style and others at French Novelty, which sells prom and bridesmaid dresses. Even better, this gown comes in white, making it something to consider for your own dress instead!

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If you love the Bohemian look, check out the dresses from Morgane Le Fay, like the one at left. These simple, airy designs are lovely and totally Bohemian chic. While this designer is not the kind of thing you will find at a traditional wedding, her gowns are perfect for the outdoorsy types or for a bride who wants a very casual ceremony.

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If you have a plan for your hair for your wedding day, keep that in mind when you go shopping for your gown. Choosing a gown that will complement your hairstyle (or a hairstyle that will complement your gown) is more important than you may realize.

A strapless gown, meant to show off your shoulders and maybe your beautiful collar bone, will be totally wasted on a style that leaves your hair down, perhaps even falling around your shoulders, while wearing a sleeved gown to hide your arms or shoulders backfires if you wear your hair in an up do that attracts the eye to that area.

To get the right look for your wedding, have your hair styled just like you will for your wedding before your gown fitting, or at least approximate the style at home if you are on a budget. Don’t know how you want your hair yet? No problem; choose a gown that you totally love, and bring a photo to show your hairstylist to get her opinion on how to best do your hair to show off your lovely gown.

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Got a thing for green? You can choose whatever color makes you happy for your wedding dress, from bright red to sky blue to a cool green like this lovely gown from Special Day. Green is a lovely and  unique color for a wedding dress, and can be perfect in a pale green like this gown, in a bright emerald, or as accents on a white gown.

While you may be able to dye a white gown, it might be best to look for a gown that is already green; just beware that if you are searching for a particular color, you may have fewer choices when it comes to traditional wedding styles.

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