wedding flower girl dress

Perhaps the most notable speech at the wedding will be your own. As in your vows. You may choose to go with some thing traditional, simply repeating after the preacher while you clasp hand and gazing into each other's eyes. Or, you might want to add a personal touch. Writing your own vows is a great way to make your wedding uniquely special, and heart warming.

When writing your vows you need to look deep within yourself and find just what it is about that other person that catches your attention and takes your breath away. Even so, if you do want you write your own vows but aren't all that handy with words, there are plenty of sites that offer free vows, you can always chose from those or use them to build your own special message.

We can overlook the wedding toasts either, now these are wonderful and very special, it's an opportunity for a friend to rise, clang on their champagne glass and say the sweetest or most outrageous thing you have ever heard! Typically the father of the bride, the best man, maid of honor, or other close guests will toast the happy couple. This is a time for well wishes and humor, the best way to start a toast is by thanking everyone involved in the wedding, or tell a funny story about the bride or groom. You can also use this time to give advice to the newly weds.

Another good idea for toasting time is a short poem, if you are poetry inclined something original would make a great gift, but if you are not, there are always plenty of internet resources for wedding poetry. Poetry is also a great idea for the ceremony, having a close friend or family member read a poem that expresses the joy and love of the happy couple before the bride makes her way down the aisle is a lovely special touch that is sure to mist up eyes before the ceremony is even fully underway.

Smart additions to your wedding ceremony, programs provide useful information to help your guests follow the proceedings, and they also make nice mementos from your big day. Ceremony programs can be as simple as a homemade one-page leaflet or as elaborate as a custom-ordered bound booklet. Arrange them in a basket at the ceremony entrance, or ask a close friend or family member not already a part of the wedding party to hand them to guests upon arrival.

What to Include

Wedding programs typically contain three parts:

o Introduction - The ceremony program introduction is a summary of the basics; full names of the bride and groom, wedding date and location.

o Ceremony Proceedings - The ceremony description serves as a step-by-step guideline of the service, from processional to recessional. Elaborate on any special customs or traditions that will take place, and list any special readings and/or poems.

o The Wedding Party and other VIPs - The last section lists the wedding party and their relation to the couple (i.e. Mother of the Bride, Best Man, etc.). Don't forget to include your officiant and ceremony musicians in this section.

Other items you may include in the wedding program: a thank-you to both sets of parents or to all the guests, memorials of deceased loved ones.

What NOT to Include

o A biography of the bride, groom or attendants - programs are not a forum for personal profiles.

o Advertisements for wedding vendors. One word - TACKY.

Trends & Ideas

Ceremony programs provide a great opportunity to customize your wedding ceremony and tie in a special theme or design element from your wedding. Here are some fun ideas:

o Center your ceremony program on the color, theme, and/or season of your wedding

o A clever and classy way to keep your guests informed and cool at the same time during the summertime is to have your ceremony programs made into fans.

o Have them shaped into a heart, flower, or seashell to reflect a theme.

o For an outdoor wedding ceremony , find something fun to weigh down the programs on the seats like a beautiful stone or piece of beach glass.

o Place programs in a beach basket at the entry-way of your oceanfront wedding ceremony.

o For a winter wedding, have your program made into an ornament or attach an ornament to the binding.

o Use warm colors for a fall wedding and feature a colorful leaf pattern in the background.

o Tell the story of how the two of you met or about the proposal, and include pictures from when you were dating.

o When introducing your wedding party, describe their role in your relationship, such as being the one who introduced the two of you or someone who was supportive while you tried to maintain a long-distance relationship. Not only is this the perfect opportunity to share details of the journey that led up until your special day, but it allows your guests to feel more connected with you and the other guests.

o Create a wedding program for the reception as well! Here you can outline the father-daughter dance, special toasts or meal details, and your guests will feel more included throughout the entire event.

Good ritual makes a difference. Words spoken within the confines of a ritual have deeper and greater importance almost anywhere else. In a ritual, promises that are spoken become an oath to which you commit your lives. It's true that your wedding ceremony is focused on the promises you and your beloved offer one another in your wedding vows.

But it is also true that the children's lives are being changed. Give them an opportunity to understand and be a part of the solemn ceremony that will transform their lives as well as yours.

More and more people want to include their pets at their weddings because they're part of their families. I'm not sure what pooches gain from the ceremonies, but their people like having them along. But children, even very young children, understand the importance of ritual activities. I don't know whether it's the solemnity or something else, but the same thing that lends weight to your promises will lend weight to theirs.

There are so many ways to include the children. Create a ceremony with a section about and for the children. Be realistic about their interest and ability in participating in the ceremony. Be particularly realistic about their feelings and ability (at this point and further on) to participate in the family. Acknowledge their centrality to in your lives. It's ok to ask for their promise to participate in your family. Offer your promise to be good mentors and parents and tell them how excited you are to have them as part of your life. Consider a small gift for everyone to serve as a symbol of their place in the marriage. You'll know better than I what would be an appropriate gift for your children! But it's important to acknowledge that this is now (however uneasily) a family unit.

Ritual works. I have seen miraculous things happen after carefully planned wedding ceremonies. I've seen parents embrace same-sex partners, estranged parents settle their differences for the good, and sullen teenagers make an opening for a transforming life. Your wedding ceremony is not going to solve all your problems. But declaring intentions to live together in harmony, out loud and in public, can sometimes be the start you need for the family and the marriage that you want. Those are promises to live into!

The wedding vows are the words that you utter as a promise to your significant other. The vows may be traditional, or personalized. Traditional vows are vows that were used over and over. The vows were handed down from generations. Personalized Wedding Vows were made up vows by the Groom and Bride. Many couples feel deeply for each other and like to express their feelings. So, the couple opts to make their own wedding vows.

Here are three traditional Roman Catholic Wedding Vows

Groom: I (name), take you (name) to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Bride: I (name), take you (name) to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Groom: I (name), take you (name) for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Bride: I (name), take you (name) for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Groom: In the name of God, I (name) take you (name) to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Bride: In the name of God, I (name) take you (name) to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Here is a traditional Baptist Wedding Vows

Groom: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband.

Bride: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my husband, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true wife.

Here are three traditional Episcopal Wedding Vows

Groom: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part, according to God's ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth.

Bride: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part, according to God's ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth.

Groom: (Name), I vow to be your faithful husband, understanding that marriage is a lifelong union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of children and their physical and spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God.

Bride: (Name), I vow to be your faithful wife, understanding that marriage is a lifelong union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of children and their physical and spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God.

Groom: In the Name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Bride: In the Name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

The wedding exchange of vows is an important part of the wedding ceremony. There is no wedding ceremony without wedding vows. The witnesses take note of the wedding vows, and hold the couple accountable.

If you've been to any beach weddings in the past few years or you remember the three-part saga of Trista and Ryan's wedding on the 2003 season of The Bachelorette, then chances are you're familiar with the sand ceremony, one of the most up-and-coming trends in modern weddings. Although the age and origin of wedding sand ceremonies is shrouded in history and debate, there's no doubting the abundant symbolism and growing popularity of the practice -- don't expect to see it disappear any time soon. Read on to learn the story behind the sand unity ceremony and to find tips for how to make this tradition a unique part of your wedding day.

The Process of the Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony, in its simplest form, features two glass containers that are each filled with a different color of sand and placed on either side of a larger glass container. The container can be empty or filled with a base layer of neutral-colored sand - some versions also include an additional small container of colored sand used by the priest or officiant.

The bride and groom then take alternating turns, usually accompanied by a short reading or statement from the officiant, pouring layers of sand into the center container until it is filled. The officiant next caps the container with a cork, wax, or airtight lid. The sealed vase then becomes a colorful keepsake that serves as a powerful reminder of the couple's wedding day.

Sand Ceremony Symbolism

What's nice about sand ceremonies is their elegant symbolism is immediately identifiable. The different colors, of course, represent the individual lives of the bride and groom. Although combined into a single container, the layers of color show that both the bride and groom have retained their unique identities and personalities. Yet, looking closer, it is virtually impossible to define the exact point where one layer ends and the next begins - the grains of sand can never be separated. This is a strong and beautiful representation of the "two becoming one" concept that has resonated with couples all over the world.

Create Your Own Look and Style for Your Sand Ceremony

There are, however, no formal rituals or steps to follow for holding a sand unity ceremony of your own. Though they are performed at weddings in many faiths, wedding sand ceremonies are not a traditional part of any major religion. This fact accounts for the large number of variations of the practice - so many, in fact, that sand ceremonies are often unique to each wedding.

The colors of the sand, for example, are left up to the bride and groom (though sometimes neutral colored sand representing God is also used) and can have deeply personal significance or simply look pretty. There is also no standard size or shape for the containers - couples are free to use whatever works best for them.

In the same way there are also no rules about when during the wedding the sand ceremony should be held. The most common time is immediately after the bride and groom speak their vows, but many couples choose to perform the ceremony as an introduction to them. Other couples have even begun to make the ceremony a part of the vows themselves, pouring additional sand after each pledge.

Sand Ceremonies and Blended Family Weddings

One variation of the sand ceremony in particular has become popular among couples with children. During these blended family weddings the children of the bride and groom are invited to the altar; each child adds his or her own layer of colored sand to the container, turning the vase into a symbol of two families coming together as one. Some couples also choose to involve other close family members such as their parents and grandparents for the same reason. The fact that there's nearly no limit to the number of colors that can be used makes wedding sand ceremonies a unique and easy way for couples to broaden their celebration to be about more than just them.

Sand Ceremonies as an Alternative to Unity Candles

Another variation of the sand ceremony, meanwhile, actually excludes the bride and groom. In this version the sand ceremony is used as a replacement for the better known unity candle ceremony, which in some denominations is performed by the mothers of the wedding couple. The process here is essentially the same, though in place of each mother using a taper candle to light a central pillar candle, they pour layers of sand instead.

Regardless of who pours the sand, sand ceremonies are an increasingly popular alternative to unity candles, particularly at beach and outdoor weddings where wind can be a significant factor. The keepsake quality of the sand-filled vase and its durability relative to candles is also appealing, as candles can be more difficult to display at home and may melt or deform over time.

Possible Origins of the Sand Ceremony

Just as the process of holding a sand ceremony has been left up to interpretation, there is no accepted historical origin of the practice - some have claimed it is primarily a 20th century phenomenon while others argue the practice dates back hundreds if not thousands of years. Sand ceremonies do seem to have first gained popularity among both native Hawaiians as well continental Native American communities, but it is unclear if these groups developed the practice independently from each other or which group did so first.

There are compelling cases for both sides. Hawaiian weddings often take place on the beach, for obvious reasons, and many traditional Hawaiian weddings have long involved the bride and groom scooping sand from around their feet with seashells and pouring it into a shared container. Native American sandpainting, meanwhile, is a well-documented and ancient practice that involves artfully mixing layers of colored sand. Although traditional sandpainting is associated with healing and not weddings, the longstanding use of sand in Native American culture, and its continuing use today, suggests that wedding sand ceremonies may be older than we realize.

A Meaning that Is Universal Across Cultures and Time

Although the exact origins of the sand ceremony will likely never be known, in many ways its blurred history demonstrates just how universal its symbolism is to the nature love and the human spirit. The idea of contrasting colors of sand that are each distinct yet permanently mixed together can be found in other cultures all over the world, from the ancient mandalas of Tibet, to the parlors of Victorian England, to the sand tray art of Imperial Japan, to the ceremonial sand imprints of aboriginal Australia.

The bright colors and simple-yet-majestic meaning behind the sand ceremony makes it far more than a beach wedding trend or a gimmick from a reality TV show. Indeed, regardless of how old the current practice might be, its roots can be traced back to the oldest days of human civilization. So no matter what type of sand ceremony you hold, rest assured its significance will endure for as long as there is love.

So you've purchased small wedding favors or candy treats for all the guests at your party but you don't know how to give them out in a fashionable, unique way. Well, here's a suggestion: try using elegant boxes, drawstring bags, and display cases that you find while shopping online. Putting wedding favors into unique packages is a great way to make everything fit in with your vision of the perfect wedding and the theme that you have chosen for the most special day that you'll share with your friends and family. There are so many more options when you can pick out the perfect package to give your very personal wedding favors to your guests in.

Try sticking in little notes to commemorate your intimate connection with your guests and to demonstrate your immense appreciation for the fact that they have stood by you and supported you on your wedding day. Here are several examples of the amazing packaging options that you can choose from to add your personal touch to your wedding favors.

CD Size Glassine Envelopes:

Use these envelopes to put in CDs that you have personalized and decorated to match your wedding color scheme. You can put anything on these disks, from the enchanting music that you've picked for your wedding to the collage of pictures that you've collected over the years.

Beach Pails:

These pails can come in a variety of colors including blue, white, purple, and pink and can hold a variety of wedding favors, especially perfect for holding candies such as chocolates, Jordan Almonds, or conversation hearts. These beach pails will be an adorable addition to your beach themed wedding and each different color will add a little bit of panache to your wedding reception, regardless of your theme your guests will certainly love these. Try spreading other fun items around the tables like flip flop magnets or vibrantly colored confetti.

Blooming Flower Boxes:

These elegant yet realistic boxes are great for any wedding theme, especially one with lots of flowers or colors. The box is shaped like a blooming flower and you can stick anything you'd like in the top including chocolates, mints, messages, charms, and other small yet precious and thoughtful wedding favors.

Chocolate Colored Favor Boxes:

These richly colored two piece boxes will enhance any color scheme with their luxurious and deep chocolate color. Try decorating them with ribbons, glitter, confetti, or maybe even paints or pens. These come in a pack of 12 to make ordering and shipping as easy as a click. Putting these boxes filled with candies or trinkets will make your guests eager to sit down and open them up to see what's inside.

With everyone's budgets getting smaller and smaller these days, it is no wonder that brides are looking for more ideas for creating inexpensive wedding favors for their guests. While some couples are even ditching the idea of giving party favors at all, most brides on a tight budget are looking for DIY ideas (do it yourself). We have created a list of some of the most popular homemade wedding favors that are both easy to put together and kind to your budget.

Bake your own cookies, or have a cookie baking party with friends. Put them in little organza bags or wrap a couple cookies in squares of pretty cloth with a ribbon around them. Choose cloth that complements your wedding theme or colors, such as pretty floral prints for a spring or garden wedding.

Everyone loves candy, and it is one of the easiest favors to put together. Buy your favorite candy in bulk and get favor boxes, bags, jars, or tins online or in discount stores. You can then make your own favor tags or print them from a template online. Many online stores sell pretty favor labels and tags in a variety of designs and colors. Here are just a few of your many options for bulk candy to put into a favor:

Jelly Bellies or other colored jelly beansM&Ms. You can get these personalized and in any color combination.Pastel mint lentils or chocolate dutch mint ballsRetro candy, particularly for a vintage style weddingHoliday theme candy, such as candy corn, conversation hearts, or red hot heartsChocolate foil coins, hearts, stars, or other shapesHershey's kisses.Jordan almonds in different colors or silver foilSalt water taffy or rock candy for a beach theme or summer weddingCandy 'pebbles'

Use creative packaging and accents that you can buy in bulk, such as small mason jars, pieces of tulle or silk fabric, peacock feathers, or even bird's nests. You can find great ideas for containers and accessories at places like a craft store (Michael's), large discount store (like Walmart), or any online party and craft supply site (such as Oriental Trading).

Give a different type of edible favor. Break away from the traditional candy and fill your favors with something different, such as a gourmet loose tea, exotic or theme-based spices (Herbes do Provence), or even some birdseed for our feathered friends.

Spend some time in the kitchen and cook up something special. If you have the time and instincts, there are many great favors you can create from scratch. Homemade jams, chocolate from custom molds, handmade soaps and candles, and chocolate or caramel dipped apples are just a few examples. Pick your passion since these can take a big chunk of time from your schedule.

A little planning and extra time is required to make sure your DIY wedding favors come out perfectly. Price out all your supplies first to make sure you are not spending more to make your gifts yourself versus buying them. Be aware of weather conditions during your planned season and adapt accordingly. For example, it is not great idea to order chocolates in summer due to the potential to melt and the steep expedited shipping costs. Finally, pick inexpensive favor bags and boxes that are easy to fill if you are short on time.

An all-American favorite, baseball is adored by people of all ages. Whether watching it on TV, or just playing catch in the backyard, or joining little league to professional league, baseball is a major part of many people's lifestyle.

Especially for people who have baseball contribute to their love life, baseball sometimes becomes a major part of their wedding. Whether meeting each other on the stands or being the number one fan of your favorite player, some couples meet and develop their relationships through baseball and have grown their love not just for each other, but for the game as well.

A baseball themed wedding can be fun. You can make your wedding cake shaped into a baseball or a small baseball field. Sometimes, the pre-nuptial photo shoot is being held on a baseball field, complete with baseball shoes! As for wedding favors, there are a lot of small giveaways or token that can truly complement your baseball themed wedding.

Here are some suggestions:

- Cookies and cupcakes - These American favorites will truly be a treat as well. You can never go wrong pairing everyone's favorite sport and snack. Cookies shaped as baseballs are yummy treats that you can either purchase online or make personally. You can decorate cupcakes with toppers or candy sprinkles and shape them into baseballs.

- Whistles - These can be given as favors as well but expect that everyone, including adults will want to blow their whistle. While it can be fun, it may ruin the romantic ambiance.

- Key chains - Shaped as baseballs or baseball bats, you can readily purchase them from local stores or online bridal favors shops. Some sporting goods stores may have such items as well.

- Candles - A classic wedding favor, you can have candles shaped as baseballs. You can either use your wedding color motif or your team colors (if they are not the same).

- Bubble head frames - These cute photo frames has the typical baseball player in his outfit while his head is made into a photo frame where you can insert your photos. These may be pricier but they are both practical and decorative at the same time.

A sports themed wedding can be fun but romantic at the same time. If baseball really does have a significant role in your relationship, why not incorporate it? Just make it classy and grown up or else, your baseball wedding may look like a children's party - all too fun but lacking romance and elegance. With a sports themed wedding you can both have fun with, make sure your guests leave your wedding as happy as the two of you with great wedding favors they can take home.

In days gone by, brides wore a rainbow of colors and styles that reflected their unique culture and traditions. Indeed, wearing a white wedding gown only came into vogue during Queen Victoria's era. Over time it came to symbolize the purity and innocence of a young woman before she embarked on life with her new husband. In today's society brides carry on this popular tradition of wearing white, although ivory and cream, variations of white have become popular in there own right.

If you are a bride who is flamboyant, a bit of a drama queen or perhaps this is your second journey to the altar you might consider something colorful instead of traditional white. A colorful wedding gown today is perfectly acceptable and can even be more spectacular and unique than a white gown. Here are some sage tips when selecting this type of gown.

Fabrics:

Truth be said, wedding gown fabrics are as important as the style and color of the gown. Fabrics give shape and texture to any dress and is a major factor in determining design. Classic materials used in wedding gowns include tulle, silk, taffeta, chiffon, crepe, organza, velvet, damask, rayon and satin. These gorgeous fabrics determine how a gown should be cut and shaped. Besides the fabric, embellishments of crystals, pearls and lace will become a part of the gown's design. Seasonal brides take note, chiffon and silk are light weight and better suited for warmer climates while velvet and damask are better suited for winter weddings.

Designs:

Wedding gowns come in an endless variety of designs. Some styles are better suited for certain body shapes than others. If you are a girl who is pear shaped then choose an A - line gown to disguise fuller hips. Hour shaped figures are flattered in mermaid and ball gown dresses. Straight gowns flow downward and cover a myriad of figure flaws.

Colors:

Now comes the important task of deciding what color gown you would like to wear at your wedding. Consider carefully your wedding theme and flowers. You may prefer one color over another but remember select a color that flatters your skin, hair and body shape. Red haired brides are stunning in a striking moss green or aqua blue gown. Fair skinned blonds are breathtaking in rose pink, peach, candy apple red or purple. Brunettes are striking in almost any hue from canary yellow to burgundy and rose pink. Bridal gowns are something that only a bride should choose, after all it's the most important day of her life and she's the one wearing it.

Here are some good ideas for September colors for your wedding. I love this one color that is a light green. I understand that this is not a fall color. The light green would go beautifully with a darker green or a darker red/orange. This would "ground" the color in a more summer-fall transitional theme. You could use three colors- the light green, a darker green (dark sage, hunter, etc), and pair it with a gold, yellow, burnt orange, or dark red for accents.

This would be a monochromatic color scheme with complementary accents. If you want to browse some more color schemes, go to any website and look up any color you would think would go nice with your wedding dress.

I am also trying to decide what colors would look nice for an October wedding. I am also interested in such colors like, wine/cream, wine/champagne, and wine/gold. I think those color choices compliment each other beautifully, particularly the wine, gold, and champagne. Other colors to throw in there that would go nicely would be a deeper shade of copper and another lighter/darker red. Because it will be in the fall time of year, we could always coordinate oranges in there as well with flowers and centerpieces.

I have an outfit that I would like to wear but I want to make sure that it is appropriate. I have winter white pants with gold & silver pinstripes and a long off white blouse. As a rule, you don't want to wear white because that's what the bride wears. However, since your slacks have pinstripes and the blouse is off white, if you could accessorize it, such as a gold scarf that brings out more of the "off white" color, then you should be okay. I really do think that that outfit would look really nice. Make sure that you bring with you some kind of a jacket or coat that why when you get cool you will have something to put on. On the other hand it would still bring the outfit out more if you were to wear something that it light and airy and that you can just hang on something on tie it to your waist.

Plum & silver sounds lovely! Silver accents would be lovely on your plum dresses. If you go for another color, it can over-complicate the look. As silver is the 'accessory' color (this means it's the color used to complement your main color, which is used in hints) then it would be very suitable.

But try not to put too much of the silver all over the dress. Having too much silver on the dress will not show the plum as much. Having like a shahs or a ribbon on the dress that is silver will be just as nice and you will be able to show more or the plum color and some of the silver color with out having to over power one of the other colors.

You could even have your bridesmaids put in ribbons or small flowers in there hair to bring out the colors of the dress.

Formalwear is attire that was designed for a particular occasion. The history of formal dress began in the Middle Ages with a gown called the kirtle. The kirtle was a loose-fitting dress that was often worn on a weekly basis. But because it was quite plain, women often added a train to it to make it suitable for formal occasions. These gowns were typically worn at weddings or to other religious ceremonies.

The world's very first formal gown was the mantua, which was introduced in the early 18th century. With a thick overskirt, a petticoat, and a long train that was often allowed to trail, the mantua was a heavy and uncomfortable gown. But because it was the most elaborate dress of its age, it was worn to all the best parties, especially those at Court, in the presence of a monarch.

Formalwear for females got evermore elaborate with dresses like the sack-back and the ball gown. It was not until the 19th century that the term evening gown was used to describe a dress that women could actually comfortably wear. These evening gowns ranged from ornate floor-length numbers with flounces and puffy sleeves to off-the shoulder dresses with low necklines and no sleeves. Even the hemlines rose a bit from floor to ankle length.

The greatest leap forward, or backward, depending on your perspective, occurred during the 1920s. It was the age of the flapper and girls just wanted to have fun. They wanted to move and dance and have a good time without being encumbered by heavy, elaborate dresses. Fashion designers were quick to accommodate them with shorter, simpler gowns that used less fabric and fewer layers. In other words, these dresses were lighter and cooler, which meant that women were finally free to move around like men. It was at this time that the arbiter elegantiarum finally accepted party dresses as formalwear.

Where are we now?

The modern evening gown is available in any silhouette and is generally worn to only the most formal events, such as an opera, a wedding, or a formal dinner. Of course, the evening gown is not the only type of party dress. As dress codes have been relaxed in recent years, more and more gowns have been accepted as formalwear. It really does depend on the occasion.

White Tie

A white tie event is the most formal of the formal affairs. Dress codes are strictly enforced and fashion faux pas run rampant. According to etiquette, ball gowns are the only appropriate choice for female guests at a white tie event. But that has changed a bit in recent years. It is now considered permissible to wear a full-length evening gown. However, the gown should be more elaborate than those that are worn to less formal events.

Black Tie

A black tie event is slightly less formal than a white tie one, but the dress code is still quite rigid. Women are expected to dress in evening gowns with hemlines that fall between the mid-calf and the floor. On some occasions, it is acceptable to wear a fancy cocktail dress, but that really does depend on the time of year and the guests.

Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is a semi-formal event, which means that women have a wide range of fashion options. For obvious reasons, most girls go with cocktail dresses. What are they? There really is no standard definition. But most designers agree that a cocktail dress has a hemline that ranges from just above the knee all the way down to the ankles. Because they are still considered somewhat formal eveningwear, most women wear longer tea-length (above the ankle) or ballerina length (touching the ankle) gowns.

The most famous cocktail dress is the little black dress (LBD). Introduced in the 1920 by fashion legend Coco Chanel, the gown is a versatile and affordable alternative to traditional eveningwear. In other words, it is the ultimate party dress. The beauty of this dress is that is simple and elegant, which makes it easy to dress up or dress down to suit nearly any occasion. With the right shoes, hairstyle and jewelry, a girl can wear a little black dress to a formal affair. She can also remove the ornate accessories and wear it to a casual cocktail or office party. It is no wonder the LBD is considered a fashion staple that every woman must own.

Short black dresses with hemlines that fall far above the knees are not considered little black dresses. Because of their length, they are often referred to as miniskirts or simply as minis. They are not nearly as popular as the classic LBD, because they are not nearly as versatile. A miniskirt can only be worn to a casual affair. Most of the world's top dress designers offer party dresses for fashion-conscious women. Find your favorite styles online now.