Welcome to the enchanting world of St. James 1868, where timeless elegance and modern sophistication come together to create the perfect setting for your special day. As you embark on this magical journey, selecting the ideal wedding dress that reflects your unique style and love story is an essential part of the planning process. In this article, we'll explore the captivating world of wedding dress styles, necklines, and the vintage charm of gloves, showcasing how each detail can beautifully shine within our historic and lovingly restored venue.

Our spaces at St. James 1868 are designed to provide a stunning backdrop for your unforgettable day, celebrating the rich history and architectural splendor that make our venue truly one of a kind. As we delve into the various elements of bridal attire, you'll discover how the perfect wedding dress, complemented by a flattering neckline and the exquisite touch of gloves, can create a breathtaking ensemble that harmoniously blends with the romance and charm of our venue.

Join us as we embark on this exciting journey, celebrating the beauty and elegance of wedding dresses and accessories that effortlessly enhance your special day at St. James 1868.

A Detailed Look at the Top 6 Wedding Dress Styles

Ball Gown

A Ball Gown is the epitome of classic elegance, perfect for brides seeking a fairytale wedding. This style features a fitted bodice adorned with intricate lace, beading, or embroidery and a full, voluminous skirt that billows as you walk. Ball gowns often have layers of tulle or crinoline to add structure and shape. This style is ideal for brides with an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, as it accentuates the waist and balances broader hips.
The grandeur of St. James 1868 is the perfect setting for a classic ball gown. The venue's exquisite architecture, high ceilings and ornate details will compliment the full, voluminous skirt and fitted bodice of a ball gown, making you feel like royalty on your wedding day.

A-Line

A-Line dresses are universally flattering and versatile, making them an excellent choice for brides of all body types. This style features a fitted bodice that gently flares out from the waist into a skirt that resembles the letter "A." A-Line dresses can be adorned with lace, embroidery or intricate beading, giving you the flexibility to create a look that's uniquely yours. The A-Line silhouette is perfect for brides who want to emphasize their waist or create the illusion of curves.
The romantic ambiance of St. James 1868 pairs beautifully with the feminine and elegant A-Line style. As you walk down the aisle in the historic church, your A-Line dress will gracefully flow with each step, showcasing your waistline and providing a timeless look.

Sheath

A Sheath silhouette exudes simplicity and understated elegance, making it perfect for brides who appreciate a minimalist, clean look. These dresses feature a slim, column-like silhouette that flows straight down to the floor, often crafted from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk. Sheath dresses may include subtle detailing but often let the bride’s beauty shine through this chic style and simple accessories. This style is particularly flattering for petite brides or those with a lean, athletic figure, as it elongates the body and creates a sleek, streamlined appearance.
A Sheath wedding dress will beautifully compliment the refined atmosphere of St. James 1868. The sleek, column-like silhouette of a sheath dress stands out in our Courtyard as you sip a signature cocktail, while mingling with guests under the romance of our string lights.

Short

A Short wedding dress is a playful and unique choice that falls above the knee. It's a great choice for brides who want to show off their legs and add a touch of whimsy to their wedding day look. Short dresses are especially suitable for destination weddings, informal ceremonies, or as a second dress for dancing the night away at your reception.

5 ClassicWedding Dress Necklines

V-Neckline

The V-neckline is characterized by a V-shaped cut that dips down towards the chest. This versatile style can be as modest or daring as you prefer, depending on the depth of the V. The V-neckline is perfect for brides seeking to elongate their neck and create a balanced silhouette. This neckline works well with a variety of sleeve options and can be enhanced with lace, beading, or other embellishments.

Strapless

The strapless neckline is a popular choice for brides who want to showcase their shoulders and arms. This style features a straight or slightly curved line across the chest, with no straps or sleeves. The strapless neckline is perfect for brides who want a modern, clean look, and it can be paired with various skirt styles, from A-line to ball gown.

Off-the-Shoulder

The off-the-shoulder neckline is a romantic style that features a horizontal line across the chest, with the straps or sleeves falling below the shoulders. This neckline is perfect for brides who want to show off their shoulders and collarbones while maintaining a classic and elegant look. The off-the-shoulder style works well with a variety of sleeve lengths, from short cap sleeves to long, flowing sleeves.

Guide to Wearing Gloves at your Wedding

As you prepare to celebrate your love story at our historic and enchanting venue, why not embrace the timeless elegance of St. James 1868 with a touch of vintage charm? Wedding dress gloves, a once-popular accessory, are making a stylish comeback, adding a unique and sophisticated element to bridal ensembles. At our beautiful venue, these gloves can effortlessly complement the stunning architecture and rich history, creating a truly unforgettable wedding day look.

Pairing Gloves with Different Necklines at Our Venue

Our beautifully restored spaces make a perfect backdrop for any neckline and glove combination:

Square Neckline: As you make your grand entrance into our dazzling ballroom, let elbow-length gloves or those just below the elbow complement your square neckline, harmonizing with the room's balanced proportions and grandeur.
V-Neckline: While exchanging vows in our romantic courtyard, wrist-length gloves or ones extending slightly up the forearm can accentuate the elongating effect of the V-neck, mirroring our venue's perfect blend of elegance and charm.
Strapless: In the ethereal surroundings of St. James 1868, longer, opera-length gloves can bring a touch of drama and sophistication to a strapless gown, while shorter gloves offer a delicate and subtle accent to your attire.
Sweetheart: Posing for photos in our lush gardens, the feminine curves of a sweetheart neckline can be beautifully enhanced by elbow-length gloves, echoing the romantic ambiance of our venue.
Bateau: As you twirl on the dance floor beneath our exquisite chandeliers, wrist-length gloves will emphasize the elegant, clean lines of the boatneck, evoking our venue's timeless sophistication.
Off-the-Shoulder: For an off-the-shoulder gown, elbow-length or three-quarter-length gloves can perfectly accentuate your shoulders and collarbones, reflecting the alluring romance of our enchanting setting.

Tips for Choosing Wedding Dress Gloves at Our Venue

To ensure your gloves complement both your wedding dress and the beautiful setting of St. James 1868, keep the following tips in mind:

Fabric: Opt for glove materials that harmonize with your dress fabric and our venue's aesthetic. Satin, lace, and tulle gloves are popular choices, as they often coordinate with bridal gowns and seamlessly blend with our elegant atmosphere.
Embellishments: To create a cohesive look, choose gloves with simple designs if your dress features intricate details. If your gown is minimalist, select gloves with delicate embellishments that echo the refined details found throughout our venue.
Color: Traditional white or ivory gloves are classic choices, but don't be afraid to explore colors that complement your gown, wedding theme, or the sophisticated hues of our interiors.
Comfort: As you celebrate and create unforgettable memories at St. James 1868, ensure your gloves fit well and allow for easy movement of your fingers and hands.

By incorporating wedding dress gloves into your bridal ensemble, you'll not only pay homage to vintage charm but also create a distinctive and stylish statement at our timeless venue. The perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, this accessory will leave an indelible mark on your unforgettable wedding day experience.

A Celebration of Style and Elegance at St. James 1868

As we've explored the various wedding dress styles, necklines, and the resurgence of gloves, it's evident that each unique detail has the power to create a memorable bridal look, perfectly suited for our historic and enchanting venue. At St. James 1868, we believe that every love story is beautifully distinct, and our spaces provide the ideal backdrop to showcase the individual charm of each couple and their chosen wedding attire.

From the sophistication of square necklines to the romantic allure of off-the-shoulder gowns, and the vintage charm of wedding dress gloves, each element comes together to create a stunning and unforgettable bridal ensemble that shines within our lovingly restored spaces. Our venue's blend of timeless beauty and modern elegance will effortlessly enhance your chosen wedding dress style, reflecting the essence of your love story and the magic of your special day.

At St. James 1868, we're honored to be a part of your extraordinary journey, and we take pride in providing an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. As you celebrate your love in our captivating setting, let your chosen wedding dress style, neckline, and accessories beautifully harmonize with the romance and charm of our venue, leaving an indelible mark on your hearts and memories for a lifetime.