wedding planner ___________________
Bridal A t t i r e By Nicole Traficante
Making the Right Gown Choice
You probably have been dreaming of this day ever since you were a little girl, and by now, you most likely have a good idea of what you want your dress to look like. It is nice to be open to trying on different silhouettes. When selecting wedding dresses to try on, don’t conform to what you think you should wear. We are all able to select our casual attire, but have no idea what we will look best in on our wedding day. Allow yourself 12 months to search for the perfect gown and allow up to six weeks for alterations. Being open to trying on different styles allows you to make that perfect choice. Many brides-to-be spend endless days shuffling through wedding magazines and bridal boutiques, not having the slightest clue where to begin. And, the more dresses you try on, the harder it gets. If you feel like you are talking yourself into a dress or making changes to it, then you haven’t found the one for you. Choose wisely your panel of judges when trying on gowns. Remember, you are the one who has to wear it and look at photos of it for the rest of your life. When you finally find the one, your wedding planning will take off. Usually the dress starts your design/theme to your wedding. Here are some styles that may help you narrow your search to finding your perfect gown.
Matching Styles to Figures
The trick in shopping for a wedding gown is in knowing a few things: your body shape, the shape of your gown, how it works on your body and what, if anything, can be done with that shape to make it look best on you. Short and slender – Do: You have many options, and several different styles work well. Fitted, corset-style tops with accent beading around a dropped waist with a pick-up or A-line skirt. Empire gowns with beading or detail around bust area or train, but little to no detail in bodice area. These styles elongate the body and tend to bring the eye up. 22 | beautifulbridemagazine.com
Don’t: Stay away from very full skirts that a small bride will get lost in or severe drop-waist dresses that bring the eye down. Strong mermaid styles with a large lace or detailed hem will also cut the bride off in the middle of the leg. Petite with curves – Do: A bodice that draws the waist in is beautiful for this style. Strapless or off the shoulder is fine. The waist line is very flattering and forgiving and a semi pick-up or A-line skirt will detract from the hip area. A sweetheart neckline is also nice for curvy figures. Don’t: Make sure that the gown is in proportion to the figure. Too low a waistline could make the petite bride’s legs appear short and a ball gown with a too-full skirt could overwhelm her appearance. Tall and thin – Tall and thin brides are very lucky, because just about everything looks great. Do: Sheath, mermaid, dropwaist and silhouette style dresses in silk, charmeuse or all-over lace are gorgeous with this body frame. Don’t: Stay away from too full of a skirt, because you won’t be able to see the bride in the dress. Plus size – Corset-style bodices with a detailed waist line that angles down, fuller skirts and A-line or empire gowns are a winner for plus-size girls. The princess/A-line style provides graceful lines to a fuller figure, and it allows a bride to have a full skirt without bulk at the hips. Any details that bring the eye up and accentuate the bust line are also a good choice. Plus-size girls have chosen strapless and halter-style gowns with ribbed-corsets style bodices and pickup skirts time and time again, and they always look beautiful. Be realistic and confident. Draw attention to your most positive assets and stay away from your less positive assets. There are exceptions to every rule. Remember to take assessment of your own figure and of the gown you’re
Eugenia, Barbara Joy 2013 Collection - 3751
a touch of color
trying on. Beyond the trim and glimmer is a shape that will help you look your best.
Suit Your Style
Traditional Ball Gown: The ball gown style is perfect for those brides envisioning a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt. The ball gown is most appropriate for large, traditional weddings where the dress will be consistent with the formality of the event. Mermaid: The mermaid silhouette contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body. For this reason, you must be confident and comfortable in your skin to pull off this dramatic style. A-line: The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion, from a quiet backyard gathering to a traditional church ceremony. Empire: An empire dress is defined by the raised waistline that sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a square neckline