TIPS FOR SELECTING A WEDDING GOWN
The Perfect Fit GUIDELINES FOR FINDING THE PERFECT GOWN. KNOW WHAT’S OUT THERE. Before you begin to shop, look through bridal magazines carefully. This will give you a chance to see what types of wedding gowns are available and what is being offered by different wedding dress designers.
BE SPECIFIC. When you visit your bridal store, give the bridal consultant as much information as possible about your plans, your tastes and what you’re looking for to help her best understand your needs.
LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE. In choosing your gown, focus more on the silhouette than on the small details. For example, make sure the neckline and waistline are flattering to you.
DO YOU FIT IN? Ask yourself how your dress will look in the setting you choose. Will it be in a country club, a grand hotel, outside, indoors?
MATCH YOUR GOWN TO YOUR FIGURE. Consider some of the following guidelines. If you are short, a natural waistline, high neckline and chapel train will probably look best. Avoid a very full skirt. If you are heavy, look to a princess-line style, with simple lines and lace with a small delicate pattern. Avoid heavy beading, puff sleeves and stiff fabrics. Tall women may consider a full skirt, cathedral train and a dropped waist.
LESS IS MORE. Your gown should flatter, not compete with, you. Consider simple lines and understated ornamentation. Think about the total picture - how you will look in your gown along with your headpiece, jewelry and flowers.
COULD YOU DANCE ALL NIGHT? Plan for the reception as well as the ceremony when choosing your headpiece and train. Your comfort and ability to move around are important. A train can be designed to bustle so it no longer reaches the floor. If you plan to dance a lot at your reception, you may want to consider a gown with no train or with a detachable train.
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