Dressing the Bride

Choosing the wedding dress is one of the most exciting tasks for any bride. Look for a wedding dress that enhances your figure with a flattering cut, style and fabric that will make you feel fabulous on your special day.

To look your best be sure to have your dress expertly fitted whether it is a designer gown or an off the peg or on-line purchase, with final fittings 1-2 weeks before the wedding.

A gown that fits you perfectly should not be too loose or too tight, while allowing you to be comfortable, relaxed, move freely and sit down or stand up with ease.

Wedding gowns are very varied but generally fall into 3 categories of shape:

The classic A- line, an elegant fitted or draped skirt, or the fuller Cinderella style. Together with empire line or drop-waisted variations, these styles can enhance or disguise aspects of body shape if necessary.

Wedding dresses use the most gorgeous fabrics; silk, satin, lace, chiffon, voile, brocade, and crepe that may be shirred, embroidered, beaded, pleated, gathered, draped and shaped into the dress of your dreams.

When choosing the fabric, as well as price and practicality you will want to consider its appropriateness for the season, time of day and location of your wedding.

The bust, face, neck, shoulders and upper arms can all be accentuated or downplayed as you wish by the style of your gown’s neckline! Consider what flatters you the most; strapless, halter, shoestring, off the shoulder or backless styles or perhaps square, sweetheart, boat neck, portrait or scoop necklines. The current popularity of lace or sheer illusion necklines is especially flattering.

While most brides opt for the traditional “white” wedding gown, there are many shades of white that will suit different skin and hair tones. Different fabrics will also alter the hue or sheen of the shade when it catches the light.

A wedding dress does not have to be white and there are stunning alternatives such as silver, gold, marshmallow and magnolia. It is best to test the fabric in natural light again the skin tone of your face. If a particular shade makes the skin look ruddy, sallow or too pale, it should be avoided.