After you and your fiancé have
set a wedding date, one of the first things you'll
want to shop for is your wedding dress.
Decide on the type of wedding you want:
will it be formal or informal? Then establish
a budget. Include everything from
your headpiece to accessories.
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| Photo by Blue Rose
Studio |
When to start looking
Wedding dresses are custom ordered
for the most part, and this process takes time
to complete. Most stores recommend that
you order your dress six months before
your wedding. Certainly, no less than sixteen
weeks to insure time for delivery and
alterations.
Bridesmaids' dresses
are also specially ordered. Therefore, as soon as you've
decided on your own dress, you and your
attendants should go shopping.
When you shop for
your dress, never
shop alone. Ask
your mother or a
good friend to
come along for
advice.
Inform the
bridal consultant of
your plans: formality
of wedding,
style preferences,
budget, weddings
date, date the dress
is needed.
Matching style to
figure
The following
suggestions will
help identify the
best style for you.
Find one that flatters
your figure
and does not
accentuate problem areas.
Short and slender. A
high-rise waistline, high neckline, perhaps sleeveless with
long
gloves, chapel-length train, and a floor-length
veil are all super-feminine and will make you look taller.
Petite
with curves. Blouson bodice over fitted slip, a
long, narrow sleeve. Avoid billowy looks. Select a natural,
boat neck, or high neckline.
Gathered or slightly dirndl waist with soft
ribbon accents add length; avoid flounced
skirts. Try a delicate floral wreath.
Tall and
thin. Dropped waist looks terrific, because it
takes away that long, leggy look. Bare off-the-shoulder
styles
are
sexy
and
feminine. If you like, wear ruffles or billowy
sleeves. Veils and hats are striking
additions.
Plus size. Choose simple
lines and avoid too much lace and beading. Look for vertical
lines such as the
princess cut, soft
bodice, natural or
high necklines.
Avoid very puffed
sleeves but try the
dolman. Again,
choose a simple
headpiece such as a
floral wreath or
chapel veil.
Trains
The three basic
wedding dress trains
are
- the sweep
length which barely
touches the floor
- the chapel length
which trails on the
floor about four feet
out from the dress
- and the cathedral
length which trails
six feet out from the
dress (or more if you're royalty!)
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