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Wedding Dress Advice
The Dress
Your Wedding Gown is probably the most important dress you will ever wear and you will find that everyone has an idea about what makes the perfect wedding dress. Don’t be bullied by other peoples opinions, this is the one day when you can be as demure or as outrageous as you wish, you are a fairytale princess for the day be she shy or sassy, that inner princess will be gorgeous. Everyone will be on your side the day anyway, just as everyone loves a new born, they will coo and simper at whatever you choose. So, put your hang-ups away and stop listening to other peoples ideas of what constitutes a beautiful dress, ignore disparaging comments about Meringues, Bo-peep and Ice queens, and consider what you like and see if will it suit you. You will know when you find it - it will just feel fabulous.
As you go on your quest, prepare yourself by asking yourself a few questions:
· What do you want to emphasise, and what do you want to hide
· Which tones suit your colouring, think about your current wardrobe to you feel great in white or do you prefer creamier colours
· Do want to look shorter or taller
· Modern or Historic
Your Wedding Gown is probably the most important dress you will ever wear and you will find that everyone has an idea about what makes the perfect wedding dress. Don’t be bullied by other peoples opinions, this is the one day when you can be as demure or as outrageous as you wish, you are a fairytale princess for the day be she shy or sassy, that inner princess will be gorgeous. Everyone will be on your side the day anyway, just as everyone loves a new born, they will coo and simper at whatever you choose. So, put your hang-ups away and stop listening to other peoples ideas of what constitutes a beautiful dress, ignore disparaging comments about Meringues, Bo-peep and Ice queens, and consider what you like and see if will it suit you. You will know when you find it - it will just feel fabulous.
As you go on your quest, prepare yourself by asking yourself a few questions:
· What do you want to emphasise, and what do you want to hide
· Which tones suit your colouring, think about your current wardrobe to you feel great in white or do you prefer creamier colours
· Do want to look shorter or taller
· Modern or Historic
Ballerina Girl or Column Diva?
There are a few key shapes to consider that can make all the difference to the look you want to project.
This is a general guide to the type of styles that are traditionally bridal. Just to give a little pause for thought as you look at dresses. It is wise to try on a few different dresses on alone until you decide the general style you want before you take a supporter because all gowns are amazing when you put them on for the first time and many a hasty decision has been made by your glassy eyed supporter being blown away by the sight of you in any wedding dress.
So narrow it down to what you think you want, try on in the size you need, and then take a second opinion with you to confirm this one or that one. If possible see yourself in the dress by digital camera if you
There are a few key shapes to consider that can make all the difference to the look you want to project.
This is a general guide to the type of styles that are traditionally bridal. Just to give a little pause for thought as you look at dresses. It is wise to try on a few different dresses on alone until you decide the general style you want before you take a supporter because all gowns are amazing when you put them on for the first time and many a hasty decision has been made by your glassy eyed supporter being blown away by the sight of you in any wedding dress.
So narrow it down to what you think you want, try on in the size you need, and then take a second opinion with you to confirm this one or that one. If possible see yourself in the dress by digital camera if you
can, before you make your choice. Above all choosing and buying your dress has to be a fun experience and you need to be confident in your choice. Brand new Gowns vary vastly in price anything from £400 - £3000, so it has to be the right dress for you. If you find the style you want falls outside your budget, consider buying from the pre- owned market. Fashions come and go so generally the style will have been made once before, or you will find similar or you can customise to recreate.
Think about colours, Diamond White does not suit everyone, and there are many tones to soften the look from Ivory through to Buttermilk, there are tones of colour from pink blush, through apricot, lilac and blue. What colour jewellery do you wear, cool silver or warm gold, will you be wearing pearls, think about the dress decoration make sure that you stick to a theme. Tie in colours and styles to the time of year that the wedding will be taking place, consider venue and will it be indoors or outdoors.
Will you need a warm covering, if the weather may be cool or will you need a lightweight dress for those hot days?
The Style
At a Glance Style Guide
Think about colours, Diamond White does not suit everyone, and there are many tones to soften the look from Ivory through to Buttermilk, there are tones of colour from pink blush, through apricot, lilac and blue. What colour jewellery do you wear, cool silver or warm gold, will you be wearing pearls, think about the dress decoration make sure that you stick to a theme. Tie in colours and styles to the time of year that the wedding will be taking place, consider venue and will it be indoors or outdoors.
Will you need a warm covering, if the weather may be cool or will you need a lightweight dress for those hot days?
The Style
At a Glance Style Guide
Full Skirt
Perfect fit
If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style or Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.
What to avoid
Avoid the Full Skirt if you are not full busted, as it will make your bust look smaller. If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
Princess or Empire Line
Perfect fit
This is another fairytale look. Starting the waistline beneath the bust works well for smaller busts, and the long line makes petite brides look taller. For the ultimate romantic style, this one won't let you down. The Princess style will also do a marvellous job at covering up wider hips.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, a figure-hugging dress might be preferable, but it is difficult to find too much wrong with the Princess style, which is probably why it is so popular.
A Line
Perfect fit
This is like the Princess but the tighter bodice hugs the waist, so it flatters slim waistlines while making the most of the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively
What to avoid
If you have a fuller figure, you may choose not to have a dress which hugs the form quite so closely. The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust.
Bias Cut
Perfect fit
If you are slim and want to look very chic, the bias cut is for you. This is the dress for the bride with the perfect figure. The bias cut flatters tall girls, but is also complimentary for a petite figure. The cloth of the bias cut is diagonal, giving a different fit to the Column, described below.
What to avoid
A bias-cut dress hugs the hips, so if you are fuller in the hip, avoid this style. It will show off a perfect curvy figure, but if there are curves where you don't want them, they'll show too!
Asymmetric Cut
Perfect fit
The asymmetric design is an unusual look which on the right figure can be particularly striking. Beautiful shoulders and arms will look their best in this style, while the flaring skirt is good for hiding fuller hips.
What to avoid
Beautiful asymmetric strap designs will distract from square shoulders, but there is a danger that bringing the eye to the unusual diagonal look will emphasize the shoulders too.
Column
Perfect fit
Like the bias cut but with a straight weft and vertical seams, the Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! The unbroken line will also work well for a more petite figure.
What to avoid
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them.
Corset & Skirt (Two-Piece)
Perfect fit
Corset and Skirt, as in this picture, should be indistinguishable from a complete dress, i.e. they shouldn't part company at the waist. A better fit can be achieved with Separates, especially if you are not stock size. A corset works well at tapering the bodice in to the waist, and is effective if you want to emphasize a full bust.
What to avoid
Separates in opposite colours, can shorten the waist and the lighter coloured part tends to look bigger, although two tones often work well think of the effect in a photograph. And ensure the emphasis is where you want it.
Perfect fit
If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style or Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.
What to avoid
Avoid the Full Skirt if you are not full busted, as it will make your bust look smaller. If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
Princess or Empire Line
Perfect fit
This is another fairytale look. Starting the waistline beneath the bust works well for smaller busts, and the long line makes petite brides look taller. For the ultimate romantic style, this one won't let you down. The Princess style will also do a marvellous job at covering up wider hips.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, a figure-hugging dress might be preferable, but it is difficult to find too much wrong with the Princess style, which is probably why it is so popular.
A Line
Perfect fit
This is like the Princess but the tighter bodice hugs the waist, so it flatters slim waistlines while making the most of the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively
What to avoid
If you have a fuller figure, you may choose not to have a dress which hugs the form quite so closely. The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust.
Bias Cut
Perfect fit
If you are slim and want to look very chic, the bias cut is for you. This is the dress for the bride with the perfect figure. The bias cut flatters tall girls, but is also complimentary for a petite figure. The cloth of the bias cut is diagonal, giving a different fit to the Column, described below.
What to avoid
A bias-cut dress hugs the hips, so if you are fuller in the hip, avoid this style. It will show off a perfect curvy figure, but if there are curves where you don't want them, they'll show too!
Asymmetric Cut
Perfect fit
The asymmetric design is an unusual look which on the right figure can be particularly striking. Beautiful shoulders and arms will look their best in this style, while the flaring skirt is good for hiding fuller hips.
What to avoid
Beautiful asymmetric strap designs will distract from square shoulders, but there is a danger that bringing the eye to the unusual diagonal look will emphasize the shoulders too.
Column
Perfect fit
Like the bias cut but with a straight weft and vertical seams, the Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! The unbroken line will also work well for a more petite figure.
What to avoid
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them.
Corset & Skirt (Two-Piece)
Perfect fit
Corset and Skirt, as in this picture, should be indistinguishable from a complete dress, i.e. they shouldn't part company at the waist. A better fit can be achieved with Separates, especially if you are not stock size. A corset works well at tapering the bodice in to the waist, and is effective if you want to emphasize a full bust.
What to avoid
Separates in opposite colours, can shorten the waist and the lighter coloured part tends to look bigger, although two tones often work well think of the effect in a photograph. And ensure the emphasis is where you want it.
Buying New
When considering a brand new gown the ideal place to browse is in a bridal outlet. Here you will find a stock of all the seasons new looks as well as traditional styles, with good advice and guidance from those that have dressed many brides and are best positioned to give you an honest opinion of what will suit you best. Be prepared to try on gowns that may not be a perfect fit or even in your size as nearly all gowns are made to order, and the samples end to be a standard size 10-12. Remember that the size label is often misleading as sizes are often smaller fitting than standard clothing sizes. Delivery time can be up to 6 months or more so make sure that you visit in good time. Once your gown arrives, there will be a seamstress on hand to finalise a perfect fit.
Buying Old
When considering a pre -worn gown, there are many aspects to consider
·Has it been shortened, if so where: at the hem or lifted at the waist.
·Has it been physically altered to corrupt the size; is the top half a size 12 and the bottom half remaining a size 16, when altered to fit individuals it is difficult to fit to anyone else.
·Was it cleaned immediately after being worn or has it languished dirty in a box for a couple of years- delicate fabrics do not withstand the acids that are present in perspiration and can look fine until put under any strain, when the fibres pull away at the seams there is no magic repair that can turn back the effect of time.
This all sounds very scary but don’t let this put you off as long as you are careful about the source of the dress and can try it on before you buy all will be well. Using a third party agency is a safer way of purchasing your gown, as buying blindly from on line internet sources can be troublesome unless you exercise great care.
Considerations when buying from the internet
Buying from the internet is effectively buying unseen. There may be an image of the dress but what guarantees do you have that it will still be as good as it looks? Look at where the photograph is taken, if on grass there may be mud and grass stains along the hem and train. Remember that you are looking at a brand new dress being worn for the first time. Has it been stressed and pushed to the limit, will the bones be bent, will the seams be starting to shred. Has any beading been lost wedding dresses are incredibly fragile. Wedding celebrations and lots of hugging and dancing can all damage the delicate needlework.
Ask how the dress was stored after the wedding; has it been cleaned? Has it been altered, or shortened, are there any stains, what is the veil condition like, cigarettes can burn holes in veils without anyone noticing. Are there any food or wine stains, a big dress can brush unseen onto food, if not cleaned immediately then stains cannot easily be removed. Pollen stains from bouquets are a classic example of indelible stains. If buying the shoes remember fabric shoes will not clean. Once marked, they are usually beyond repair.
A Wedding Dress Agency can take the risk factor out of buying a pre owned gown.
There are many benefits, Dresses are instantly available, you can be assured that your gown will suit you from the moment you try it on.
Customising your Gown
There are many ways to add glamour to your wedding dress; Silk Flowers are a fabulous way to add a touch of Drama and can make a plain neckline spectacular if the bridesmaid’s dresses or a bouquet are colour co-ordinated to match. Accents can be added with beading and trim or a marabou feather here and there and if mirrored in other accessories produces a stunning image. Sashes, ribbons, feathers and silk flowers; tiny rosebuds in your favourite colour added to tie in the colour scheme or find an eye catching exotic corsage. Choose separates from different labels to create an individual look and a perfect fit. You can have such fun, creating a look that is totally unique. Different coloured silk corsets and silky chemise tops available at many high street stores are ideal for both the bride and the bridesmaid, to add an individual splash of colour. Mixing a pre-owned skirt with a corset in co-ordinated colours for example is a simple cost effective way to make a memorable impact, add a matching silk flower into the drapes of the skirt and the effect can be amazing especially if getting married in an exotic location. Memories of your Wedding will last a lifetime and the clothes worn need to be special, let your senses guide you to the image you want to create.
'The Wedding Dress' written and very kindly supplied by Viv Mitchell Ribbons and Pearls © 2007
When considering a brand new gown the ideal place to browse is in a bridal outlet. Here you will find a stock of all the seasons new looks as well as traditional styles, with good advice and guidance from those that have dressed many brides and are best positioned to give you an honest opinion of what will suit you best. Be prepared to try on gowns that may not be a perfect fit or even in your size as nearly all gowns are made to order, and the samples end to be a standard size 10-12. Remember that the size label is often misleading as sizes are often smaller fitting than standard clothing sizes. Delivery time can be up to 6 months or more so make sure that you visit in good time. Once your gown arrives, there will be a seamstress on hand to finalise a perfect fit.
Buying Old
When considering a pre -worn gown, there are many aspects to consider
·Has it been shortened, if so where: at the hem or lifted at the waist.
·Has it been physically altered to corrupt the size; is the top half a size 12 and the bottom half remaining a size 16, when altered to fit individuals it is difficult to fit to anyone else.
·Was it cleaned immediately after being worn or has it languished dirty in a box for a couple of years- delicate fabrics do not withstand the acids that are present in perspiration and can look fine until put under any strain, when the fibres pull away at the seams there is no magic repair that can turn back the effect of time.
This all sounds very scary but don’t let this put you off as long as you are careful about the source of the dress and can try it on before you buy all will be well. Using a third party agency is a safer way of purchasing your gown, as buying blindly from on line internet sources can be troublesome unless you exercise great care.
Considerations when buying from the internet
Buying from the internet is effectively buying unseen. There may be an image of the dress but what guarantees do you have that it will still be as good as it looks? Look at where the photograph is taken, if on grass there may be mud and grass stains along the hem and train. Remember that you are looking at a brand new dress being worn for the first time. Has it been stressed and pushed to the limit, will the bones be bent, will the seams be starting to shred. Has any beading been lost wedding dresses are incredibly fragile. Wedding celebrations and lots of hugging and dancing can all damage the delicate needlework.
Ask how the dress was stored after the wedding; has it been cleaned? Has it been altered, or shortened, are there any stains, what is the veil condition like, cigarettes can burn holes in veils without anyone noticing. Are there any food or wine stains, a big dress can brush unseen onto food, if not cleaned immediately then stains cannot easily be removed. Pollen stains from bouquets are a classic example of indelible stains. If buying the shoes remember fabric shoes will not clean. Once marked, they are usually beyond repair.
A Wedding Dress Agency can take the risk factor out of buying a pre owned gown.
There are many benefits, Dresses are instantly available, you can be assured that your gown will suit you from the moment you try it on.
Customising your Gown
There are many ways to add glamour to your wedding dress; Silk Flowers are a fabulous way to add a touch of Drama and can make a plain neckline spectacular if the bridesmaid’s dresses or a bouquet are colour co-ordinated to match. Accents can be added with beading and trim or a marabou feather here and there and if mirrored in other accessories produces a stunning image. Sashes, ribbons, feathers and silk flowers; tiny rosebuds in your favourite colour added to tie in the colour scheme or find an eye catching exotic corsage. Choose separates from different labels to create an individual look and a perfect fit. You can have such fun, creating a look that is totally unique. Different coloured silk corsets and silky chemise tops available at many high street stores are ideal for both the bride and the bridesmaid, to add an individual splash of colour. Mixing a pre-owned skirt with a corset in co-ordinated colours for example is a simple cost effective way to make a memorable impact, add a matching silk flower into the drapes of the skirt and the effect can be amazing especially if getting married in an exotic location. Memories of your Wedding will last a lifetime and the clothes worn need to be special, let your senses guide you to the image you want to create.
'The Wedding Dress' written and very kindly supplied by Viv Mitchell Ribbons and Pearls © 2007
