A Wedding Dress to Impress

1) First off you really need to do your research. Why you might ask? Because there are so many types, styles, designs, price ranges, and body fit! So before you even begin to look around, research gowns. You should always have a bit of knowledge about dresses (and know some of the lingo) before you even set foot into a bridal shop. What is a mermaid fit? What is a plunging neckline, sheath style, or even halter bodice? Now some of these you might know but it is always good to do your research and become familiar with what you know you do and don't like. There are also many bridal magazines that will provide a ton of information, including Brides, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, etc. You can also access quick guides for these magazines online if you don't want the magazines. 2) Decide on a silhouette. Wedding dresses are made in several different silhouettes. Before considering anything else, know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. If you love one type and know it says it isn't "good" on your body style go to a boutique and try it on with a friend you know will tell you whether it actually looks good or not. Just because the "rules" are written here doesn't mean they are set in stone. They are just what people typically believe to be accurate of body types...but our bodies come in all sorts of shapes outside of the expected...again as I have posted before "You do you." Gown silhouettes: A) Ball gowns (my favorite...also what my wedding dress was) have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame. Ball gowns generally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. However, one should note that this is extra fabric and even if you look gorgeous in this dress consider the time of year and location you will be wearing it in (temperature matters!). The crinoline will add extra weight and insolation!

B) A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns. They form an A while the ball gown tends to round down the sides to the bottom (like a circle around the bride). A-lines traditionally have less weight and do not require the crinoline under the dress.

C) Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. (Okay I know we all say we do not like our figure but seriously! Try this dress on if you are super comfortable in your skin). This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self-conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos. Again this is why if you think you like it despite my warnings of body flaws go to a boutique (you don't have to buy a dress when you go!) and try one on with a friend whom you know will be honest with you no matter what!

D) Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would. So now you know some things about the silhouettes don't try to go just yet! 3) My next advice is to consider your wedding. How do you envision it? Picture yourself on your wedding day? What are you wearing? what color is the dress, type of silhouette is it, embroidered or beaded, simple or intricate, etc...There are so many things you could consider that truthfully it is overwhelming! I know even personally I searched racks and they all started to look the same. So before you go to the boutiques write down key things you expect from your dress. For example I wrote, "princess, silver shiny all over, ball gown, NOT strapless, NOT off white." These were key to my success. Also a suggestion...don't SHOP online but if you find dresses, for example on David's Bridal, that you like add them to your favorites. When you arrive at the boutique tell them that you favorited items under your account online and they can pull those dresses for you. In my case I did this but didn't say anything at first. I tried on a few dresses I just didn't really like and then the lady looked at my profile and noticed incidentally I put a dress under my favorites three times (the same dress!)...she found it, I tried it on, and it became MY wedding dress!

4) Another recommendation is to think about where the wedding will be, the type of wedding, etc. There will be many factors and circumstances you will need to consider in buying that perfect dress.

A) Formalities: Formal ceremonies usually call for floor length gowns and long trains, while informal ceremonies (especially destination weddings) are a terrific place to wear a shorter gown without a train at all (or a "sweep" train, which just barely brushes the floor). Additionally, in some cases, strapless gowns are considered inappropriate for very formal ceremonies. This is also where you should consider the dresses you would like for the bridesmaids. As the bride overall your focus on the formalities should also make you consider your location. If you are having an outdoor wedding depending on your venue it may be bad to wear a floor length dress because you would destroy it or it would get covered in grass/dirt/etc. B) Temperature: If you're getting married in the winter, you may not want to wear a very light, thin fabric unless you plan to be inside the entire time. If you're having a beach wedding in the middle of July, you may not want to wear a heavy fabric like duchess satin. If you are having an outdoor wedding in the middle of the summer you may not want a ball gown. The examples go on and on. You need to consider the location in the sense of whether a ball gown would be to warm or a sheath dress would be too thin/chilly.

C) Color: While the most traditional ceremonies will call for a white gown, in many cases, wedding dresses don't have to be pure white anymore! Many women choose dress colors that best complement their skin tones, ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors (pink, blue, red). Pick the color you feel most beautiful in and run with it. You need to be comfortable, happy, and like you are your own princess in the dress of your choice! 5) The last thing you must consider BEFORE you walk through that boutique door is budget! I say this because too often brides will go into the boutique and decide the budget AFTER looking at the prices of dresses. This usually will lead to spending more than what you should have. When deciding on your budget, you don't need to set a very specific price. Just make it a general range, such as $1000 - $1500, or even $1000 - $2000. You can always break this rule later if you're able to and really want to, but it helps to have a general range. Some experts suggest devoting 10% of the overall wedding budget to the bride's attire.

Just be sure to remember that "attire" includes not just the gown itself, but the other stuff: veil, shoes, slip, jewelry, gloves, etc. All of these things are optional, of course (except for the slip, which is usually necessary to keep the dress from going between your legs when you walk). But you'll have to factor in the price of whatever items you decide to wear with your gown. Personally, I also decided NOT to buy the additional items until after I bought my dress. Some brides I have talked to actually did it the other way around and regretted it later. Why? Because you may have a vision of a dress you want and what jewelry or shoes would work the best but then fall in love with a dress that is different...leading to the need of different accessories.