Tips will help a bride or bridesmaid of any shape or size find the perfect gown
Dear Joy, I will be married in July 2007. I have to lose some weight before I begin to shop for my wedding gown. The girls in my wedding party are all shapes and sizes and some have said they also want to lose weight before they shop for a gown.
We are starting to look in the bridal magazines and are overwhelmed by the number of different styles.
Some of them do not look like they will be flattering to our different shapes.
Can you give me some suggestions for gown styles that are flattering before we begin? Thanks, Sara.
Dear Sara,
All brides are beautiful, even though they come in all different shapes and sizes. Despite your best intentions, you all need to be realistic about weight loss goals. Often, brides and their bridesmaids insist on purchasing gowns that are too small, with the hopes of achieving weight-loss goals. Never purchase a gown that is too small, as an incentive to lose weight. A larger gown can be altered to a smaller size, but a smaller gown cannot be altered to a larger size.
If you fail to reach the weight loss goals you have set for yourself, remember that a properly fitted gown can help you look your best on your special day.
The following tips will help a bride or bridesmaid of any shape or size find the perfect gown:
– Petite. Many bridal salons will carry petite bridal fashions. Petite styles are usually simpler in styling, display less beading and lace, and are flattering to the smaller figure. If you are a petite bride, stick with a petite-sized gown and you should have minimal alterations.
– Full-figured. As with the petite fashions previously mentioned, many bridal companies feature gowns designed for a full-figured woman and even offer gowns in woman sizes-eighteen and above. Woman-sized gowns usually feature figureflattering princess or empire waistlines.
– Wide Hips. Avoid ruffled skirts and big bows if you have wide hips. Choose instead, a full skirt with a Basque waist. A gown with exquisite shoulder and neckline detailing will draw attention away from your hips.
– Small Bust. Sew padded bra cups inside the bodice of your gown if you have a small bust. The cups will give you a little shape, are comfortable, and with them, you won’t have to conceal bra straps.
– Full Bust. The right neckline can make a big difference if you have a full bust. Stay away from the less-flattering high neckline and consider a sweetheart neckline or portrait collar to draw attention away from your bustline. Try on a one-piece body shaper or a long-line, underwire bra for support and minimization.
On your gown shopping excursion, remember to dress appropriately by wearing good undergarments, stockings and dress shoes. With the proper undergarments and shoes, you will get a better idea regarding the appropriate fit and length. And finally, keep an open mind and try on a number of different bridal styles. A bridal gown is designed for a body – and not a hangar.
Joy’s Bridal Tip: Do not bring your entire bridal party on your first shopping excursion for bridesmaid dresses. And never bring more than one or two people with you when you shop for your own wedding gown, as too many opinions often sway a bride away from her dream gown.
K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant.
E-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.