One of the first things I did after becoming engaged was to run out and buy wedding magazines. Bride, Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, InStyle Weddings, Perfect Wedding Guide. All of them. Then I tore them to shreds. Not because I was mad, but rather I was in planning mode. Wedding magazines are also good for many things including looking for a gown, but before you run out and order that beautiful Vera Wang, make sure it will fit your body style.
Not everyone is a perfect size 2. (or ten for that matter) OK, let’s face it. The new average dress size is 14 and even if you are a size 4 or 6 you may find the disconcerting news that a 6 in a regular dress will become a 10 in a wedding dress. They are cut differently and styled differently. Most of all, a dress in the right size but with the wrong style can look hideous. It doesn’t matter who the designer is, if the style is not flattering to your body type, it is not for you.
Begin by looking at your body in a full-length mirror while you are in a bathing suit or basic underwear. (or better yet, with nothing on at all) What shape do you see? Are you heavy on top and light on the bottom? Curvy in all of the right places? Pick out a shape that describes you and then apply what you see to these general dress styles.
· Ball gowns have very full skirts and will usually go to the floor. This is the gown that most women consider the fairy tale princess gown. The ball gown will enhance the tall, curvy bride and can camouflage fuller bottoms.
· Empire gowns are constructed with a waist seam just below the bust. This style will lengthen and elongate some women, but is not suitable for women with low or large breasts.
· Mermaid gowns look just like they sound. A long, body-hugging style usually cut on the bias that will often times flair just below the knee to give the appearance of mermaid “fins.” This style is definitely not for everybody. If you have a long, curvy figure that is well toned, this dress may be just what you are looking for.
· Sheath gowns are very similar to the mermaid style but more forgiving. They still fit very snug and may trip up event the most graceful of brides. (Think about the “Happy Birthday, Mr President” gown made famous by Marilyn)
· Slip dresses have no waist seam and have been described as long “tank tops.” On the right body, a slip dress will hang and move with a sway. Many women prefer this style for their “little black dress” and as such will be a dress of choice for several upscale brides.
· A-line or princess gowns flair from the waist to the hem. They are the most flattering for many body types although they tend to be less full than a ball gown.
While the shape of a gown is just one part of a dress, it is what the rest of your dress is based on. The shape of the waist, sleeves and neckline can be added and modified to make many combinations of the same dress.
The key to finding the perfect dress is not to pick the first one you try on, but to try on as many dresses as you can stand. What other time in your life will you ever have the opportunity to feel like a princess? Treat yourself like the princess you are and do not settle for just OK.
