How to choose the perfect wedding dress

perfect wedding dressA long formal dress is suitable for a church wedding of a civil ceremony although many brides do prefer wearing a smart dress or tailored suit for the Registry office.

Some religions also frown on sleeveless dresses or low cut outfits and this will need to be taken into account too.

No matter which style you pick, remember that the back view is as important as the front, you will have you back to everyone during the ceremony.

Choose fabric that is resistant to crushing and creasing.

Detachable trains that can be removed or hooked up are also wise.

Dress ideas and colours will need to be discussed with the groom without revealing all the details so that the colours and styles of the wedding party can be coordinated.

Look in the mirror

Be realistic and don’t try and aim for what Hollywood starlets look like on their wedding days, most of us don’t have personal trainer and chefs to look after us and help keep us in shape.

Don’t set your goal posts too close to the moon, you will only be disappointed and feel like a failure when your big day is meant to be a celebration of your love for one another.

Concentrate on the real you!

Think about what you normally wear, what colours suit you and which styles flatter you figure and most important, which outfits make you feel on top of the world, What type of ceremony and theme are you looking to create- traditional or relaxed, formal or informal.

Colours

White dresses are not obligatory these days, if you don’t feel white is your colour or will complement you then don’t wear it.

Wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular in cream, pale gold, pale blue, pale pink and red. There is also a trend these days to go for darker colours like burgundy or shades of green which is a beautiful idea for a Christmas wedding.

You will feel better in a dress that flatters your complexion or one of your favourites instead of going with white because it seems to be the norm. If wearing a bright coloured dress the details should be kept to a minimum.

The Right Style for your Shape

Choosing a style that flatters your shape can make a huge difference to how you look and also give you a huge confidence booster.

Trying on dresses that either don’t suit your body or the ceremony is not only a waste of time but can also depress you and you might find that you give in a buy the wrong dress anyway. A sure fire way to put a dampener on your big day.

Tall and Thin

-- Choose a ball gown with a strapless, fitter bodice
-- Bony shoulders or collar bones can will suit dresses with a higher neckline that are long and fitted
-- If you feel you are too thin for this style consider that you can set of your height and leanness with some delicate detailed embroidery or beading.

Short with a fuller, feminine Figure

-- Try an empire line dress which has a seam under the bust line and in the right fabric, the dress will flow instead of cling
-- A Knee length dress will also look good, the longer dress will add height and give you a taller silhouette
-- Sleeves should also be long but not too tight if considered.

Thick Waist

-- Conceal a wide waist with a boned corset or wear a decorative jacket that falls just below the waistline
-- Avoid fitted ballerina styles

Very Full Bust

-- To draw attention away from the bust choose a dress with a long bodice or cowl neck
-- Dresses with a natural waistline will draw attention to the bust area
-- Pick a plain bodice and avoid low necklines
-- Pick a detailed hem if you want to add a little something that you feel might be missing on the top

Full or Wide Hips

-- Avoid bustles and ruffles or tiered dresses
-- Most styles will look great but avoid tight styles around the hips
-- Princess styles that are fitted on the top and flare slightly to the hem will help disguise larger hips
-- Ball gown styles in simple fabrics will also draw attention away from the hips

Big bottom

-- Avoid bows or back fastening ties
-- Consider a light train from the top of the bodice or waist

Wide Shoulders

-- Wide straps will narrow the appearance of your shoulders or cover then completely
-- Draw the focus to a v-neckline
-- Wearing a sheer wrap will also soften the effect
-- Do not wear puffed sleeves, don’t even consider them!

Short or heavy legs

-- Opt for a long dress
-- Sheath styles which are straight but not too clingy will add height

Short Arms

-- Three Quarter length sleeves will be flattering
-- Do not go sleeveless

Chubby Arms

-- Choose long simple sleeves that are not too tight
-- Wear a bolero, shrug or wrap