All About the Dress

This is the single most exciting time of the planning process for your wedding and why shouldn't it be! Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day. After all, all eyes will be on that traditional moment when your grand entrance. Today there are so many choices....Satin, Lace, Silk, A-line, Ball gown and the list goes on.

So how do you find that perfect dress. The first thing you should do before visiting a bridal salon is get an idea of which styles of dress you prefer. Look through wedding magazines and pull out pictures of things that you like. This will help the consultant at the salon understand your vision. Also take a friend or someone that will be supportively honest with you.

First think about the silhouette of your dress. Depending on your body type certain styles can flatter your appearance or do just the opposite. A-line, Ballgown, and Mermaid are just a few silhouette to become a familiar with.

A-Line Wedding Dresses

A- Line Dresses have no marked waist and the seams run vertically down from the shoulders into a flared skirt creating an "A" shape. If you are thicker around the middle, this would be a very nice choice for you. It will hide those less than flattering features and accentuate your best. A-Line dresses also can create the illusion of height for shorter brides because of the long lines. This style of dress is truly perfect for all body types.

Ball Gown Wedding Dresses

One Word...Cinderella. When most brides think of the wedding dresses this is it. Ballgowns are very formal with fitted bodices and very full skirts. Many styles from full circles of tulle to tiered layers of fabric offer a soft romantic look. The full skirt of the ball gown is ideal for disguising full hips and thighs while accentuating the waistline. It is great for slightly taller brides. This gown can be overwhelming for petite or smaller framed brides.

Empire Waist Wedding Gowns

 The waistlines on empire style gowns are raised to right below the bustline which allows the skirt to flow loosely and flow down over the hips. This gown is flattering on most body types especially  brides that are smaller on top.

Mermaid Wedding Dress

The mermaid dress is contoured to the body from the shoulders down to the knees. At the knees the gown flows out giving a sexier look. This dress will accentuate your hourglass figures. This dress does not work if you are heavier on top and smaller on the bottom. It will make you appear top heavy

Sheath Wedding Dress

The sheath gown has no true waist and follows every curve of the bride. Most sheath have detachable trains. Brides that want to show off their figure in their wedding gown would look for this style of dress.This dress doesn't allow for too many body flaws due to it's slim shape. The long lines can elongate the look of your body so this dress would also be a good look for shorter brides.

You're Engaged ...Now What?

So you're Engaged Now what! After you scream, shout, and cry for joy....share the good news with family and close friends. They will be just as thrilled as you are and will probably spread the news just as quickly as you will.

Here is a "Get Started" list.

1. First the Bride and Groom should sit down and decide before making any plans, if their special day will be formal or informal. This will help you in your search for a venue, your design, and especially finding the perfect wedding dress.

2. Next determine what your budget is and who will pay for what. Traditionally the Brides's family pays for all the expenses of the wedding and the reception. This usually means that the bride's family determines the size and style of the wedding. The new trend is for both families to either split the cost 50/50 or each family donates a set amount towards the total. However alot of working couples are choosing to pay for the entire celebration themselves.

New trends or old traditions which ever route you choose, this is one of the first conversations that you and your fiance should have with your families. It will save on alot of confusion and frustration in the long run.

3. After searching though the magazines, collecting your ideas, hire a wedding planner. Whether you are a DIY Bride or have no idea where to get started hiring a Planner/Consultant may be your biggest lifesaver. They will be able to do as much as you like or as little as you want without losing your vision keeping your wants first before anything eles. Decide how or what you need from them. Many consultants have packages you can choose from. If you are still unsure if you want to hire a consultant....Check out my blog on why to hire a consultant!

Talk to you soon!
Michole