Wedding Dresses for Fashion Forward Brides
One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to wedding gowns.
Most brides have something in mind for their big-day dress. When a bride first steps into the flowing tulle of a bridal gown, she knows immediately if it’s the right dress or not. But a smart bride will also consider the cut of the gown, seeking one that is most flattering. After all, all eyes are on the bride during a wedding. This is one occasion when the dress must be perfect. In order to find that perfect dress, the first thing a bride must do is choose a bridal shop that can match her heart’s desire with just the right dress.
At the best bridal salons, designers work with vintage patterns, modern styles and with the brides themselves who may want something completely different than the market is showing. If the wedding budget allows it, a custom dress may be the answer. Look for designers who will work with the bride to find out what she is looking for in a custom-made wedding gown – and then set to work making her dreams a reality.
If custom-made is beyond the budget, there are some design houses that offer brides a wide selection of designer gowns from which the bride can find the perfect dress for her big day.
Gowns should be made once the order is placed. Trained cutters select the fabric and then cut the gown’s pieces by hand. This could mean as many as 100 pieces of fabric are cut for one gown.
After that, a bundler “pieces” together the various parts of the gown. Beaders are brought in next. Working with intricate types of lace and materials, beaders do the delicate work of applying the beading to add the sparkle to the gown. Seamstresses are brought in at this point, followed by hand-sewers who do the work that can only be accomplished with a single needle and thread.
With a design house selected, it’s time for the bride to look in the mirror and decide what type of gown best fits her shape – be it an hourglass, straight, pear or full-figured shape.
A-line gowns are those that disguise full hips. They form an “A” shape from head to toe, balancing the torso and bust. They will give the bride an elongated silhouette, giving the appearance of being tall and thin.
If the bride is curvy – and enjoys those curves – she should consider a form-fitting model like a mermaid gown. These gowns are form fitted down to about the calves, where a 12-inch-ruffle (or so) flares out down to the hem. This wide ruffle balances bigger busts and hips – and lets the bride show off her curves in a tasteful style that not everyone can wear.
All shapes will be flattered by a ball gown. Don’t know what “ball gown” means? Imagine Cinderella at the ball or a princess waltzing around the ball. Those are ball gowns and they flatter all figure types. These dresses are fitted at the waist and the skirts flares out. It is a very traditional look, but one that many brides have dreamed of wearing.
And speaking of princesses, consider the Princess cut if the bride wants to minimize her hips and/or stomach. The skirt falls from just below the bust and is slim and form-fitting. Because it has a high waistline, it hides the perhaps broader, natural waistline. The princess cut also works well for women who are slim and tall, accentuating their already tall and lean lines.
When any bride sets out to find the dress of her dreams, there are some other things to keep in mind, starting with the fact that just because a gown looks good in a magazine does not mean it is the best choice for every bride.
Brides should look for a dress that flatters their figure and also matches their personal style. If the dress is too fluffy – and that’s not the bride’s usual style – she may not be comfortable in that dress. And there are few things worse than spending one of the biggest days of your life in an uncomfortable style.
And finally, put the time and effort into finding just the right gown. Brides should select the dress they’ve always dreamed of wearing on their wedding day. After visiting four or five salons, a bride may not believe it, but there is a perfect gown out there for her. It’s your wedding day – and “close” is not good enough for your wedding day. If a sales person tries to talk you into a gown, promising some major alterations can make all the difference, move on. Shop at a salon that offers gowns by designers. There are enough selections that you will not have to settle for anything less than the gown of your dreams.
Dee Power is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and wedding dresses.
