Best Wedding Dress For Your Shape

 

FullSizeRender-51

We’ve talked about wedding dress styles, but not what’s the best wedding dress for your shape.  As my mother always told me, just because something is ‘in fashion’ doesn’t mean it will look good on YOU.  And nothing is more important than to purchase a wedding gown that is flattering to your figure.  The chart above shows body types and the best look for yours.  The chart below takes the analysis to a finer point by …

FullSizeRender-52

defining only necklines.  This chart doesn’t suggest what would look the best on you, it only gives a reference guide so one can make the best decision.  I have never been a fan of the strapless gown, especially in a wedding dresses.  But there are the brides who can pull it off…  The neckline of my dress was the “Scoop.”  Maggie had a modified “Illusion.”  And KK, well…you will just have to wait to see.  All I will divulge is that it is very flattering, as is the whole gown, and she looks just beautiful in it.  Pretty vague, huh?  🙂

The charts are not a perfect science, but they do give you somewhere to start.  Decide what your body type is, focus on what is recommended for that type, and when you begin your gown search, concentrate on the styles that are supposed to flatter you.  And sometimes…you just HAVE to try them on…even if the experts say it’s your ideal…Hopefully you’ll just have one wedding, so get the dress right too..

vintage-wedding-gowns-12

What would be my choice today, if I were a young bride again?  I think something like the very last picture.  It’s slimming, elegant and has a bit of old world charm…but I would have to try it on.  And I’m not sure it would be the best for my body type…

images-184

Image #1 pininterest

Image #2 pininterest

Image #3 weddingdecorationshq.com

Image #4 www.finafani.com
Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.

gc_gen_assoc-300x250

Wedding Gown Styles

Screen-Shot-2014-07-25-at-11.50.34

 

You’re engaged!  After you select, secure and make a deposit on your venue…you need to start looking for your wedding gown.  Do your research, and in today’s world, that means going on-line.  When I was a bride 31 years ago, it was all about “Bride’s Magazine.”  Am I right, ladies?!?  My friends and I would look at it’s hallowed pages and dream.  Today’s brides do the same thing, only on a computer.

When you’re ready to go to an actual store, it’s a great idea to pick some styles you like, and that you think will flatter your figure, and print them out.  Some large salons, like Kleinfeld’s in New York, request that you create an on-line account on their website.  Prior to your reserved appointment, you are instructed to go to their website, and select the wedding gown styles you favor.

We’ll talk about four today.  First up, the Ball Gown.  This dress is flattering to most brides.  The full skirt can showcase a tiny waist, and if needed, mask generous hips.  It is also many young women’s ideal of the perfect wedding dress.

satin-v-neckline-ball-gown-wedding-dress-with-appliqued-bodice

The “A Line” dress below, has similar characteristics and advantages of the ball gown, without the grandeur.  A young, as well as more mature bride, would feel comfortable in this style.

images-176

The “Modified A Line” below has a slimmer silhouette still, and a slightly lower waist-line.  When we were shopping for the girls’ dresses, one year apart, the bridal consultant told us that a large percentage of brides request “A lines” or “Modified A lines,” But there just were not many options for the salon to order from venders.  It’s such a flattering style, I was surprised.  But when do designers ever listen to us?

images-177

The “Trumpet” style, featured below, has similar details of a mermaid gown.

303-3809

The trumpet and mermaid are both form fitting.  The mermaid’s flare is more so, hitting at the knee or below.  The trumpet flares out mid thigh.  Not only is it more comfortable and gives the bride more freedom of movement, it’s also more forgiving of an imperfect figure.  But women love the mermaid, making it one of the most popular styles.

Next time…more on the mermaid, sheath, tea-length and mini.  What will be YOUR choice?
Shop Amazon – Find the Value of Your Gadgets associates-trade-in_Edits_Associate_300x250

 

Image #1 www.onsilverpond.com

Image #2 www.rainingblossoms.com

Imag #3 www.alizeebridal.com

Image #4 www.jlmcouture.com

Imag e#5 www.qualitybridals.com
Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.gc_gen_assoc-300x250

Vintage Wedding Gowns

 

95f704830e3b911bffa71d2b4e4b866f

Vintage wedding gowns.  Nothing says romance more.  And the thing I like about vintage, is that all age groups can wear it — provided you have the figure for it.  Take the top photo — it’s GORGEOUS…but really…who could wear it, but a 14 year old girl…And for her, the style wouldn’t be appropriate.

Vintage/Retro, what’s the difference, you ask?? Well, according to pollybland.com:

“vintage:Although widely misused, the term “vintage” refers to an item that is at least 20 years old or more (there you go, you 1980’s fans!) I know I hate seeing it misused and overused because it is such a fanatic thing today for something to be “vintage.” One of my teachers at school insists that the term vintage should not be applied to any object under 50 years old. This is currently up in the air, but at least twenty years is the accepted age to deem objects under the “vintage” category. True vintage could be categorized at least 50 years old. “New vintage” is a term I’ve heard describing 1980’s barely vintage items.
Retro: retro simply refers to anything that looks out of style for the current time period. This could be clothing that was popular in the late 1990’s (not technically vintage,  yet) or any new design that references designs or ideas of the past. This also seems to be somewhat interchangeable with the word, “vintage inspired.” The 1970’s are often referred to as “retro” although they are technically over 40 years old… which can be (in my eyes) considered “vintage.” “

76de445a41a1503d0cf3f4132cdad7c4

Not sure you want an “old-fashioned gown”, but want some feminine romance in your ensemble?  Look at the shoes below?  You could wear a burlap sack and still look like a bride wearing these!

cjdphoto

Want another little bit of old-world flare?  Try something like the embellished belts below and add a bit of zing to a more simple gown.

a8f2a3412a8d75366dd0030fef89dfae

We women all know how important our hair is, but do we think of it as an accessory?  The bride below did.  Her hair and jeweled comb are the perfect compliment to her vintage gown.

38a2e1d217d5ef9f705eb5c0ce272025

 

Remember, when you’re the bride, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.  Your choice is always the right one..

Shop Amazon – Free Shipping on Orders Over $35 free-shipping_assoc_300x250
Image #1 bellethemagazine.com

Image #2 modwedding.com

Image #3 taylormadesoirees.blogspot.com.au

Image #4 youtube.com

Image #5 burnettsboards.com

Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration. gc_gen_assoc-300x250

The Fifty Shades of White

 

images-170

 

Ha!  Did that get your attention?  🙂

digitalsynopsis.com

According to herecomestheguide.com, there are five shades of white that are most commonly used by wedding gown designers.  To quote her:

“What are the Many Shades of White?

The names given to colors can be confusing. Here are some of the most commonly used names for white, which are standard in the industry:

Stark White or Bright White

The purest, starkest white almost glows, and is particularly striking against dark skin. It is also the most difficult shade to wear, as it can drain the color from fair and medium skin tones.

Champagne White

This is a beautiful white with a slight pink undertone. In photos and low light, it looks nearly white but adds richness to olive or sallow skin. A slightly deeper version of this shade is sometimes called Rum White.

white-corset-pretty-wedding-dresses

theweddinghouse.info

Ivory

There is a great deal of variation in shades of ivory, which is the most universally flattering hue for brides. Be sure to hold a color swatch of any ivory next to your face to see how it plays against your skin and eye color. Some have creamy, warm undertones while others have a slightly pinker tint. Eggshell is one of the lighter shades of ivory.

images-171

modwedding.com

Candlelight

This is a somewhat deeper shade of ivory with a beige-cream undertone. The name refers to the fact that it is meant to appear white under candlelight. It’s especially fitting for evening weddings, when its richness and depth will be set off to best advantage.

ivory-wedding-dress-mermaid

glambistro.com

Ecru

The deepest shade of ivory available, ecru borders on tan or beige. The name refers to the unbleached or raw color of linen. If you are looking for something that is less traditional and has some depth, ecru is worth trying out.”

perfect_dress2_-_Copy_2

boards.weddingbee.com

Ok…You now know the names of the “Fifty Shades of White”(well, really only about 5), …but what’s best for you?  It’s important to remember, not all designers have all the white color choices for the gown you have picked out.  Sometimes they only have two or sometimes three of the above shades.  So now the question…Do you choose your dress first, or the shade of white you want?  My advice is – chose the dress first! That is how we chose KK and Maggie’s wedding dresses.  They picked the dress, and then chose the color that best fit their skin tone from the available options.

A quick lesson on what might look best on you?  To quote herecomestheguide.com again:

“If you have very fair skin, a warm shade of white with a touch of yellow in it will add some warmth and a glow to your skin. A stark white will only wash you out.

If you have sallow or olive skin, whites with a pink undertone (sometimes called cool whites) will balance things and give you a fresh, dewy look. Shades to consider might be champagne or rum white. You can also wear silk white, which is slightly less stark than pure white.

If you have medium skin that is pinker or has blue undertones, try some of the creamier ivories and whites. These have a rich yellow undertone that will keep you from looking too flushed and red, and will complement your complexion.

If you’re a dark-skinned bride, almost any shade of white will look lovely against your skin. The only exception may be if you are dark-skinned with olive undertones—in that case, try to steer clear of yellow-ivory shades.”

518dVvUWH-L._AC_SR98,95_
50 Things to Know About Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress: Everything You Never Thought to Think About Your Dress

Don’t stress about it too much…I have never seen a bride that wasn’t beautiful!
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with Special Offers, Wi-Fi, Black 51mdUkQvZoL._AC_SR98,95_-2