Selecting a Wedding Dress - Four Guidelines to Remember
Every bride has dreamed of her wedding day from the time she played dress up with old white sheets for a train...
But when that dream finally arrives, the selection from countless styles and designers can be overwhelming.
A few simple guidelines regarding style, comfort, budget and ordering tips will help each bride-to-be find the perfect wedding dress The first step in choosing a wedding dress style is to consider body shape.
If you have narrow shoulders and hips, you could get away with either the slim fit or a ballgown look.
The bride with wide shoulders and narrow hips should consider a ballgown or wide A-line skirt.
Draw imaginary lines from your shoulders to your hips; ideally, the lines should be horizontal, creating balance.
However, if you have narrower shoulders and wider hips, select a simpler A-line that flows gracefully from the waist without the large "puff" of a ballgown.
Secondly, select a dress for comfort while keeping in mind the season, fabric type, and size.
If your planned nuptials are in the dead of winter, find a bridal gown with sleeves.
Also, while lace is lovely, if it is directly touching your skin, it could be irritating after eight hours.
Lastly, don't purchase a dress three sizes too small for your current figure! It is far easier to alter a dress in than it is to take it out.
Be confident in the way you look now - after all, your fiancé proposed to you as you are.
If you happen to lose a dress size, that's wonderful! Just don't give yourself the added pressure of being required to fit into the most important dress of your life when it is too small.
Another comfort consideration, if you are one of the growing numbers of women looking for a modest dress, is to select one with sleeves and a high front and back.
To find a contemporary style meeting these guidelines, you may need to research more than the average bride will, unless you live in certain parts of the country where every bridal store carries modest dresses.
To avoid paying a seamstress several hundred dollars to alter your selection, consider looking at the online choices.
Another vital consideration in this economy is to work out a budget before shopping.
If you only have $400, don't even tempt yourself by drooling at the $2,000 high-end designer gowns.
Do your research ahead of time.
Many shops will have semi-annual sales up to 70% off.
Also, more and more designers are creating cheaper options within the frugal budget.
By researching and purchasing a dress online, you may have a better selection and price; however, be sure to measure carefully and buy from a reputable store.
Above all, start shopping a year in advance if possible.
Order your dress at least 4 months ahead of time, as it takes a minimum of 12-16 weeks to come in, and then alterations will require another month or so.
By following these simple guidelines, you can be confident in finding the dress you've imagined from childhood.
Enjoy your "princess" moment, and create a memory to last a lifetime!
But when that dream finally arrives, the selection from countless styles and designers can be overwhelming.
A few simple guidelines regarding style, comfort, budget and ordering tips will help each bride-to-be find the perfect wedding dress The first step in choosing a wedding dress style is to consider body shape.
If you have narrow shoulders and hips, you could get away with either the slim fit or a ballgown look.
The bride with wide shoulders and narrow hips should consider a ballgown or wide A-line skirt.
Draw imaginary lines from your shoulders to your hips; ideally, the lines should be horizontal, creating balance.
However, if you have narrower shoulders and wider hips, select a simpler A-line that flows gracefully from the waist without the large "puff" of a ballgown.
Secondly, select a dress for comfort while keeping in mind the season, fabric type, and size.
If your planned nuptials are in the dead of winter, find a bridal gown with sleeves.
Also, while lace is lovely, if it is directly touching your skin, it could be irritating after eight hours.
Lastly, don't purchase a dress three sizes too small for your current figure! It is far easier to alter a dress in than it is to take it out.
Be confident in the way you look now - after all, your fiancé proposed to you as you are.
If you happen to lose a dress size, that's wonderful! Just don't give yourself the added pressure of being required to fit into the most important dress of your life when it is too small.
Another comfort consideration, if you are one of the growing numbers of women looking for a modest dress, is to select one with sleeves and a high front and back.
To find a contemporary style meeting these guidelines, you may need to research more than the average bride will, unless you live in certain parts of the country where every bridal store carries modest dresses.
To avoid paying a seamstress several hundred dollars to alter your selection, consider looking at the online choices.
Another vital consideration in this economy is to work out a budget before shopping.
If you only have $400, don't even tempt yourself by drooling at the $2,000 high-end designer gowns.
Do your research ahead of time.
Many shops will have semi-annual sales up to 70% off.
Also, more and more designers are creating cheaper options within the frugal budget.
By researching and purchasing a dress online, you may have a better selection and price; however, be sure to measure carefully and buy from a reputable store.
Above all, start shopping a year in advance if possible.
Order your dress at least 4 months ahead of time, as it takes a minimum of 12-16 weeks to come in, and then alterations will require another month or so.
By following these simple guidelines, you can be confident in finding the dress you've imagined from childhood.
Enjoy your "princess" moment, and create a memory to last a lifetime!
