A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an “A” shape. They work for most body types and are a particularly good choice for pear shapes, or someone who does not want a tight fit on their lower body. You can accentuate your waist further by picking a dress with a decorative element like a sash or beading around the waist of the dress. Avoid a dress that is bunchy or overly embellished on the bottom half. This will make your hips and thighs look larger than they are.
Many busty women feel they can’t wear strapless dresses. You can still wear a strapless dress, but to make yourself feel more comfortable on the day, make sure it fits to a tee. A square-neck dress is a great option for busty women because it shows off your assets without showing too much.
Though empire dresses are flowy, don’t pick one that is too large or has a lot of excess fabric. You still want to accentuate your figure.
An empire fit can also flatter a petite body type by accentuating the bust and creating the appearance of long legs.
A sheath dress isn’t necessarily tight, but it won’t conceal the shape of your body. If you feel especially self-conscious about a certain part of your body, consider a different fit.
A great way to figure out what fit is best for you individually is to look at the dresses you already own. Although they are much less formal than your wedding dress will be, figure out what fit you generally wear and feel comfortable in. Another way to find the best cut is to think about your favorite feature and find a way to flaunt it. For example, if you have toned arms, find a sleeveless dress so that you can show them off. Accentuating a body part doesn’t necessarily mean exposing it. Be careful of showing too much leg or cleavage, as showing too much skin can make your dress look less formal.
Think about the neckline of your dress. Do you prefer a high neck, a scoop neck, a V-neck, or another kind of neckline? Consider whether you prefer the look of gauzy, flowy dresses or ones that are more fitted. Think about the color of your ideal dress. Is it a traditional white dress or another color? If you like white dresses, think about whether you like pure white or a shade of off-white. Think about what length you would like, and what would suit you. Also consider what amount of detailing you want for your dress. While some brides like intricate beading and embellishments, some prefer unembellished gowns where the fabric and the cut make the statement.
You can Google phrases like “glittery wedding gown” or “V neck wedding dress” if you have a sense of what you want your dress to look like beyond its fit.
Sometimes making a collage or board can make sense of what kind of dresses you like. You may not really know why you like a dress when you look at it individually, but if you put pictures together of different dresses you like, you may start to see similarities in style.
You can even create a kind of “mission statement” from your research, something like “I am looking for an off-white floor-length empire dress. ”
Many bridal shops have in-house tailors. If you want to estimate the cost of these adjustments, call a range of in-house tailors to get a rough estimate of how much an adjustment would be. You can also call other tailors in your city and see how much wedding dress alterations usually cost. Keep in mind that since you don’t know what kind of alterations you may need, you only will be receiving a general estimate.
Don’t forget to budget hair and makeup either. They are factors that sometimes slip between the cracks when establishing a budget for your wedding look. [13] X Research source
If your fiancé is not involved in the cost of your wedding attire, you don’t have to consult him. However, if your parents or anyone else is involved in paying, you should talk with them before buying the dress.
Be sure to inspect the dress carefully for any stains or discolorations before purchasing.
If you can’t shop during this time, try to find sales going on that you can go to.
If you purchase a simple dress, you can use accessories to embellish your look.
There are some chain bridal shops, such as David’s Bridal, that have a very wide selection of dresses at low prices. Boutique bridal shops are small, independently owned shops that generally have a smaller range of dresses at higher prices than bridal chains. However, the quality of these dresses are usually better, and they may offer styles that would be hard to find elsewhere.
Starting early is also a good idea because will cut down your stress level. You will be glad to not have to stress about your dress when you are coordinating all the other factors of your wedding.
Try not to invite too many people. Their conflicting opinions could be more confusing than helpful.
Keep in mind that wedding dress sizing is usually larger than the sizing of regular clothing. Even if you are size 6 in dresses normally, you may be a larger size in wedding dresses. [24] X Research source
Do not go to more than two or three appointments per day. Wedding dress appointments usually last around one and a half hours, so you don’t want to make yourself too tired or overwhelmed. [26] X Research source
Many bridal outlets already have in-house tailors. This can be much more convenient that finding a tailor elsewhere. Finding a tailor elsewhere is less convenient, but it could save you money.
Check to see if the shop that sold you your dress also sells veils that match. This is a quick solution to finding a veil.
There are some dresses that already have a sort of built-in train, with the back of the dress trailing along the floor.
You also want your accessorize to match the formality of your dress. Many brides wear diamonds or other gems at their weddings because of the formality and elegance of the occasion. Remember that less is more. Especially for an occasion like a wedding, you don’t want to bog down your outfit with accessories. This will take the attention away from your beautiful dress.
