For most newly engaged gals, wedding dress shopping is one of the best things about the whole wedding planning thing but for some girls it leaves them stressed thinking how they are going to find the “perfect dress” for their shape.
Well, if Gok Wan isn’t your BFF never fear, we are on hand to give you some guidelines on what you should be looking for when you step into the pearly white bridal shops…
Image courtesy of boncyboutique.com
If You’re Pear-Shaped go for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A shape from your waist to the floor. This will highlight the narrowest part of your midsection and will camouflage the hipsand thighs. Opt for non-clingy fabrics, such as duchesse satin or taffeta. Spaghetti-straps or a V neckline will also show off a more slender upper body.
If You’re Busty go for a dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without shocking the priest by showing too much cleavage! Strapless dresses are probably one of the most popular styles in Ireland so if you have big boobs in a strapless dress then choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelf like.
If You’re Petite opt for an A-line dress. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward. Be wary of ball gowns―it’s easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.
If You’re Flat-Chested go for a ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick. If you do have a smaller chest you are probably well versed in the art of illusion, but keep in mind that the right bra will always provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless, your underwear options may be fairly limited. Instead, try self-adhesive silicone bra cups.
If You’re Tall, keep it simple!! The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you’re wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don’t want to look as if you’ve borrowed your dress from your younger sister. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
If You’re Apple-Shaped, you need a dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, and then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corset-like effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.
If You’re Plus-Sized then Empire-line dresses are your friend. Go for one with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which will make you look like pregnant Pauline. You need fabrics that provide structure (eg. satin), rather than anything too flowy.
Bring along a digital camera to snap photos of yourself in dresses you are seriously considering, then review them later at home with your Mom or Bridesmaids. And don’t leave your camera lying around so the groom gets a glimpse!
If you are getting a shock at the tags on the dresses, take a deep breath. Wedding Dresses generally tend to be one or two sizes smaller than the high street shops so get used to it and don’t start starving yourself!!
