Picking the Perfect Wedding Dress

As a bride, your wedding day will most likely be that single day in your life you will feel absolutely beautiful. It will provide you a perfect moment in time, when your groom sees you for the last time as a girlfriend and the first as his bride. By selecting the right wedding dress you will be a vision of unforgettable beauty and possibly fulfill a childhood dream. Whether your dress is elegant ballroom or short summer chic, you will look like a princess on a magical day.

Once you announce your engagement, do not be surprised if you suddenly receive a lot of unsolicited advice regarding the style of dress you should wear. Be courteous and give thanks to those sharing opinions and wedding information with you, and since some of it could actually prove helpful take mental or written notes. Weddings incite joy in the lives of those around you and they want to contribute to the success of the event. Obviously, you will receive suggestions that will not work with your wedding vision or you simply do not like. You and your fiance are never obligated to actually incorporate the ideas of others into your plans.

The easiest way to begin your wedding dress search is to first think about what you want in a dress and identify your likes and dislikes. Consider whether or not you want to go the traditional or contemporary route, and if you would prefer a lot of embellishments with a full skirt or something that is sleek and straight. One of the most important facts to keep in mind is that it takes time to receive your dress and alterations are usually always required, so that is why it is imperative to order your chosen dress as soon as is possible. This is especially relevant if you decide to have your wedding dress designed and custom-tailored by a seamstress. The second most critical fact is to determine your wedding dress budget, including the amount of any extra-cushion, then stick to it.

There are so many dress options available to you in terms of color, style, fabric, and length. You may also want to take into consideration your body shape and let it be your guide for selecting the dress that will accentuate your shape. Here are some dress style recommendations based on body shape, so take a look and determine which one describes you best:

• Apple: Most of your weight is carried around your middle section. An empire line dress will flatter your figure. Choose a dress with features that draw the eyes up and away from your waist. Halter-style dresses show off your lovely shoulders. One style to avoid is the mermaid dress, which will basically make you look large all over.
• Athletic: A slim, straight torso is your trademark. Dresses that feature a mermaid skirt, high waist, or off-the-shoulder neckline will add feminine curves to your frame.
• Hourglass: You have a defined waist due to your curvy and proportionate figure. Consider a modified A-line, or for extra flare a fishtail skirt. Also, off-the-shoulder necklines are very complimentary. Keep your curves, so stay clear of column and empire line styles.
• Pear: You are most likely a big-bottomed gal, so work with it. Get those eyes moving up by wearing slim A-lines with attractive detailing around the neckline. Straight cuts will not work to your benefit, and neither will anything with a high waist or pleating.
• Petite: From head-to-toe you have smaller proportions. Adding height to your appearance can be achieved with halter-style necklines and empire line styles. A lot of extra fabric and wide skirts will swallow your delicate shape, so stay clear of long trains, hoop skirts, and overdone sleeves. With a petite frame, less is definitely more.
• Plus-Size: You are a full-figure woman, and there are many dress features that will be very attractive on you. Styles that are great for you include V-style and sweetheart necklines, empire lines, and A-line skirts with boned bodices with simply flatter your attributes, and they are designs that will define and support your body.