10 things to know about shopping for a gown

OF ALL THE PLANS, PREPARATIONS, AND PURCHASES MADE FOR YOUR WEDDING, NOTHING WILL MORE DRAMATICALLY AFFECT HOW YOU FEEL ON THAT DAY, THAN YOUR GOWN.

1 THE SALON

You may wonder why bridal salons require anappointment to try on gowns. Here’s the reason why—bridal salons offer a wide selection of gown styles all in one size. Limiting the number of dresses to one size per style allows them to carry a larger selection. Because the salon has only one gown from each style, they take special care to keep the dresses in good condition. For this reason, salon consultants always assist brides in trying on the gowns.

2 INFLUENCERS

Before you get your heart set on a gown you simply can’t live without, ask if the house of worship where you’ll marry, has any restrictions. Some will not permit a bride to show bare shoulders or her back. It’s certainly worth a call to confirm before your first bridal salon appointment. Another factor is your reception location and the time of year and day you’ll wed. An outdoor, afternoon, garden wedding calls for a totally different gown than an evening wedding at the St. Regis’ Gallery Ballroom.

3 THE APPOINTMENT

During your first appointment try on different styles, even those you normally wouldn’t choose. Trust your salon consultant to lead you in the right direction. An experienced consultant will be invaluable in helping you select styles that flatter your best features and camouflage the flaws. Of course that in no way means you should ignore your own preferences. Be absolutely forthcoming with your comfort level and reactions to each gown you try on. Is the fabric too heavy, the neckline too low? Don’t be afraid to speak up. If an off the-shoulder gown has you fidgeting now, girlfriend, just think of the discomfort on your wedding day. No, thank you! The absolute last thing you want to be doing is tugging self-consciously at your dress all day. Your wedding day mantra should be, ‘beautiful, comfortable, confident.’

4 THE TEN SILHOUETTES

There are ten basic silhouettes that make up almost all wedding gowns, and more than likely, at least one will be flattering on your body type. Being well versed in wedding gown vocabulary is vital. Here are a few key terms-of-art to get you on your way. And remember; trust your bridal consultant when it comes to trying on different styles.

THE BALL GOWN The cut that exemplifies romance. This silhouette incorporates a natural or dropped waist, set off with a full skirt. Think Cinderella, waltzing with your prince at the reception. Extremely flattering around the waist. The volume of this dress might overtake the petite bride but it’s a good choice for an average height bride with very romantic taste.

THE BALL GOWN

Moxie Studio, Makeup in the 702 using Mac Cosmetics, Lovest Bridal, Karenn Beltran

THE A-LINE Flattering to most figures. The secret? A slim fitting narrow top that skims the rib cage and hips, extending out in an “A” triangle along the body. Look in your closet; chances are you’ll find many of your skirts have an A-line cut. There’s a reason after all; A-lines add height, minimize curvy hips, and create an overall slimming profile.

THE BALLERINA Inspired by the costume of classical ballet, made of ultrafine fabrics with a fitted waistline and classic full skirt, this silhouette can court a formal event while still being relaxed and easy to move in. It’s quite flattering on medium to tall frames, but tends to shorten the appearance of petite brides.

THE BUSTLE BACK When seen from the side, this dress has the S-shaped silhouette that was so favored by women of the late 19th century. More recently seen on Hollywood’s red carpet as modern day starlets take a page from the past.

THE PRINCESS Another favored flattering cut, cousin to the A-line. The difference? Seams that run fluidly from the neckline, through the waist and skimming down the hips. The princess cut universally slims and lengthens. Ideal for brides with a petite figure and small waist.

THE COLUMN OR SHEATH Ah, the timeless style and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Desire her dresses? She’s all about the sheath. This is the cut for the sexy yet understated bride. With its slim profile, strategically placed darts and seams, the sheath shows your body without an overwhelming display of skin. Flattering to the petite, slim, tall or thin bride. Also flattering for slender but broad shouldered athletic builds.

THE EMPIRE Elect to be a Queen. Napoleon’s Josephine made this style all the rage. Here’s why: the empire waist is a seam that falls right below the bust, elongating the petite bride and flattering the smaller busted. It enhances the waist while flattering the hips. If you have a long neck and want to wear big jewelry, the empire is a cut above the rest.

THE SLIP DRESS Do you love the feeling of your favorite negligee? Now imagine it in sumptuous silk and skimming your curves all the way down to your ankles. Ready for your figure to show? This is the cut for you. Only 1930’s loving, glamour goddesses need apply.

The Slip Dress

M Place Productions, Brilliant Bridal, Jovani Linens & Event Design, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Glammed Up Vegas, Tristin Bannerman

THE TRUMPET It’s somewhat of a hybrid between the mermaid silhouette and the modified A-line, but flairs out higher on the skirt at about mid-thigh. THE MERMAID This silhouette, contours the body from chest to knee then flares out close to the hem. It accentuates your curves, creating that coveted hour glass shape.

The Trumpet Dress

Kristen Marie Weddings & Portraits, Glammed Up Vegas, Brilliant Bridal, Jovani Linens & Event Design, Kristina Schiavi, Mt. Charleston

5 VEIL OR NOT

Your dress will most likely have some influence over what veil or headpiece you ultimately choose. As for rules, there are none. If you feel romantic and gorgeous in a veil, wear it. If you prefer a tiara, you go girl. If you plan on rockin’ a fabulous updo and don’t want to cover it up, sprinkle in a little bling with rhinestone barrettes or pins. Feel like donning a sassy bird cage veil? Do it. What’s our wedding day mantra? That’s right..."beautiful, comfortable, confident."

6 WHEN TO SHOP

Realistically, you should start shopping for your gown at least six months prior to the wedding, especially if you’re considering a custom made gown. Allow plenty of time for alterations.

7 THE COST

Wedding gowns range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, plus alterations. Tell your salon consultant up front what your budget is so she can direct you towards gowns in your price range.

While it is only natural to want the best price possible, keep in mind that the cost not only covers the material and labor involved in creating a gown, it also covers the time invested by your salon consultant. Looking for your wedding gown can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a wedding— trying on beautiful gowns, being pampered and waited on by your own personal consultant. Push too hard for a lesser price and you may lose the special service and attention to detail you would have received with the original price.

8 ALTERATIONS

The bridal salon will take measurements to assist you in ordering the correct gown size based on the manufacturer’s size chart. However, unless you’re as fit as a swimsuit model, expect at least minimal alterations. Especially if your upper and lower body proportions are two different sizes. Of course there are some salons that offer gown styles to choose from, but custom make the gown to your body measurements. In which case, you can check one more item off your to-do list.

9 TRUNK SHOWS

Most bridal salons carry a few gowns from each of their select group of designers. Trunk shows provide the opportunity for you to see and try on an even larger selection from these designers. In addition, it’s an opportunity to meet the designer, or representative, in person. Appointments are highly recommended.

10 LINGERIE

Once you’ve selected your gown, ask your salon consultant for recommendations on the appropriate lingerie. Make sure these garments supply the perfect amount of support and fit. Do you slouch? Discover a corset with boning. Wearing shimmering silk? Seamless lingerie is your secret. Heart set on strapless? A seam-free strapless bustier or three-quarter-length convertible bra will do the trick. Bring these items to your dress fittings. You’ll see and feel the difference.