THE SHAPE OF YOU

You THE SHAPE OF

KNOWING YOUR WEDDING GOWN SILHOUETTES

By Lisa Beth Miller

So, you are engaged and ready to shop for the perfect wedding gown. You arrive at your very first appointment at a bridal boutique and the consultant suggests that you try on classic wedding gown silhouettes. I know…you are thinking, “Ugh. I already know what I want! Look, I have a huge pile of pictures of my favorite dresses!”

Your best bet in this situation is to trust your bridal consultant! She knows exactly what she is talking about and will show you options that may not have occurred to you. Since most women do NOT try on formal wedding gowns throughout their lives, most do not actually know what gowns will work with their body type. As you look through your huge pile of pictures of gowns that appeal to you, try to keep in mind that the model wearing the gown in your beloved pictures is most likely almost six feet tall and around a size 2. Be sure to give yourself the chance to find a dress silhouette that is perfect for your own size and shape!

Let’s look at the four silhouettes that your consultant may show to you:

A-line

This style is slim on top, fitted through the waist, and softly flares away from the body. This style tends to be universally flattering, as it creates an illusion of a small waist!

Ball Gown

The fullest, most formal style—a traditional ball gown features a boned and fitted bodice and a full skirt supported by layers of crinoline. The shape here is similar to A-line but is fuller and more structured. Extremely petite brides could be overwhelmed in this style.

Photo by Rachelamp Garrenbull Photoand Film

Sheath

A sheath gown has a narrow and straight cut that flows straight down from top to bottom without a defined waist. This style skims the body.

Photo by Sven Studios

Mermaid

This style hugs the torso then flares out from the knee or just below. This style works well for short-waisted brides.

Photo by The Studio at Daisy Hill

BRIDAL ATTIRE CHECKLIST

Bridal attire is more than just a gown. This handy checklist, courtesy of Trousseau Ltd., will keep you – and the ladies who play a key role in your wedding day – looking great from head to toe.

Personal Attire:

o Tiara, Hairpins, Headband or Comb o Bridal Veil o Bridal Jewelry o Garter o Bridal Foundation Bustiers and

Shapewear to Look Your Best! o Hosiery o Shoes o Handbag or Make-up Pouch o Handkerchief o Gloves o Wedding Night & Honeymoon Lingerie o Get fitted with Trousseau’s Bra Expert

Bridal Attendants:

o Foundation o Dyeable Shoes and Handbag o Jewelry o Hair Ornaments

Mothers of the Bride and Groom:

o Foundation o Dyeable Shoes and Handbag o Jewelry and Hair Ornaments

Stationery:

o Save the Date Cards o Wedding Invitations o Thank-you Notes & Personal Stationery

Bridal Accessories:

o Guestbook and Pen o Ringbearer Pillow o Cake Knife and Toasting Flutes o Lucky Sixpence

Rescue TO THE N o matter how organized you are and how much planning you’ve done before the wedding, you should always expect the unexpected. And an emergency kit for your wedding day is the best way to prepare. If building your own kit, start at least two or three months before the wedding so you can gather the items over time. This allows you to consider the possible needs of your close friends and family. Designate someone to be responsible for the emergency kit, bringing it from location to location and keeping it readily available. Suggested emergency kit items:

Band-Aids

Blotting papers

Bobby pins

Bottle of water

Clear nail polish

Deodorant

Nail file

Feminine products

Hairspray

Hand lotion Hand sanitizer Lipstick or lip gloss Mints Pain reliever Q-tips Safety pins Small lint brush Super glue Tissues • Tums/Rolaids • Sewing Kit with scissors • Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks • Straws (you don’t want to mess up your lipstick) • Chalk, tied for easy packing, hides scuffs and marks on white leather and fabrics.

You will also want to make a list of items to carry in your purse. • Cell phone • Mirror • Handkerchief or tissues • Nail file • Lip gloss or lipstick to match makeup • Perfume

One of the great advantages to hiring a day-of coordinator is the extensive emergency kit this professional brings to every wedding. Your coordinator will carry glue and staple guns, floral wire, hundreds of safety pins, fasteners, packing tape, lighters, scissors and more – there is nothing the kit can’t handle!

So remember, either put your emergency kit in the hands of a professional or start putting yours together early and you’ll be prepared for anything!