B R I D A L FA S H I O N
10 STEPS TO FINDING YOUR
WEDDING DRESS 1
T HE SALON You may wonder why bridal salons require an appointment 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.
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INFLUENCES 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.
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YOUR APPOINTMENT During your first appointment try on different styles, even those you normally wouldn’t consider. Trust your bridal salon consultant to lead you in the right direction. An experienced salon 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-theshoulder 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.’ 66
B R I D A L FA S H I O N
10 steps to finding your wedding dress
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SILHOUETTES + STYLES There are eight basic silhouettes that make up almost all wedding gowns, plus a few less traditional options that are rapidly becoming mainstream. Chances are, 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. BALL GOWN This silhouette incorporates a natural or dropped waist, set off with a full skirt. Think Cinderella, waltzing with your prince at the reception. It’s 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 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. BALLERINA Inspired by the costumes 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. 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.
