The 3 Most Important Things to Remember When Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Gown!!
Your Personality!
You are at the forefront of your wedding day! This is arguably one of the most important days of your life and you need to be true to yourself!
*Stay true to your style and choose a gown that highlights your personality! But
don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit!
* Include style elements that speak to you!
* Beading, lace, sashes, crystals, handmade flowers, feathers and
intricate tailoring.
* Even adding a splash of color is a fun way to personalize your dress.
And choosing colors other than white, such as cream, beige,
champagne or even your favorite color are all great ways to bring
personality to your gown!
*Consider gown styles such as vintage, modern, couture and avant garde, which
are simple ways to create a look all your own.
*Add great jewelry to open necklines, or wear shawls, caplets, ruffle collars and
muffs with simpler gowns for weddings during the colder months. They will
keep you warm and be an amazing way to showcase your individuality!
Your Figure!
Certain gowns are more figure flattering than others. But that does not limit you as a bride to only certain styles!!
*Avoid hiding areas that you are insecure about and instead find ways to
fashionably accentuate them! There is only one you, so shine on your wedding day!!
*There are 6 main wedding gown silhouettes and 3 of them have separate
variations. A point to remember is that every figure can be flattered at the
natural waist!
* Ball Gown- Also called the princess silhouette, is fitted at the bodice
then bellows out into a full skirt.
* A-Line Gown- This gown typically falls directly below the waist and
the skirt flares in a triangle shape.
* Mermaid Gown- Dramatically form-fitting, usually until the knees
and then flares out to the feet.
* Sheath Gown- Slim in the bodice and skirt and may or may not have
a little flare or kick.
* Empire Gown- Similar to the A-Line but the seam is just under the
bust line instead of at the waist.
* Goddess Gown- An Empire Gown that flows instead of being in an
A-Line silhouette.
* Trumpet Gown- Similar to the Mermaid Gown only it is form-fitting
until the mid-thigh and then becomes an A-Line. (Think of the bell of
a trumpet!)
* Basque Gown (bah-sk)- Similar to the Ball Gown silhouette but the
bodice is elongated until just at the hips.
*There are 10 main gown necklines and each adds a different feel to your wedding
gown and overall look.
*Straight Neckline- Also called Strapless. It is the basic
neckline that forms a line across your chest. This is a great way to
show off your shoulders.
* Sweetheart Neckline- This neckline can also be used for strapless
dresses. It dips in the center to create the heart shape.
* V-neck Neckline- The V-neck can be dramatic or subtle and can be
sleeveless, have sleeves or cap sleeve or it can be apart of a halter.
* Scoopneck Neckline- Rounded neckline with thin, thick or very thin
spaghetti straps.
* Boatneck Neckline- A high neckline that dips in the center and
crosses from shoulder to shoulder.
* Portrait Neckline- Is similar to a sweetheart neckline that has the
collar draw closer to your neck.
* Halter Neckline- Wraps upward around the neck and creates a
backless silhouette. Also a great way to show off your shoulders.
* Asymmetric Neckline- This neckline is a V-neckline that is off-
centered either to the right or to the left shoulder. An asymmetric
neckline can be created by tailoring or be embellishments where
flowers or a design only cover one side of the neckline.
* One Shoulder Neckline- Is a Straight or Strapless Neckline that has
an embellishment or sleeve that is attached to only one shoulder.
* High Collar Neckline- This neckline extends upward toward
face and can be created down into a V-Neckline, Sweetheart
Neckline, Portrait Neckline, or a Scoopneck Neckline.
There are dozens more necklines that one could play around with such as the Jewel, Mandarin, Square, Cowl, Off the Shoulder, Cross Over and many more. Many of my gowns have High Collar, V-Neck, Sweetheart, Portrait, Square, and Asymmetric necklines. I love the options that necklines pose! When I designed the silhouette for my gowns, I wanted to find a way to incorporate all of the elements in the various traditional silhouettes into gowns that could flatter any figure because they cut at and accentuate the natural waist and because the necklines and gown bottoms can be interchanged! This allows you to create a gown that flatters your figure perfectly and is unique as well. I also play with the hemline as this draws the eye upward and elongates the legs thus creating a slim silhouette without taking away from your natural curves.
This is also something that a great photographer will notice. I met Kathleen Hertel at a bridal show that she was the official photographer for. During that bridal show I had a chance to showcase my gowns in a fashion show where I had 5 models of different heights and sizes and looks. Some of my models had never modeled before. Kathleen is perfect at what she does! She captured my gowns and models beautifully. She knew the right angles and lighting to make everything look amazing. That's what you want to look for when choosing a photographer, one who knows the right angles and lighting that will capture both you and your gown perfectly! You find that in professionals who are passionate about their gift and about bringing your wedding dreams to life!
The third and final point to remember when choosing your wedding gown is Your Budget!
Your Budget!
Getting your dream wedding gown doesn't have to be expensive.
*Custom gowns are not as expensive as you think!
* Sitting down with a designer creates a personal interaction with
someone who cares about every element that makes your wedding
perfect and you can have a gown created that matches your budget
exactly.
* Custom gowns ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for.
* And they eliminate the need for alterations as the gown is tailor made
to your exact measurements.
*Choose a simple silhouette and accent it with beautiful jewelry and accessories!
* This can help you stay on budget and allow you to accessorize your
gown in a way that is truly unique!
* You can infuse different colors and fabrics and meaningful family
heirloom jewelry pieces.
*Get the gown of your dreams (That exceeds your budget) replicated and add
special touches to make it all your own!
* This also includes getting a more budget friendly dress that
you can have altered or embellished to your liking!
*Attend sample sales and trunk shows!
* Discounts are usually offered during these events and it is
even possible to get a dress from last season at a higher discount.
*Choose vendors who are not only experts in their field but are also passionate about their craft!
* This means that they will go above and beyond to give you the best
and are not just focusing on the sale.
* When a vendor is passionate, they are always learning and trying
new things!
* This is great for you because you get to experience different skills
within 1 professional, which allows you to relax and trust the
vendor with your big day!
So remember, when choosing your perfect wedding gown to keep you personality, your figure and your budget at the forefront, and you can't go wrong!