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The 3 Most Important Things to Remember When Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Gown!!

10/27/2012

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This past Tuesday, Sun*Kissed Designs had the pleasure of being a participating vendor for the Kathleen Hertel Photography "Behind the Scenes" Event! It was a great pleasure to meet with the blushing brides and amazing vendors! In case you missed it here in its entirety are The 3 Most Important Things to Remember When Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Gown!!

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!


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Infuse your favorite color into your gown!
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Choose feathers, beading and crystals as gown accents!
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Choose gowns with embellishments! Close-up of beading on the Something Wonderful Wedding Gown Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.
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The Power of Tulle!

10/21/2012

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Tulle is one of the most beautiful fabrics! It whispers wherever it walks. Whenever it is used, it softens the overall look!


Tulle is a great way to include texture into the style of your wedding gown! If you have an otherwise very tailored wedding gown and want to add some femininity, tulle is the perfect added touch. Whether jeweled and encrusted with crystals and pearls, or used as a simple trim around the neckline or as an addition to the hem, tulle can alter the overall look of a gown from top to bottom.


Tulle can also add a pop of color to you wedding gown! An amazing trend to watch right now is incorporating color to your gown. Tulle can infuse the soft pink, or pale blue that could set your wedding gown off. It can accent neutral colored beading on your gown and it can be an amazing way to spice up the dresses for your bridal party when ruffled and added to the collar.


Many times an already amazing gown only needs some simple accessories! Tulle headbands and ruffle collars are great little touches to add to the overall look on your wedding day. Some gowns only need a small wrap or shawl . In this case, a tulle shrug with beautiful beading is a great way to accent your gown without being overbearing!
It is delicate and less intricate than lace and will let your silhouette be the under shadow and not the pattern or design of the lace.


This light, airy and simplistic fabric is powerful!! It packs a fashionable punch and will be the softest, strong statement you make on your wedding day! 

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Image courtesy of www.tradekey.com
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This image is courtesy of www.theballetacademie.com.
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~Blueberries and Cream~

10/12/2012

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Fall is amazing time to tap into the beauty of the season! One of the best things about Fall are the different smells and colors that nature extends! Apple cider and cinnamon! Maple spice and pumpkin! And Blueberries and Cream!


Blueberry is an amazing color that can be combined with even the brightest of hues. Being less stark than black, blueberry is a lighter version of navy blue and adds its own special touch to wedding decor and bridal accessories. It is a sophisticated neutral color with an edge!


Bridesmaids' dresses in blueberry can be accented with pinks, corals and greens. Sapphire jewelry can accent your wedding gown and bridal decor incorporating blueberries and cream will be a beautiful way to get away from traditional black and white themes!


Blueberries and cream can be a subtle way to bring a nautical look and feel to your wedding decor without projecting too much of a theme. By using naval colors solely for inspiration, this allows you to include other elements to your wedding decor. This color combination is strong enough to be paired with the most rustic burlaps and the most pristine silks! When paired in a country, rustic or vintage theme, it lends a touch of modernism. When paired with silks and precious metals, it accentuates classicism! 


Play around with different textures of fabrics while using the same shades of blueberry and cream! This creates a depth to the overall look and feel! Be inspired this fall by blueberry and cream. Use it in color selections, decor and maybe even dessert choices...because it tastes just as good as it looks!!

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    About Me...

    My name is Chantél Francina and I design and create hand beaded wedding gowns, bridal accessories and special occasion gowns and accessories!! I started designing clothes 15 years ago and am completely self taught. I have designed and created just about everything, but have fallen in love with creating bridal and special occasionwear!
      I draw inspiration from the coast, all things lovely,art and being a woman of 32! I am a New England Native who loves to make pretty things. Visit the Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs for more photos and information.





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