It is all about the dress

Knowing the place and time of your wedding will have points to consider in choosing a dress. Will you be having a daytime ceremony on the beach? You want to stay away from ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. Exchanging vows in a extravagant hall? Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable year-round, but some, like linen and organdy, are more appropriate for warm weather, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.

Consider your body type

The pressure of choosing a wedding dress is a common scenario that plays out in many bridal stores, and you’re not alone. As with any article of clothing, however, choosing the appropriate dress for your body shape is important. And if that dress is your wedding gown, there’s added incentive to find the right one. Few dresses are ideal for everyone – and there are obviously assets you would like to emphasize and others you’d prefer to downplay. Usually, the sales associate at most bridal boutiques or stores will be able to offer an accurate analysis of the dresses you’ve selected, though you can also have your gown altered to make sure it ‘hugs’ you in the right places. While no body is alike, the following guidelines on choosing a wedding dress are designed to help you stick to the right style when browsing through the racks, online, or even having a dress specially made.

Body types

Hourglass This shape is, by far and large, considered the ideal of feminine beauty. Ball gowns are perfect for those with smaller waistlines, while form-fitting gowns work just as well and cleverly show off your curves. Choosing a wedding dress like a dropped waist wedding gown, an updated look from the 1920s that’s becoming very popular, works well for those with longer torsos and some height to them. Hourglass-shaped women are usually on the bustier side, so you’ll want to avoid the harsh straight lines of some strapless gowns; instead, opt for sweetheart necklines or something with a little twist.

Rectangular Finding a dress for your wedding day is all about knowing your body shape. The idea here is to look for gowns that create curves even if you don’t have them. Elegant sheath dresses cut on the bias or bust-enhancing necklines create curves where none exist. A cinched waist dress on your wedding day, one with slightly puffier skirts, will similarly capitalize on your small waist and create volume.

Slim A mermaid or trumpet dress for your wedding day is perfect for the slimmer bride with smaller hips, though this style can favor anyone on the slender side. A dress with a ruched bodice will create the appearance of a larger bust line, and, again, add curves where needed. Modified A-line gowns with slightly higher waist lines will make you appear taller as well.

Oval Oval-shaped and plus-sized brides benefit from the classic lines of empire dresses; whether simple or jazzed up with some embellishments, this dress (a wedding day classic) hides numerous figure flaws and enhances the bust line. When choosing a wedding dress in the empire style, remember that it should be somewhat fitted, since a gown that’s too loose can become billowy.