Choosing the Best Style for You

Once you have determined the price and formality of the gown, you will want to find one to flatter your figure. 

There will be a perfect dress for you no matter what your size and shape.

These suggestions will help you find the perfect dress for your figure:

If you’re short (under 5’ 4"): A high neckline with an empire waist, a sheath or slim A-line gown that is short sleeved, sleeveless, or strapless, worn with long gloves will make you look taller. The train should not be longer than floor or chapel length.

If you’re tall (over 5’ 4"): A drop waist with a wide band and trim that wraps around the dress will take away the all legs look. Off the shoulder, low necklines with billowy sleeves, are also good. Dramatic veiling is striking and will not overpower you.

If you’re average height and weight (5’ 5"-5’ 8"): You’re lucky and can get away with almost anything you’d like. You may want to select something which makes you look shorter or taller depending on the groom’s height.

If you’re slender: You’re the one everyone envies. You can add a few pounds by selecting a heavier fabric such as brocade. Choose a fuller bodice with a gathered waist and narrow sleeves.

If you’re plus size: You will want to aim for a slimmer effect with a high waistline or an A-line dress with vertical lines. Stay away from lacy ruffles, clingy fabrics and puffed sleeves. A Basque waist (an elongated v-shape) slims the waist and hips and adds height for petite plus size brides.

If you’re large busted: A V-shape, scoop sweetheart, or high neckline with a keyhole yoke is usually most flattering. Avoid empire or cinched waists, they accentuate larger breasts. Choose wide straps or full shoulders so you can wear a bra with straps.

If you have wide hips: This common problem can be disguised with a flared skirt or A-line gown The wide bottom can be balanced by a broad neckline, fuller sleeves or veiling.
 

The colour of your dress does not have to be stark white; there are many beautiful shades of ivory that are also popular. A light pastel is often chosen for second weddings.

 The colour of your dress should be the one that looks most flattering on you. Your skin tone is the key to finding your shade. Fairer skin tones look best in yellow-ivories and warmer neutral colours. Medium skin tones with pink undertones should choose creamier colours; with yellow undertones diamond white or champagne colours are best. Dark skin tones look good in most shades of white, but with yellow or olive undertones avoid yellow-ivories and try stark white or rum pink.

The Sweep falls about six inches on the floor, and is best for semi-formal weddings.The Court falls twelve to eighteen inches on the floor. The Chapel falls three feet on the floor, and is the most popular.

The Cathedral falls six feet on the floor, and is only suitable for the most formal weddings.

The Attached Train flows from the back end of the skirt.The Detachable Train usually begins at the waistline and may be removed. The Watteau Train falls from the back yoke. The Capelet Train flows from the back of the shoulder. After the ceremony the train should be detached or bustled in the back to free your hands and allow you easy movement for dancing.

Your headpiece should complement your wedding dress in style and colour, taking into consideration your height, hair style, and the shape of your face. These are some of the more popular styles:

Bow/Back Piece - a single bow or small cluster of silk flowers  attached to a comb and worn at the back or on top of the head.

Bun Wrap - a small circle decorated with flowers or beads worn at the back or on top of  the head with hair styled in a bun.

Face-framer - a U-shape elaborately trimmed with crystal and pearls worn at the front of the head framing the face and extending just below the ears.  A formal look that suits round or oval faces or bangs.

Headband - a band decorated with flowers or beads and worn across the to of the head from ear to ear.

Juliet Cap - a close-fitting cap, beaded or bejewelled and worn at the back of the head.  A formal look that suits short hair.

Picture Hat - a wide-brimmed hat trimmed with ribbons, flowers, or pearls. A semi-formal look that suits curled shoulder-length hair or ong hair swept back or worn on top of the head.

Profile/Side Piece - a cluster of flowers or sprays of beads worn on one side of the head. Tiara - a half crown decorated with flowers or beads and worn on top of the head. A formal look that suits most brides and looks good with long or short hair.

A veil adds a finishing touch. Generally, the more formal the dress the longer the veil. You may want to order a veil that can be removed after the ceremony or you may decide to remove the entire headpiece and replace it with fresh or silk flowers.

These are various types of veils:

Birdcage - a chin-length veil covering the face and ears

Chapel Veil - a three metre(10") veil

Cathedral Veil - a four metre(13") veil

Elbow Length Veil - reaches to the elbows

Face or Blusher Veil - covers the face during the ceremony and is lifted
 over the headpiece  for the wedding kiss

Fingertip Veil - reaches to the fingertips

Your stockings should be a sheer beige, champagne, ivory or white depending on the colour of your shoes and wedding gown. There is wonderful bridal hosiery available, some with appliqués or lace designs. Don’t forget this important touch. You wouldn’t want to be embarrassed when it’s time to take off the garter.

A pump style shoe is best in a silk or satin and can be dyed to match your dress. Some brides choose to wear ballet slippers, depending on their height and the groom’s .For an added touch you may want to cover shoes with matching lace, baby pearls or appliquéd roses. Make sure your shoes comfortable and that the heel is not too high. Be prepared for hours of standing.

Gloves are optional depending on the degree of formality and the style of your wedding gown. Make sure the glove is open for the ring finger. Your engagement ring can be worn under the right hand glove and transferred after the ceremony.

Long Gloves should be worn in a formal wedding when your gown is strapless, sleeveless or short sleeved. Short Gloves should be worn with a less formal gown or a three-quarter or full length sleeve.