Finding the perfect gown

Look through bridal magazines and wedding websites, attend bridal shows to familiarize yourself with latest designer trends. Keep pictures of the designs you like. From the type, size and location of your reception, determine your budget and styles of wedding gowns you prefer.

• Do not purchase a dress that is several sizes smaller than what you actually need.  It is easier and more cost effective to have a dress taken in than taken out.  Especially if you have  features like  crystals, beads, pearls, lace, and fabric with patterns on it.

• Even though you may be a size 6 in everyday clothing, bridal fashions usually run much smaller.  Therefore, a size 6 may translate into a size 8 or size 10 for your wedding dress.  So take a deep breath, and let it be ok if the size is shocking at first for you.  Remember, people will be looking at how beautiful you look in your dress, and will not be searching for the tag that indicates your size.

• Get everything in writing the color of the dress, to the size, to when it will come be shipped and arrive at your wedding boutique, to if the dress comes in petite/standard/long lengths, and finally, any alterations that may have to be done.

If you are Pear Shaped...           

Do: Full A line Silhouettes; V-neck, Bateau, Scoop or Strapless necklines

Don't Sheath Silhouettes or Trumpet / Mermaid Silhouettes.

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If you are Apple Shaped...

Do: Princess or A line Silhouettes, Empire Silhouettes: V-neck,Scoop or Plunging necklines.

Don't: Ball Gown Silhouettes

If your Petite...

Do: Sheath, A line or Empire Silhouettes.

Don't: Ball Gown, Drop waist Silhouettes; High collars and overwhelming necklines.

If your Tall...

Do: Ball Gown, A line, Bias cut and Mermaid silhouettes

Don't: Princess silhouettes

If your Straight Figured ...

Do: Ball gown, Mermaid A line silhouettes; Creative necklines

Don't: Soft Sheaths

If your Hourglass Shaped...

Do: A line, Mermaid Silhouettes

Don't: Sheaths or dropped waistline silhouettes

If your Plus Sized...

Do Dropped waist, A line, flat front Ball Gown Silhouettes

Don't: Fitted Silhouettes that are unconstructed or clingy.