Choosing the Right Dress for YOU

Follow these six main tips to know if you are on your way to getting the right dress for you.

The first tip is about color. Most women dream about having the perfect white wedding dress, but does white really look good on everyone? The color you choose should really mirror your own coloring. Lighter or fair-complexion blondes look better in a pure white or white pastel gown. Dark-skinned brunettes look better in ivory or beige. This does not mean that dark–skinned brunettes cannot wear a pure white dress. The idea is to make you aware of the contrast between your coloring and the color of the dress.

The second tip for your dress is to ensure you get the proper length. The kind of ceremony and or reception may affect the length of your gown. Formal weddings are more fitting for a full-length gown. Knee length skirts are appropriate (and more common, for that matter) for second marriages and beyond. Knee length skirts are also appropriate for informal weddings. Knee length skirts should cover the knees and be no shorter than 1 inch below the top of the kneecap.

The third tip is to become aware of the silhouette of the gown—the way it hugs your body, and the overall shape of the gown. You may be familiar with the terms A-line, empire waist, or ball gown. This is one of the most important aspects in finding a dress. Finding the proper silhouette can make your dress the most beautiful or the most awkward. It is very important to work with the proper bridal assistant or sales representative to ensure you are getting a correct fit.

The fourth tip is the size of your dress. You are aware of your current size in clothing. Many women are not happy with the fact that wedding dresses run small, causing the size of their wedding dress to be a couple of sizes larger than their regular size. Do not fret! The size itself does not matter-how it fits (and it should always be a proper fit) is the most important consideration of the dress.

The fifth tip involves the style, or mood, of your dress. The style of your dress can set the mood of your ceremony, reception and honeymoon (wink-wink). Your entrance into the wedding ceremony will set the standard for the mood of the reception. People do respond to how others are dressed. There are four popular styles (or moods) for wedding dresses; modern, classical, romantic and traditional.

The sixth, and last, tip involves the train. Many brides do not realize how heavy and tiring a train can be during the course of a reception. When choosing a long train, make sure it can be detached or pinned up so it will not get torn or dirty during the reception.