A Guide To Successful Gown Shopping

  Everyone has their own idea of the perfect gown. Most brides spend hours poring over the latest bridal magazines choosing and clipping pictures of their favourite gowns by how great they look on 5-foot-10-inch models weighing a modest 110 pounds. No wonder many brides feel disappointed and over-whelmed when shopping for their wedding dress. Don't despair - keep an open mind and try on different styles to find what looks best on you. Here's a bit of advice when looking for the dress of your dreams for the body you live in.

  Most brides fall within four body shapes and here are some ideas to make the most of your figure.

  Top Heavy - Look amazing in dresses that place maximum focus on the shoulders. Strapless gowns are a great idea as are corset gowns as they offer support and make the most of your hour-glass figure. Keep fussy sleeve details to a minimum to avoid adding bulk and looking even more top-heavy. Look for matt satins and chiffons and avoid stiff and/or shiny fabrics.

  Petite Brides -Look to "A-line" silhouettes to lengthen the torso and make you appear taller - really full skirts and tons of tulle will smother a small bride and make her appear to be playing dress-up. Higher waists visually add height so consider empire waist gowns. If the embroidery or beadwork runs up and down the skirt rather across the bottom the allusion of height is also created.

  Bottom Heavy Figures - Make sure your skirt is full to conceal a hipline several sizes larger than the bodice. Draw the eye to the top and your beautiful neckline area. Go for interesting or elaborate beadwork on the bodice and a simple fuller skirt without much detailing. Avoid gathering at the waist and hipline. Corset dresses create decolletage and a tiny waistline - which are your best figure assets.

  Full Figured Brides - Structured but not tight bodices are slimming-- and the proper undergarment is critical to avoid bulges. "V"-necks and scoop necklines are most flattering. Drop waist gowns will be the most slimming and can make the waistline look narrower. Keep the eye going up and down vertically with vertical seams like the "A"-line or princess gown. If you're not happy with your upper arms opt for a light shawl you can drape over your shoulders and upper arms.

  Have fun when shopping for your gown and to keep things stress-free bring your Mom or one or two friends. Too many opinions often make the decision more difficult.

   The best time to shop for your gown is when the shops are least busy so take advantage of weekdays rather than going on a Saturday afternoon when most stores will be very busy. Try to shop closer to where you live, and ask about other store services provided like storage and alterations. Having to return to a store an hour or more from your home to have alterations can be very time consuming and tiring.

  Don't discount the suggestions of store staff - it is in their best interest to find the dress that looks wonderful on you and they want to make you happy. Their years of experience are invaluable.

  Have fun and may all your dreams become a reality!!!

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