Choosing Your Wedding Dress
Consider timelines for your special event. When you meet with your bridal consultant this is a great time for you to discuss your event plans and timelines as you commence on your search for your special wedding gown. If you wish to place an order for your wedding dress; we recommend you consider an 8 month timeline. This will provide you time to order your dress (keep in mind it may take 3-4 months for your dress to arrive at the store) and it allows you some time to have alterations done on your dress upon its arrival. To help take the stress out of your dress - consider timelines as part of your wedding planning.
Be Prepared - Questions to Ask Yourself before buying your wedding dress
All eyes are on you - when you walk down the aisle. Ask yourself these questions to ensure you choose the right dress for you!
Define Your Style - Before you hit the shops, try and get an idea of what you want. What look do you like best? Silk dresses, satin, lace, chiffon, short, long, beads, etc. Check out bridal magazines. Keep a folder of magazine cutouts that highlights the parts of dresses you like best.
Flatter yourself - choose a style that is best suited to your body type (see body type information below)
Wedding Style/Formality - depending on the type of wedding you are having - outdoor garden party or black tie evening reception - will direct you towards a certain style.
Shopping for your dress - Take only one person with you to choose a wedding gown. The more people you have the more confusing and stressful it will be. Remember, it's your wedding, so don't let their perfect wedding gown confuse your decision about your gown. At the Bridal Salon we focus on you because "It's about you and your style". Once you’ve chosen your dress, you can bring others down to see your selection.
Wedding Gown & Accessory Trends
- Geometric shapes, such as cut-outs and patterns, and asymmetrical touches like necklines and bias-cut skirts are updating classic gowns with a modern edge.
- Strapless continues to be a favorite as it allows free movement and flatters many figures.
- For brides who crave more coverage then cap sleeves and off-the shoulder looks are current alternatives, and as a bonus: they show off a sexy neckline.
- Tea-length styles are in demand for destination weddings and more relaxed, casual weddings.
- The little details: Flowers, ruffles, draping, beading, ruching and pleating give gowns a touch of intrigue, whimsy and drama.
- Color, especially platinum, blush and champagne are showing up everywhere, from sashes to floral accents.
- Barrettes and combs are getting a fresh splash of color with jewel-toned or iridescent crystals which are inspired by wedding décor or "something blue."
At the Bridal Salon, our professional staff is committed to working with the bride in choosing the ‘right’ dress for your special day. Understanding your style and body shape are key to ensuring you celebrate your special day in your ‘perfect’ dress. Your consultant can help you select your dress based on your body shape and your style!
Body Shape
Here are some tips to help determine your body shape, during your private consultation we will discuss with you what features best flatter you.
| Shape | Goal |
| Triangle hips are wider than bust and shoulders |
minimize lower body and create the illusion of additional upper body width |
| Reverse Triangle upper body is wider than the lower body |
emphasize lower body width |
| Hourglass larger bust and hips, small waist. |
balance |
| Rectangle long and narrow without a strongly defined waistline. |
emphasize width and avoid long vertical lines |
| Plus Size Considerations Plus size women look their very best on their wedding day when they find a style of gown that flatters and fits their body type. |
look for a style that slims your body |
Other Figure - Flattering Tricks
- To look taller and slimmer, avoid knit fabrics. Use the princess or A-line style wedding dress.
- To minimize hips look at a fitted or corset type bodice (with embroidery, crystal/rhinestones, pearl designs or lace) with the skirt coming down with a flare.
- Talk to your consultant to learn more tips and trends