Wendy Mak
Selecting the Perfect Dress
By: Wendy Mak- Fashion Stylist - www.smittenwithstyle.com
The “perfect” dress usually starts with a dream vision that you’ve probably had as a child of what your wedding dress would look like. Often however, that dream doesn’t take into account your body shape and what would look best on you and how it will photograph on the day.
Firstly, choose a fit and shape that flatters your body. For example, a princess-style dress with full skirt may be the traditional choice for most brides, but it may be too overwhelming for someone with a small frame, or conversely, a fuller figured bride. Smaller frame, shorter women should look for long gowns that don’t cut you off at the legs and would pull off empire line dresses incredibly well, especially if you also have a bit of a bust.
If you are a fuller figured or hour-glass shaped bride, a fitted bodice (which could also be a separate corset-style top) flowing out into an A-line skirt just below the hips, will be much more flattering than a full princess style skirt. This will hug and show off your curves in all the right places and emphasise your nipped in waist. This shape is also great for brides who don’t want anything too full in the skirt but don’t want to compromise on looking “princessy” for the day.
Consider your best assets and show it off! But remember everything needs to be in proportion. If you have a flawless back, wear something that is scooped low in the back, but balance it out by ensuring the front of the dress is much more covered. Similarly, if you are showing off your sexy legs with a bit of a split in the dress, the ensure you keep the chest area a little more covered or you run the risk of looking a little Elizabeth Hurley instead of elegant bride!
The law of proportion also applies to accessories and to volume. If you have a voluminous skirt, make sure the top half of your dress is very fitted and tight.
In balancing accessories, consider what will be visible in the “top half” of you – that is, the one half of you that will be featured in the wedding photos the most often. For example, if you have a lot of detail on the bodice of your dress, together with a veil / headpiece, earrings and necklace all make for a very fussy looking bride. In photos, the bride is instead distracted by the numerous accessories.
You don’t have to pick the most expensive fabric if you are on a budget. Fabric, no matter what the quality, will generally photograph the same in photos. While you still wouldn’t pick a cotton over a satin, and certainly a cheaper fabric may feel different to wear compared to a more luxurious fabric, if you are for example debating between two different types of satin, bear in the mind that the cheaper won’t photograph much more differently.
If ever in doubt, shop with a professional who will help you find the perfect fit and provide you with a unbiased, independent feedback, without the same level of emotion that you (or your mum!) might have.
So a big congratulations and remember to enjoy the day!
