WEDDING ATTIRE
For many brides, the bridal gown is a focal point of the wedding preparations. You, after all, are the star of the show and everyone, including the groom, will be anxiously waiting to see what you look like as you enter the room or begin you walk down the aisle. You’ll want to find a gown that is not only stunning, but comfortable to wear and reflective of your personality.
The bridal gown, however, is not the only wedding attire to be considered. The groom will want to be looking his best, along with members of wedding party – both male and female. You’ll need to consider the sizes and styles of all of your attendants to select attire that is flattering to everyone. Let’s start, though with the main attraction --- the bridal dress.
THE BRIDAL DRESS
Bridal gowns are available in a variety of styles, colors, lengths and fabrics, some of which will be more flattering and comfortable for you than others.
Selecting a bridal dress can seem like an overwhelming task, as there are thousands available in many different styles. Some brides select a designer they like and limit their search to those dresses, while other choose based on a particular style. When shopping for your bridal dress, you should consider what type of silhouette neckline you prefer, the length of the gown, and the sleeve length and style. Then consider what fabric works best for you.
If you are short and thin… A shirtwaist or natural waist style dress with a bouffant skirt are good choice. Consider fabrics such as chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net.
If you are tall and thin… A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt would work well. Consider adding flounces or tiers if you want to minimize the impression of height. Satin and lace work well in these styles.
If you are short and plus sized… Select a princess or A-line style dress. Avoid knit fabrics, choosing instead a chiffon, which helps to camouflage weight.
If you are tall and plus sized… A princess or A-ling style in satin chiffon, or lace is recommended. An Empire dress with a skirt that starts just below the bust can be attractive for plus-sized figures.
If you are pear shaped… Look for a skirt that flares gently from the natural waist. A sturdier fabric, such as taffeta, would be a good choice because it doesn’t cling.
If you are apple shaped… Choose a dress that hugs the smallest point on your waist line, then flares gently in an A shape.
Other styles to consider, depending on your shape, include mermaid, baby doll, and sheath. Once you’ve selected a basic style for your gown, consider various types of necklines. Choose from scoop, halter, strapless, sweetheart, modest, V-neck, square, sheer, off-the-shoulder and more. Your choice for neckline style could depend on your height, shape and comfort level. There also is a variety of sleeve styles, including cap, sheer, puffed, fitted, bell and detachable. You can see examples of all these styles, and more, on bridal websites.
The bridal gown, however, is not the only wedding attire to be considered. The groom will want to be looking his best, along with members of wedding party – both male and female. You’ll need to consider the sizes and styles of all of your attendants to select attire that is flattering to everyone. Let’s start, though with the main attraction --- the bridal dress.
THE BRIDAL DRESS
Bridal gowns are available in a variety of styles, colors, lengths and fabrics, some of which will be more flattering and comfortable for you than others.
Selecting a bridal dress can seem like an overwhelming task, as there are thousands available in many different styles. Some brides select a designer they like and limit their search to those dresses, while other choose based on a particular style. When shopping for your bridal dress, you should consider what type of silhouette neckline you prefer, the length of the gown, and the sleeve length and style. Then consider what fabric works best for you.
If you are short and thin… A shirtwaist or natural waist style dress with a bouffant skirt are good choice. Consider fabrics such as chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net.
If you are tall and thin… A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt would work well. Consider adding flounces or tiers if you want to minimize the impression of height. Satin and lace work well in these styles.
If you are short and plus sized… Select a princess or A-line style dress. Avoid knit fabrics, choosing instead a chiffon, which helps to camouflage weight.
If you are tall and plus sized… A princess or A-ling style in satin chiffon, or lace is recommended. An Empire dress with a skirt that starts just below the bust can be attractive for plus-sized figures.
If you are pear shaped… Look for a skirt that flares gently from the natural waist. A sturdier fabric, such as taffeta, would be a good choice because it doesn’t cling.
If you are apple shaped… Choose a dress that hugs the smallest point on your waist line, then flares gently in an A shape.
Other styles to consider, depending on your shape, include mermaid, baby doll, and sheath. Once you’ve selected a basic style for your gown, consider various types of necklines. Choose from scoop, halter, strapless, sweetheart, modest, V-neck, square, sheer, off-the-shoulder and more. Your choice for neckline style could depend on your height, shape and comfort level. There also is a variety of sleeve styles, including cap, sheer, puffed, fitted, bell and detachable. You can see examples of all these styles, and more, on bridal websites.
DRESS LENGTH
The length of your dress is another factor or consider. Generally, short dresses or tea-length dresses are considered appropriate for informal weddings, while semi-formal and formal weddings call for floor-length. It’s your wedding, however, and your dress should be exactly what you want it to be.
DRESS COLOR AND SKIN TONE
While brides prefer the traditional white or off-white wedding dress, some like to mix it up by choosing a gown in a different color or adding colorful touches to a white dress. When thinking about the color of your dress, consider what your skin tone is likely to be at the time of your wedding. Do you anticipate being tanned? Remember that lighter colors enhance medium to dark skin tones, while off-white, cream and tan are better for very fair tones. Be sure to ask the bridal shop attendant if dresses you like come in colors other than those in stock.
TIMING
Begin shopping for your dress at least nine months before your wedding day --- preferably 12 months. This is necessary in order to select and order a dress and have enough time for alterations and fittings. If you don’t leave sufficient time, you’ll limit your options for which dresses will be available. Locate a reputable bridal salon that’s easily accessible, as you’ll need to visit numerous times. Ask other brides about their experiences with bridal shops and choose one that comes highly recommended.
The length of your dress is another factor or consider. Generally, short dresses or tea-length dresses are considered appropriate for informal weddings, while semi-formal and formal weddings call for floor-length. It’s your wedding, however, and your dress should be exactly what you want it to be.
DRESS COLOR AND SKIN TONE
While brides prefer the traditional white or off-white wedding dress, some like to mix it up by choosing a gown in a different color or adding colorful touches to a white dress. When thinking about the color of your dress, consider what your skin tone is likely to be at the time of your wedding. Do you anticipate being tanned? Remember that lighter colors enhance medium to dark skin tones, while off-white, cream and tan are better for very fair tones. Be sure to ask the bridal shop attendant if dresses you like come in colors other than those in stock.
TIMING
Begin shopping for your dress at least nine months before your wedding day --- preferably 12 months. This is necessary in order to select and order a dress and have enough time for alterations and fittings. If you don’t leave sufficient time, you’ll limit your options for which dresses will be available. Locate a reputable bridal salon that’s easily accessible, as you’ll need to visit numerous times. Ask other brides about their experiences with bridal shops and choose one that comes highly recommended.
ACCESSORIES
Narrow your choices for style and fabric before you start shopping as it also impacts your selections for accessories. Having an idea of what you like and what suits your body type will help you avoid being overwhelmed by choices. Remember that, in addition to the gown, you’ll need to consider some or all of the following:
* Alterations, which can cost between $75 and $500
* Shoes, between $50 and $500
* A headpiece, with or without a veil, between $60 and $500
* Gloves, between $15 and $50
* Jewelry, which can range between $60 and $2000
* Stockings, between $10 and $20
* Lingerie, between $30 and $100
There are numerous ways to reduce spending on a wedding dress. If necessary, consider renting a dress, or look for discounted styles and brands. Be alert for clearances or sales, or consider locating a bridal outlet store. If you dealing with a bridal salon, don’t be afraid to ask about sales or less expensive options for dresses.
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
While the bridal dress is all about the bride, bridesmaid dresses require some collaboration and flexibility. Chances are that your bridesmaids come in varied shapes and sizes, making it challenging to find a dress that everyone likes and is comfortable wearing. Plus, personal preferences vary, sometimes making it even more difficult to find a dress that everyone loves.
You’ll take a lot of stress off yourself by being flexible regarding bridesmaid dresses. One recent bride selected the designer and color of dress she wanted, and allowed her bridesmaids to each select the style and length they preferred. She didn’t’ want her bridesmaids to have to buy something they really weren’t happy with and wouldn’t be able to use again.
Some brides prefer to have different colored bridesmaids’ dresses (within your overall color scheme), while others insist on the same color or varying shades of the same color. As with the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses can be floor or ankle length, tea length, knee length, or even mini. While the bride should initiate the bridesmaid dress selection, it’s important to ask your attendants what they like and give them some choices regarding the dress.
FLOWER GIRL DRESSES
If you have a flower girl, her dress can mirror either the bridal gown or the bridesmaids’ dresses. You might consider a white or cream dress that matches yours, accented with a sash or ribbons that match the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. A flower girl’s dress does not need to be as formal as that of the bride and bridesmaids.
THE GROOMS’ AND USHERS’ ATTIRE
The groom’s and usher’s attire depend largely on the formality of the wedding. Traditionally, tuxedos are worn for semi-formal and formal weddings. A business suit with a dress shirt and a tie is acceptable for a more informal event.
While most brides and bridesmaids purchase their attire, many men prefer to rent a tuxedo or suit. Point your fiancé toward a wedding website with photos of different types of suits and tuxedos, and let him browse to get an idea of what’s available. After that, you and he can visit some reputable tuxedo rental stores to look at styles, colors, costs, availability and other concerns.
Some grooms enjoy getting involved with the process, while others may require a little more encouragement. If you fiancé isn’t overly interested in selecting wedding attire, you might consider narrowing his search by selecting a particular designer or color. If he’s doing the choosing, remind him that the men’s clothing must blend with the rest of the wedding look.
The groom’s suit or tuxedo can be the same or different as those worn by his groomsmen. Be sure that all the groomsmen are informed about what tuxedo shop to use, how to order the clothing they’ll need, when to pick up and return the clothing, and so forth. In addition to the actual tuxedo or suit, many rental shops supply shirts, vests, cummerbunds, shoes, cufflinks, bow ties and more.
IDEAS FOR PARENT’S ATTIRE
Your wedding day is nearly as special for your parents as it is for you and your fiancé, and they will want to look their best. Talk to parents about the general color scheme and style of the wedding so they have some direction when they start to look at attire. Its best if everyone’s clothing is the same level of formality and in colors that complement --- not clash with one another.
Many bridal and fine women’s wear shops offer dresses for mother of brides and grooms and some department stores stock special collections. Moms should wait until the bride’s and bridesmaid’s dresses have been selected before choosing their attire in order to complement styles.
Narrow your choices for style and fabric before you start shopping as it also impacts your selections for accessories. Having an idea of what you like and what suits your body type will help you avoid being overwhelmed by choices. Remember that, in addition to the gown, you’ll need to consider some or all of the following:
* Alterations, which can cost between $75 and $500
* Shoes, between $50 and $500
* A headpiece, with or without a veil, between $60 and $500
* Gloves, between $15 and $50
* Jewelry, which can range between $60 and $2000
* Stockings, between $10 and $20
* Lingerie, between $30 and $100
There are numerous ways to reduce spending on a wedding dress. If necessary, consider renting a dress, or look for discounted styles and brands. Be alert for clearances or sales, or consider locating a bridal outlet store. If you dealing with a bridal salon, don’t be afraid to ask about sales or less expensive options for dresses.
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
While the bridal dress is all about the bride, bridesmaid dresses require some collaboration and flexibility. Chances are that your bridesmaids come in varied shapes and sizes, making it challenging to find a dress that everyone likes and is comfortable wearing. Plus, personal preferences vary, sometimes making it even more difficult to find a dress that everyone loves.
You’ll take a lot of stress off yourself by being flexible regarding bridesmaid dresses. One recent bride selected the designer and color of dress she wanted, and allowed her bridesmaids to each select the style and length they preferred. She didn’t’ want her bridesmaids to have to buy something they really weren’t happy with and wouldn’t be able to use again.
Some brides prefer to have different colored bridesmaids’ dresses (within your overall color scheme), while others insist on the same color or varying shades of the same color. As with the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses can be floor or ankle length, tea length, knee length, or even mini. While the bride should initiate the bridesmaid dress selection, it’s important to ask your attendants what they like and give them some choices regarding the dress.
FLOWER GIRL DRESSES
If you have a flower girl, her dress can mirror either the bridal gown or the bridesmaids’ dresses. You might consider a white or cream dress that matches yours, accented with a sash or ribbons that match the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. A flower girl’s dress does not need to be as formal as that of the bride and bridesmaids.
THE GROOMS’ AND USHERS’ ATTIRE
The groom’s and usher’s attire depend largely on the formality of the wedding. Traditionally, tuxedos are worn for semi-formal and formal weddings. A business suit with a dress shirt and a tie is acceptable for a more informal event.
While most brides and bridesmaids purchase their attire, many men prefer to rent a tuxedo or suit. Point your fiancé toward a wedding website with photos of different types of suits and tuxedos, and let him browse to get an idea of what’s available. After that, you and he can visit some reputable tuxedo rental stores to look at styles, colors, costs, availability and other concerns.
Some grooms enjoy getting involved with the process, while others may require a little more encouragement. If you fiancé isn’t overly interested in selecting wedding attire, you might consider narrowing his search by selecting a particular designer or color. If he’s doing the choosing, remind him that the men’s clothing must blend with the rest of the wedding look.
The groom’s suit or tuxedo can be the same or different as those worn by his groomsmen. Be sure that all the groomsmen are informed about what tuxedo shop to use, how to order the clothing they’ll need, when to pick up and return the clothing, and so forth. In addition to the actual tuxedo or suit, many rental shops supply shirts, vests, cummerbunds, shoes, cufflinks, bow ties and more.
IDEAS FOR PARENT’S ATTIRE
Your wedding day is nearly as special for your parents as it is for you and your fiancé, and they will want to look their best. Talk to parents about the general color scheme and style of the wedding so they have some direction when they start to look at attire. Its best if everyone’s clothing is the same level of formality and in colors that complement --- not clash with one another.
Many bridal and fine women’s wear shops offer dresses for mother of brides and grooms and some department stores stock special collections. Moms should wait until the bride’s and bridesmaid’s dresses have been selected before choosing their attire in order to complement styles.