| Someone popped the question! You've set the date. | | | | * Thin frame? Add gathers and layers and heavier |
| Congratulations. Now what? As a costume designer | | | | fabrics for bulk |
| and image consultant, I have dressed many brides | | | | * Full-figured? Consider princess and A lines and avoid |
| and bridal parties in real life and on TV. While there is | | | | ruffles and gathers |
| usually more drama behind the scenes on the TV | | | | * Petite? Be careful not to choose a dress that will |
| show, everyone faces real challenges. Read on for | | | | make you look like a big cream puff. You will be a |
| some powerful tips to make your life easier and | | | | little head sticking out of a mass of tulle and lace. |
| more fulfilling. | | | | 5) Watch your Back Make sure you look great |
| 1) Help! Bridal consultants are great, if they | | | | coming and going, because many people will spend |
| understand you. You need to be on the same page. | | | | more time watching your back than your front. If |
| If the consultant is too pushy or not listening to your | | | | you choose a simple design, at least make sure the |
| wants, cut them loose. It is your day and their | | | | back has some interest with perhaps pretty pearl |
| supposed to help not hinder you. | | | | buttons. |
| 2) Gowns! If you're going for off-the-rack and they | | | | 6) Accessories Now that your dress is in the bag, it |
| are dirty and stained in the showroom, BEWARE. The | | | | is time to think about "Successories" because the |
| salon may not look after your well being either. Get | | | | lasting success of your look depends upon the |
| all the extra charges upfront and in writing. Some | | | | correct accents. |
| salons add extra fitting charges. Have your final fitting | | | | * Shoes- No sneakers PLEASE! Cute flats and kitten |
| close to your wedding date,so the dress can be | | | | heels, if high heels aren't your friends. |
| adjusted for any weight changes. When trying on | | | | * Jewelry- Pearls always classic, but heirloom pieces, |
| gowns, wear make up and style your hair. Bring a | | | | diamonds and colored stones make a statement. |
| variety of bras, shapers and appropriate shoes. If | | | | * Cool skin tones-silver based jewelry and white |
| you have a picture of your "Dream Dress",and it is | | | | white pearls. |
| just not available, then definitely check into having a | | | | * Warm skin tones-gold based jewelry and creamy |
| dress custom designed and made for you. | | | | pearls. |
| Oftentimes the price difference is negligible. | | | | * Wraps- shawls, shrugs and capes look great with |
| 3) White? Know your best white. There are lots of | | | | gowns |
| different whites, some stark and some creamy. | | | | * Evening bag- silver or gold! |
| Good rule of thumb: if you have cool skin (blue and | | | | 7) Entourage If you want your bridesmaids to remain |
| pink undertones) white-white, gray-white and | | | | your friends, consider their age, shapes, and skin |
| blue-white work best. If your skin is warm (peach | | | | tones when choosing color. Coral and teal work on |
| and yellow undertones), then go with ivory or cream. | | | | just about everyone, so I suggest starting there. A |
| Try different white dresses on to determine your | | | | good way to approach style is to let the girls pick |
| best color. Have a professional color analysis, if you | | | | their best silhouette and keep the dresses in the |
| can't figure this out. NEVER think that changing your | | | | same color. With so many gowns in the stores, you |
| makeup will make the dress look better. If the color | | | | don't even have to use a traditional bridesmaid dress |
| is wrong it is wrong, period. Trust me, on this! Do not | | | | manufacturer. Your friends will be happier too, since |
| be afraid of a light color, if white does not sing to | | | | most likely they will be able to wear the dress again. |
| you. I designed many pastel wedding dresses. I find | | | | Also, be aware of the fabric you choose. I always |
| the trend, fresh, bold, and unconventional. Hey, it is | | | | try to avoid sweltering in heavy fabrics in the middle |
| your day, wear the color you like and that makes | | | | of summer or freezing in chiffon in the winter. |
| you sparkle! | | | | Remember, to think about accessories including a |
| 4) Fit Figure out your figure. Decide what you want | | | | wrap. Its your day and it is going to be lovely. Once |
| to accentuate and what you want to hide. A gown | | | | you nail down the details, think about relaxing and |
| can hide unwanted bits with the proper | | | | letting go of the outcome. Know what you can |
| undergarments. Remember, you will be wearing it for | | | | control and what you cannot. Rain? Oh well. Grab the |
| HOURS so make sure you can maneuver. Think ladies | | | | umbrellas. The wrong flowers? Everyone will |
| room! | | | | remember you and not your bouquets. If you are |
| * Junk in the trunk? Look for fuller skirts and corset | | | | calm and collected that is what people will remember. |
| in your waist. Put the focus on your upper body. | | | | If you are hysterical or pouty, that is what they will |
| * Do you have the right to bare arms? Maybe you | | | | remember. How do you want to be remembered? |
| do, or consider a dress with a sheer, hip sleeve. | | | | Beautiful bride? Or Bridezilla? In the end, it is up to |
| * Big bust? V necks, keyhole and scoop necklines are | | | | you to make the wedding both magical and |
| best. | | | | memorable! |