Wedding Gown Checklist: Fashion Comes First

So, you have a budget and you are ready to shop for your dream wedding gown. Have no doubt, searching for the right wedding dress can be challenging, as wedding gown designers now offer a mind-blowing array of styles. A great idea to help narrow down your search is to have a wedding gown style checklist in hand at all times. Below is a great example of what to include on this list.

Choose a few silhouettes: There are five main wedding gown styles: A-line, empire, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath. Narrow these down to the two that will most flatter your body type. That way, you won’t waste time trying on dresses that won’t work for you. The two main silhouettes that flatter almost all figures are the ball gown and A-line. However, mermaid dresses have risen in popularity, and designers have made them a more forgiving dress to wear, even if you are a curvier bride.

Choose a few necklines: Choosing a neckline is very important. But… don’t get stuck on just one. Have at least two to choose from in order to broaden your choices, yet still keep things moving along. For example, if you are not happy with your arms, choose a dress with a higher neckline that can extend to three-quarter-inch sleeves. If you want to be a little sexy on the big day and show some skin, strapless necklines—whether sweetheart or straight—are very popular and will never go out of style.

Choose a dress length: Picking a dress length depends upon the type of wedding you are having. For example, if you are having a standard semi-formal church wedding, floor length is the way to go. If you are having a more casual, outdoor wedding, ankle length or even tea-length would fit the bill. And of course, with beach weddings, shorter styles are just perfect and allow you to stay cool in the heat.

Choose a designer: With your budget in mind, take a look online and in magazines for designers that catch your eyes. There is likely a boutique or bridal outlet in your area that will have their designs. Gals on a budget often go for designers such as Maggie Sotterro or Alfred Angelo. If budget is not an issue, the most popular designers are the big names such as Vera Wang or Amsale. You will know which designer most reflects your personality and style.