Choosing the right wedding
gown.
Once you've
decided what kind of wedding you want--formal, semiformal, or informal--begin to research
the styles that will fit your theme. First, look through the pages of this magazine to
become familiar with what is available. Next, make a list of the bridal boutiques and
department stores in your area that have been recommended by friends or featured in Modern
Bride. Set a budget for your entire wedding outfit--from headpiece to shoes. The average
bride spends between $400 and $600 on a wedding dress--but you can find dresses for as low
as $300 and as high as $5,000.
WHEN TO START LOOKING
When dresses are custom ordered for the
most part, and this process takes time to complete. Most stores recommend that you order
your dress no less than sixteen weeks before your wedding. If you do not have that much
time, there are dresses that can be obtained more quickly, depending on the manufacturer's
production schedule.
Bridesmaids' dresses are also custom
ordered to fit. Therefore, you'll be selecting these just as soon as you've decided on
your dress. If you are wearing a family heirloom, you may wish to purchase only the maids'
dresses. Some bridal shops cannot afford the time and effort involved in ordering and
fitting these dresses unless they make a wedding gown sale as well. If you are in such a
position, inquire about the store policy so neither you nor your bridesmaids will be
aggravated or disappointed.
When you shop for your wedding dress,
remember--two's company, three's a crowd. Bring just mom or a good friend for that extra
opinion.
Sit down with the bridal consultant and
inform her of your plans: date of the wedding; date you need the dress (a portrait for the
newspaper announcement must be taken three or four weeks in advance); type of wedding
(formal, semiformal afternoon garden party, etc.); the style of dress you prefer; your
price range.
MATCHING FIGURE TO STYLE
Here are some general suggestions to help
identify the best style for you.
Short and thin: A high-rise waistline, high
neckline, perhaps sleeveless with long gloves, chapel-length train, floor-length veil--all superfeminine, giving the bride a taller appearance.
Short with a few pounds to spare: Blouson
bodice over fitted slip, with a nice long, narrow sleeve. (Avoid billowy look. Try a
natural neckline, boatneck, or high.) Gathered or slightly dirndl waists with soft ribbon
accents add length. Avoid flounced skirts, and choose a delicate headpiece such as a
silk-flower wreath.
Average height, weight: We envy
you--whether you like Victorian or the traditional, today's trendsetters (minis,
tea-lengths, bubble skirts)--anything goes.
Tall and thin: Dropped waists look
dynamite. They take away from that long, leggy look. Bare, off-the-shoulder styles are
sexy and feminine. Dramatic veilings and hats are lovely. You can handle tiers of ruffles,
billowy sleeves.
Tall/average weight or frame: Princess
neckline, fitted bodice, roundness to skirt, bishop sleeves. Ankle-length, long, or
scalloped hems.
Heavyset: Choose simple lines--avoid too
much lace, beading. Look for verticle lines such as the princess cut, soft bodice, natural
or high necklines. Avoid very puffed sleeves but try a dolman effect. Again, a simple
headpiece, silk floral wreaths, and chapel veils are pretty. TIPS ON TRAINS
There are three basic wedding trains:
The sweep length falls about six inches on
the floor.
The chapel length falls anywhere up to
twenty-two inches on the floor.
The cathedral length falls anywhere above
twenty-two inches on the floor.
Within these basic categories, there are
four different styles:
The attached train simply falls from the
back end of the skirt. It is the most popular style.
The Watteau train falls from the back yoke.
The capelet train flows from the back
shoulder.
The detachable train begins at the
waistline.
ORDERING YOUR DRESS
The dress you select will be ordered to the
nearest size. When it is delivered, the shop will arrange a convenient date for you to
have it skillfully fitted. At that time, bring the shoes and undergarments you will wear
on your wedding day.
Some stores may include one fitting in the
cost of the gown, but many do not. All special alterations and extra lengths involve
additional charges as do the headpiece and veil. Be prepared to pay for them. Most shops
request deposits on order. Cancellation policies vary: some stores allow a five-day
cancellation period; others may place the order with the manufacturer immediately, which
means you must forfeit the deposit and pay for the dress. It's wise to inquire beforehand. Ask for an approximate date of delivery;
call the shop a week before that date to see if it is on schedule. Keep all sales slips. Obtain in writing the
date the dress and headpiece will be ready and read every word of the agreement.
SELECTING YOUR HEADPIECE
Your choice of headpiece will be your
crowning glory. This provides the bridal touch. Traditionally, a headpiece and veil or a
mantilla are the most popular with classic gowns. However, you may prefer a hat or floral
wreath. The following guidelines, combined with the advice of your bridal consultant, will
help you make the most complementary selection:
1. Have your hair styled as you plan to
wear it on your wedding day. If your hair is long, wear it pulled back from your face so
all the world can see you!
2. Try on your wedding dress with the
various headpieces you are considering. If your dress is not available, try one with
equivalent styling so you will have an accurate total picture.
3. Choose a headpiece in proportion to your
dress. A picture hat looks best with an open neckline. A short-sleeve dress needs a very
simple look, like a floral wreath. The point is you want to "open up" your face
in the most flattering way. Your headpiece and veil should not be a cocoon!
4. When trying on headpieces, keep in mind
that most are made to sit on the crown of your head.
5. Discuss with your bridal consultant how
you want to look after the ceremony. Veiling is usually basted on the headpiece so it can
be easily removed later for dancing at the reception
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