Very few of us are happy with our body shape, but even the best cosmetic surgeon can't change your actual shape. What you need to do is identify what your actual body shape is and work within the guidelines of what looks good for that shape. Here are some simple tips on what suits each kind of body shape.
Petite
Dress Dos: Keep it simple, Columns, Empires and A-lines look fab on this shape body. Nice cuts with mimimal accessorising on the bodice and skirt. You can go all out on the neck-line too, as petites carry this off very well.
Dress Don'ts: Stay well away from big ball gowns, they will drown you. Another thing to steer clear of is two-tone dresses, i.e. Red on the top and ivory on the bottom, this will cute you in half and make you look shorter than you are.
Pear Shaped
Dress Dos: Ball gown can suit this body shape great, although in some cases can emphasise the hip area, so go for minimum puffiness in the skirt. Opting for a strapless ball gown will balance your top and bottom half.
Dress Don'ts: Steer clear of the figure hugging column style gowns. Another thing to remember is accessories on the dress around the hip area are a no-no, don't let this put you off a gown though as they should be removable by the seamstress in the bridal shop.
Broad
Dress Dos: A halter neck on the gown can narrow down your shoulders. Choosing a structured bodice can pull you in to that desirable hour-glass figure.
Dress Don'ts: A big no-no is covering up the shoulders, it can often emphasize what you are trying to hide. You'll be surprised how a good gown can balance you out, so get trying on and don't worry about your shoulders..
Full-Figured
Dress Dos: A basque or structured bodice can work wonders, you can shed pounds by just fastening it up. A strapless gown with a matching shawl or wrap looks great, and you can shed the shawl when you're ready to dance!
Dress Don'ts: Column gowns and mermaid can cling to the body and are not often the best for this shape. Also avoid skinny or spaghetti straps, this will only make you look bigger.
Busty (Hourglass)
Dress Dos: Structured bodices again work on this shape and depending on how toned you are you can get away with a lot of styles. A neckline cut straight across the bust can minimize your bust.
Dress Don'ts: Don't go for a low neck-line, it never works.
Tall
Dress Dos: Tall women look great in mostly all of the shapes, from columns (if you're also slim) to A-lines and full ball gowns, but especially mermaid and fishtail.
Dress Don'ts: Don't go for a high neckline or any long sleeved gowns.
Apple Shaped
Dress Dos: Empire-waist gowns are perfect for this figure. Basque waists will give you the nipped and tucked look you desire.
Dress Don'ts: Steer clear of columns and dropped waists, which will make you look boxier.
Short-Waisted
Dress Dos: A princess-line silhouette, fitted at the bodice flowing in to a full skirt, will instantly make your body look longer.
Dress Don'ts: Avoid figure huggers, this will only emphasize the short waist.
Thick-Waisted
Dress Dos: An empire gown will disguise the waist and slim you down.
Dress Don'ts: Basque waists are not good on thick waists, so keep well away!
Your Fittings
From first fitting to final, here's what to expect -- and what's expected of you.
Before Your First Fitting.
You must before anything buy your under-wear, this can dramatically change shape with even different bra, so buy before you try.
Try if at all possible to have bought your shoes at this stage and bring them with you. The shoe height will dictate how the material falls. If you haven't chosen your shoes, bring a pair of shoes the same height that you will choose for the big day. Don't be tempted to go and inch higher when it does coming to choosing shoes, or you'll be in trouble!
Your First Fitting
This event usually takes place between 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. Brides are often nervous that they might not like the gown anymore, rest assured this never happens. You will step back into it and feel like a princess. If you can, bring someone along with you.
The first fitting is important for:
- That your gown is the right size
- The seamstress will ‘measure you up' while you are in the gown, she will use pins when decided where it needs to be taken in, or taken up.
Keep and eye out for the following when trying on the dress and communicate this with the seamstress.
- The general feel of the gown when it's on
- How the waist feels and the bust area
- Any puckering, bunching or bulging of material
- All accessories on the gown, i.e. bows, sequins etc are well sown on
Investigate all angles of the dress (while you are still wearing it). Don't presume the seamstress knows you don't like a particular part, and the way it sits. Speak up about everything, you're the customer and you are paying for this service. The seamstress should be able to tell you why a problem exists, and what can be done to fix it..
Your Second Fitting
About 4 weeks before the wedding you will attend for your second fitting. You might as many brides do have lost some weight, or gained some weight with all the stress going on around you. This will give the seamstress enough time to alter the gown slightly.
The second fitting is important for:
-
- You can move comfortably in your gown (Yeah go on, throw a few shapes in the salon)
- There is no obvious wrinkling, bunching, or pulling of material
- That the dress is the right length, it should skim over your shoes.
Once again, if it doesn't feel right tell the seamstress, it's her job to keep going until you are satisfied.
Your Final Fitting
When the day of your final fitting finally arrives you are probably sick with nerves and excitement, so bring your Mum, sister, bridesmaid, friend or all of them, so they can cast a concerning eye over the gown and maybe see something you don't.
Ask the seamstress the following questions (if applicable):
- Does your gown have a bustle, if so, learn how to put it up, this will probably have to be done by your bridesmaid unless you're really flexible!
- Learn how to care for the gown. What happens if you wake up the day of the wedding and you spot a big massive crease. Do you iron it, steam it, leave it?
- What about spills, what should you do if you get one?
Now you should be ready to take the gown home. Treat it with up-most care, and guard it like a bodyguard until the big day. Resist the temptation to keep trying it on at home (like some of us do), you could get it marked or stained and not even a 10 second glimpse in the mirror is worth that.
Also don't forget to check out our Dress Gallery where all the top designers are featured.
www.RealWeddings.ie
