One of the biggest choices a bride will make for her wedding is choosing the dress.
Most brides have an idea of the type of wedding dress they’d like, and we’re sure some have a hidden Pinterest board ready to unleash once the ring is on their finger.
However, most women have never actually tried on a wedding dress and with a range of styles, and buzzwords like ‘mermaid fit’, ‘empire neckline’ and ‘box pleats’, it can feel overwhelming.
In this blog, we’ve got some top tips on how to find your wedding dress style and what to look for depending on your body type.
- A simple place to start is research.
With the internet at our finger tips, it’s easy to scroll through hundreds of dresses, so you’re bound to find some you like.
Create a folder or Pinterest board with all the dresses you like and analyse them for common factors. Do they all have lace? Do you like the long train? Does it have intricate detail on the bodice?
- Be prepared to change your mind
When you first try a dress on, it’s not uncommon to feel deflated that the style you’ve loved your whole life doesn’t scream ‘wow’. It’s important to try dresses on with an open mind, and take recommendations from consultants, as you’ll never know which one will fit like a glove.
- Know when to buy it!
In the last few years, there’s been an influx of ‘off-the-rack’ bridal stores where you can find beautiful dresses at a discounted price, but they only come in that one size. If you don’t usually struggle with dress sizes or have never needed items of clothing tailored, this might be a good option for you. You can still make alterations after, but the overall fit needs to be correct.
For those who want a bespoke dress, or want to alter a dress with more detail, this could take several months, so this should be one of the first purchases you make after setting the date and finding the venue.
Also, make sure you wear the right type of underwear as the way your body looks in a dress can change dramatically depending on the type of bra you have. Make sure your bra fits correctly and holds you in. Don’t forget a strapless too!
- Does your dress match the theme?
If you’re planning a beach wedding or a rustic affair in a barn, look at vintage, bohemian and beach style dresses to really tie in with your wedding theme. It’s also about practicality – you’ll probably want something comfortable, flowy and not too hot if you’re getting married on the sunny beaches of Mykonos.
- How would you describe your dress?
Are you looking for comfort? Something romantic? Or something glamorous? Consultants at bridal shops can use these key words to find you the perfect type of dress.
If you’re thinking romantic, you might be shown a beautiful off-shoulder, floor-length dress with simple beading, in comparison to glamorous, with diamantes down the entire bodice and a mermaid fitting.
There are plenty of body types and it’s not one size fits all, but here are some tips on how to dress for the most common body types:
Petite frames:
If you’re small, in height or frame, avoid a puffy ballgown! Look for tulle skirts, light silk fabric, plunging necklines, or even try a shorter dress, as it can help to create the illusion of length.
Curvy:
You want to show off your curves in all the right places, so opt for empire waistlines for length, eye-catching lace or detail on the arms and hem of the dress, higher necklines and a sheath silhouette.
Lean or straight frames:
You lucky ladies will suit nearly everything, so why not try floor length, peplum skirts, bodycon, off-shoulder and mermaid dresses with slits to accentuate your legs.
There’s no one size fits all, but having ideas about necklines, lengths and embroidery will help you find a dress suited to your body.
Hourglass:
Fit and flare dresses are made for you! Go for a belt that draws your attention to the waist or a dropped/cinched waist. You can even try a sheer midriff, perfect for a bohemian look.
We hope this blog has helped you figure out what style to look for when you hit the wedding shops.
When you book a wedding at The House and Orangery, we have a list of great local boutiques we can recommend to help you find your dream dress.
If you’re interested in discussing your upcoming wedding, please get in touch! Email info@thehouseandorangery.co.uk to find out more.