Dressed To Thrill: The Shape Of Wedding Fashions For The Bride,

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

Every young lady dreams about finding her “Prince Charming”, and every young women knows exactly how she wants to look when she greets him as his future Mrs. at the end of the matrimonial aisle.

In fact, every bride has her own unique character and style and there’s a gown that will flatter not only her personality but her figure as well. Plus, with styles ranging from romantically regal to simply chic, she can make a personal (fashion) statement and set the tone for her day.

And, yes, while there are literally thousands of gowns to choose from, the key in finding your dream dress is knowing what your want and what works for you, giving you’re the confidence and freedom YOU’LL need to work “it” on your wedding day. Remember, regardless of the endless racks of wedding wear, there are five basic styles you should know about and focus on.

· A-Line or Princess Cut: A-line dresses are usually A-Okay with most brides and gals of most every shape and size. This “traditional” style fits snuggly around the bust and bodice and flows out softly and gently toward the ground from there…and is credited for not only its elegant simplicity but also its ability to “hide a multitude of sins”. Plus, it is suited for almost any occasion and type of affair.

A-lines also offer great versatility. They frequently feature horizontal seams that help define and accentuate your waist and are often available in a two-piece ensemble in contrasting fabrics.

Keep in mind that “the look” of the A-line can be further “customized” depending on length. Fun, flirty brides or those hosting a destination wedding can add an air of whimsy by taking up the hemline to just above the knee. For a more “conservative”, “traditional”, and majestic look, ladies should think about letting their hemline grace and slightly graze the floor.

For added drama, opt for the Princess cut of this popular gown. The specialized A-line focuses on clean lines and vertical panels that run from the neckline to the hem offering a “slimming” effect by elongating your assets.

For a softer, more whimsical look, especially suited to warmer weather events, think light, airy fabrics such as silk charmeuse. For more formal events consider adding an air of regality by choosing a “heavier” fabric that more likely to maintain its structure and shape, including satin and peau de soie silk. And, keep in mind that you can always accentuate the effects (of formality) by wearing a crinoline skirt (under your gown).

· The Ball Gown: This “classic” favorite takes the Princess Gown to the next level and is the gown of choice for the Cinderella Brides, who’ve truly found their “Prince Charming” and envision a grand scale Fairytale fete.

There is nothing “understated” about this glamorous gown, defined by its grandeur with a fitted bodice and fancifully fitted skirt in either a one-piece or two-piece separates. According to the experts, this dress is best suited for a gal that sees herself as the “belle of the ball” and for formal evening affairs that are consistent with the elegance and grandiosity of this gown.

As far as who can wear a ball gown, according to fashion aficionados anyone who wants to and for which a gown of such amplitude is appropriate. And, besides offering a variety of sleeve lengths can also eloquently be accompanied by gloves, for the ultimate in “understated” femininity. For sophistication and drama consider an embellished strapless with opera gloves and for “simplicity” think sleeveless and a skirt that just grazes the floor.

And, since this dress is so “dramatic” on it’s own, a bit of “excess” when choosing the veil is perfectly acceptable. In fact, this is one gown that can be chicly completed by a simple blusher of a full-length Cathedral veil.

Again, you can craft a unique look simply by making the right fabric selection. For a femininely traditional appeal consider layers of softer fabrics such as chiffon or satin; though for a more eye-catching silhouette you may want to consider beaded satin. Remember, an embellished bodice will draw attention upwards. Again, for added effect you may want to consider a crinoline under your skirt or layering fabrics such as tulle, taffeta or organza.

A note of caution however: Remember, too much of a good thing can still be too much. Over-accentuating your ball gown can detract from the effect you were shooting for, especially if you’re a petite (or shorter) bride. In fact, your gown may wind up overpowering you. For full-figured and buxom brides, the magnitude of the gown may make you look larger, so experts suggest proceeding with caution; go with an A-line/Princess Cut instead.


· Empire Waist: This “romantic”, often Renaissance like style features a lifted (raised) waistline that rests just below your bust, allowing the rest of the dress to flow freely from there. And, traditionally speaking, this gown hosts a square neckline and wide flowing sleeves, though more modern versions feature a powerfully plunging neckline sans the sensationally striking sleeves. And, just like its close cousin, the A-line gown, the Empire is flattering to most figures and can be suited to and for every type of occasion.

Define your style by customizing the options of this versatile dress. Consider flowing belle sleeves for more “majestic” winter affairs or think sleeveless with some serious decollate and a plunging neckline for whimsical summer fetes, especially those hosted outdoors. You can also select the skirt style that best suits you, including free flowing fashions or those more form-fitting.
Keep in mind that airier fabrics are the fashionable fabric of choice for Empire gowns since it allows them to remain true to form, offering an air of whimsical movement from the waist down.

And, while this is another style can compliment most any bride, designers and experts alike highly recommended for smaller busted brides since the higher waistline and square of plunging neckline draw the eye upward and create the illusion of definition. Add a few extras such as beading, capped sleeved or other embellishments and you can further accentuate the positive.

Busty brides also fare well with and empire gown (and the right bra) since its unique cut can help conceal buxom boobs via the traditional square neckline that modestly and cleverly covers “the girls”.

And, this dress, with it’s “free-flowing” lines offers ample coverage for other body attributes that you may want to conceal, including short legs, a longer than average torso, a pear shaped figure, or a burgeoning bump for the pregnant bride.

· The Sheath or Column: I suppose it’s also referred to as a column dress because it elicits images of ancient Greece and Rome and of the fashions of “the day”. In fact, this dress of ancient ways is making quite the comeback for many modern day “goddesses”. Featuring a straight and narrow silhouette, it hugs the bride’s body in all the right places elegantly and ethereally accentuating her curves. And, it’s appropriate for affairs of all magnitudes.

It’s simplicity is what’s beautiful about it and what allows each lady to “accentuate” her own personal style with a few cleaver extras; including not only embellishing accessories, but different sleeve lengths and necklines that can help play up your unique theme and look; as can the fabric you choose. Experts suggest looking for materials that suit the season and compliment your figure while also maintaining their shape.

Keep in mind that this sexy silhouette is quite “unforgiving”, and quite the “show off”, leaving little to the imagination. It is best suited for slender figures, both petite and grande, and because if offers an elongating illusion can often make shorter gals seem more statuesque. But, it does little to conceal problem areas, especially from the waist down, even with the proper undergarments and body-shapers, which can often simply add their own unsightly lines and bulges.

For minor flaws the pros suggest sheaths in fabrics that tend to stay in place. And, they add that brides with boxy attributes sans all those naturally feminine curves, should consider a separate bodice or adding a sash to create an otherwise non-defined waistline.

· The Mermaid Gown: Whereas the Ball Gown is the traditional “drama queens” dress, this is the contemporary vixens preference in dramatic gowns. In fact, according to experts it’s the ultimate in making a dramatic entrance and statement. And, since this dress “scream” “caution, curves ahead”, hugging every inch of your body from your chest to your knees, you must be comfortable and confident in your appearance to properly pull it off, or put it on.

Though the versatility in this dress is minimal, it does offer some, primarily in its ability to work well with most necklines and sleeve lengths showing off or concealing as much as you want. And, you can even customize your skirt and the effects it creates by shaping the style of the flare: above the knee, below the knee or right at the knee. Rounded skirts offer all-around volume, while trumpet flares create a full flow behind the bride. Then, there are flamenco flares that cluster at the lower front part of the dress for a “traditional” Spanish appeal.

And, just like the other styles, the mermaid dress can be super-sexy or subtly seductive depending on the fabric. A dress made of lighter fabrics gently and lightly hug your body’s curves while firmer fabrics offer a more dramatic effect via a tighter squeeze.

They add that because of its nature, not only does the mermaid dress show off your curves but can reveal what you’re wearing under your gown. And, that can result in embarrassing shapewear or underwear lines. With that in mind it’s best to try on your gown wearing your wedding day “lingerie”, including undergarments, garter and shapewear.