Wedding Connections Planning Guide Bridal Fashions,

Bridal Fashions

Bridal, Bride's Maids & Mothers

You have dreamed about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl and now the big day is just around the corner. Whether you're choosing a dress off the rack or having a dress custom made just for you, follow these tips and make your dream come true. Choosing your wedding dress might be a lengthy process and you should begin thinking of styles long before even entering a bridal store. Once you has have some styles and designin mind, visit several bridal salons and try on a variety of dresses before deciding on your gown. When deciding, you should consider not only fit, but the budget and the overall style of the wedding.

Selecting Styles

Consider your overall budget for the wedding and how much has been set aside for your dress and accessories. Several designers now make affordable wedding dresses. You can comb through pages of bridal magazines looking at styles of dresses or attend a bridal show to decide which ones you prefer.

Mark the styles and designers you prefer, noting that if you are marrying in the heat of summer, you may prefer a strapless gown or a cap-sleeve dress versus one with sleeves. Research which bridal store in your area carries the dresses you are interested in, then schedule some dress appointments.

Trying on Dresses

If it is possible, schedule some appointments during the week when the bridal store will be less busy. Scatter the appointments over a series of days, so that you do not become overly stressed out. Bring one or two people with you--your mother or maid of honor--but not the entire crowd of bridesmaids or it will become stressful with everyone's differing opinions.

If you have purchased them, wear your wedding undergarments. Also put on some makeup and fix up your hair, so that you have a better idea of how the dress truly looks. Try on a variety of styles to see what you may like, even if you have a set idea; you may be surprised at what flatters you. Halter styles often flatter bigger bustlines, while empire waistlines hide larger hips. Wedding dresses often run small, so pay attention to fit and do not be worried if you have to order a dress up to two sizes larger than normal.

While some brides just know when they have found their dress, choose carefully because most bridal stores will not refund your money. Once you find the perfect dress, the store's seamstress will measure your bust, waist, hips and height to determine which size to order.

Ordering the Dress

You now have a choice. With those measurements, you technically can order your gown online at a discount store, but then you would have to find someone to make alternations. It is often more affordable to order the gown from the bridal store, especially if it includes free alterations, and many stores offer this now to entice customers. Pay for the dress by credit card, so that if there are any problems you will have a record of your payment. Make sure you order the dress at least eight months before the wedding, because some gowns take four to six months to come in and you will still need alterations.

The only thing you really need is a good sense of style and consideration for your bridesmaids.

Things you should consider:

1. Consider the body types of your bridesmaids. Chances are they will not be carbon copies of each other. For this reason, choosing identical dresses will make one or more of your bridesmaids look less than flattering, meaning the dress may end up at a thrift shop after the wedding. Try choosing a different cut of dress for each person.

2. Consider the coloring of each bridesmaid. Unless all of them are from the same family, the chance they will all look great in the same colors is slim. There are a few colors, however, that are universal for different skin tones such as ivory, taupe and teal. You may be able to find a shade of red that all of your girls look good in, but you will have to work to find it.

3. Choose classic dresses. All of your bridesmaids may look cute in old-fashioned frilly dresses and it will make for great wedding photos. Of course, they may all be glaring at you in those photos. Stay away from

dresses that are too trendy or too old-fashioned, as they will not translate to

good style outside of the wedding reception.

4. Choose bridesmaid dress sets or coordinates. Purchasing separates, especially if each girl can choose the cut of their outfit, will mean that each person will be able to maximize wear in the outfit after the wedding. Tops can be worn with jeans. Skirts can be worn with casual tops. Each can purchase a few extra pieces and create an entire formal wardrobe.

5. Choose a sturdy fabric. Even when all of the styles have been followed, choosing the wrong fabric can easily relegate a dress to only one wear. Beware of fabrics that are fragile and may run. Also watch out for fabrics that do not clean easily and will hold stains.

Mothers of the Bride and Groom
Traditionally, the mother of the bride usually chooses her gown first and then calls the groom's mother to inform her of her choice, describing the dress in detail so their dresses coordinate. However, each mother is entitled to dress in the style that she finds most comfortable. Unless they ask for your help, there's really no reason for the bride to get involved.
If there are any stepmothers involved in the wedding, it's thoughtful to give them a call to inform them what the other mothers are wearing.

Child Attendants

There is nothing more charming than children dressed up in their very best. The children's clothing should be in a style and color that coordinates with the bridesmaids' gowns and groomsmens' attire. Just avoid dresses that are too sophisticated for a little flower girl. A flower girl will look beautiful in a full skirt and pouf sleeves--perhaps with ribbons or bows in her hair. A ring bearer will be adorable in a miniature version of the "groomsmen's" attire.

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