The Perfect Dress

The focal point for any wedding is the bride, and, of course, her dress. She might walk down the aisle in a delicate sheer gauze gown or make a regal entrance in a dress adorned with beading, embroidery, or touches of gold or jewelry.

For summer, the wispy sheer look, with dresses that are typically worn over non-transparent underslips is popular, and a trend toward bareness continues with sleeveless, strapless dresses with halter tops or deep-cut square necklines.

Brides marrying in cooler weather may select a more opulent dress, perhaps adorned with beading, embroidery, or touches of gold. Some dresses even incorporate jewelry into the design with pearls or rhinestones attached to the gown at the neck and/or draped down the back. Today's dress color is tending toward ivory or cream and away from stark white. A virtual rainbow of shades is now available to brides including pale blues, roses or greens as well as whites from snow to old parchment.

Color is not the only choice that a future bride is faced with. Dress lengths range from tea length to trains that stretch for yards and yards. Silhouettes, or dress styles, range from slim column dresses to A-lines, and individual designs range from simple elegance to fun and from traditional to "Wow, that's different."

Whatever your personal style, there is a dress that is perfect for you and whether you are getting married in a big church wedding or planning a small ceremony in the backyard, your wedding dress will be the focal point of the occasion.

What do I look for in a dress?

There are many things to consider when you are choosing a wedding dress. Your chosen dress should match the style of your wedding, fit with your personal style and most importantly, you should be comfortable wearing it.

For brides planning a morning or afternoon wedding, you have the option of choosing a less formal gown, for an elegant evening wedding with a large reception, you will want to choose a very formal gown.

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, avoid gowns that have a train or are designed to drag the ground in the back. Instead, look for a floor length gown that barely skims the floor when you have your chosen shoes on or a tea length gown to swirl about your ankles.

If you will be walking down the aisle in a large church or hall that has a long walkway, a dress with a sizeable train and beadwork is likely in order. This will allow those guests that are seated farthest from the aisle to easily see you. Weddings of this size also tend to be much more formal, so the dress should match the occasion.

Once you have an idea of what kind of dress you are interested in, start looking. Do some window shopping and look at several bridal magazines. Try to narrow down your selections before you start to try dresses on.

When you do start trying on dresses, enjoy the process, but don't make any snap decisions. If you find a dress you like, don't order or purchase it immediately, give the decision some time to sink in. Sleep on the decision and return to pick up the dress the next day. Many dress shops will hold a gown for 24 hours if you want to think the purchase over.

Gown Lengths and Trains

• Street Length styling features a hem just covering the knees.
• Intermission Length features a hem falling between the knees and ankle.
• Ballet Length features a gown softly flowing to the ankles.
• Floor Length features a gown lightly touching the floor on all sides.
• Hi-low Length features a gown of intermission length on the front and floor length or longer in the back.
• Sweep Train features a gown with the shortest train, barely sweeping the floor.
• Court Train features a gown with a train extending one foot beyond the sweep train.
• Chapel Train features the most popular of all train lengths. It flows from three to four feet behind the gown.
• Semi-Cathedral Train features a train extending four to six feet behind the gown.
• Cathedral Train features a cascading train for the most formal of weddings. It extends from six to eight feet behind the gown. Also known as a Monarch Train.
• Royal Cathedral Train unfolds to ten feet or more, reminiscent of Princess Diana's voluminous train. Also known as a Traditional Royal Train.
• Watteau Train (pronounced: "wa toe") features a train falling from the shoulder blades to the hemline of the gown.

Wedding Gown Necklines

Queen Anne Neckline features a high rising collar at the back of your neckline, cupping the sides of your neck, then sculpting low across your chest to outline a bare yoke. Bateau (Boat) Neckline softly follows the curve of the collarbone, high in both the front and back, opening wide at the sides and ending in shoulder seams.

Contessa Neckline features an off-the-shoulder gown attached to sleeves which are cut approximately three inches below the shoulder and form a continuous line across the arms and chest when arms are to the side. Halter Neckline features a deeply sleeveless gown, often displayed with a high choke neck.

Illusion High Neckline features a gown with a yoke of sheer net and an often ornately decorated satin band, fitting snugly on the neck creating a choker affect.

Off-the-Shoulder Neckline lies gently hovering across the top of your bust line. It may also be attached to a sheer yoke of net or organza and a high collar. The shoulders are uncovered or able to be seen through the sheer yoke.

Portrait Neckline features a shawl collar that wraps the shoulders.

Sabrina Neckline features a high scoop neck.

Scoop Neckline features a softly curved line gently sloping downward across the bodice.

Square Neckline features an open yoke shaped in the form of a half square.

Sweetheart Neckline features a graceful, open yoke shaped like the top half of a heart. It is one of the most popular necklines.

Tank Top Bodice features a sleeveless gown with a scoop neck.

U-Scalloped Neckline features an open yoke in the shape of a U, embellished with scalloped lace appliqus.

V-Neckline features an open yoke coming to a 'V' shape midway down the bodice.

Wedding Band Neckline features a gown where the yoke is either open or of sheer net with an ornate band fitting snugly on the neck creating a choker affect.

Open Sweetheart Back Yoke features a heart shaped opening, often fringed with beads. Also known as a Keyhole Back.

Wedding Gown Necklines

Bishop Sleeves are fuller in the lower forearm, and gathered with a wide cuff at the wrist. Capped Fitted Sleeves are very short sleeves just cupping the shoulder.

Dolman Sleeves produce a cape-like effect, extending from large armholes and often fitted at the wrist.

Illusion Fitted Sleeves appear as long or short, slender sleeves following the shape of the arm, made from illusion net and often encrusted with heavily beaded and sequined appliqus.

Melon Sleeves appear as a highly exaggerated puff, rounded from the shoulder to the elbow.

Renaissance Sleeves appear with a slightly gathered puff at the shoulder, tapering down the arm to a point ending just below the wrist on the hand. Usually in satin, encrusted with appliqu?s of beads and sequins.

Short Sleeves are generally fitted sleeves, falling just short of midway between the shoulder and elbow. Short sleeves are slightly longer than cap sleeves.

Tapered Sleeves appear as a slightly gathered shoulder with little fullness, tapering down the arm to the wrist. Three-quarter Sleeves appear most often as fitted sleeves ending slightly below the elbow.

Wedding Gown Necklines

Baby Ruffles are row upon row of lace arranged one above another. May be found referred to as "Tiers of Lace Ball gown styling features the popular off-the-shoulder bodice, with a snugly fitted natural waistline, flowing into a lavishly gathered, full, and flowing skirt.

Basque Waist features a fitted bodice with a deep V point dropping at the front and center of the waistline.

Bolero Jacket is a short jacket with an open front, curved below the bust line and above the natural waistline.

Bouffant is a very, very full skirt, most often accompanied by a hoop slip.

Box-Pleated Skirt features a natural waist, with deep pleats of parallel fabric folds.

Bustles were originally thick padding worn to create a draping effect, on the back, below the waistline to bring fullness to the back of the skirt. Lifting the center back of the train to the waistline and attaching it there with buttons or hooks may also create a bustle effect.

Diamond Organza Ruffles feature layers of ruffled organza, hemmed with a fine "fish line" along the edge of the ruffles, creating a full, rippling effect, often cascading into the train.

Empire styling features a narrow bodice complimented with any neckline style, and gathered or sewn high at the waist, just beneath the bust line, to a slender and graceful skirt.

Pickup Hemline features a gown whose fabric is gathered at one point and draped in a curve effect to another point and gathered again, several times, to encircle the gown.

Peplums are still very popular today. They can be flared and full or lay flat against your gown, attached at the back waistline. Peplums are beautifully decorated to give the back of your gown an elegant, old fashioned appearance.

Princess styling features a slim fitting gown with a gently flared skirt and vertical seams flowing from the shoulders to the hem.

Redingcoat Skirt Effect has the appearance of an open skirt (satin overskirt) covering the skirt of an A-line or full gown. Ruffles are strips of fabric gathered or pleated to be used as trim.

Sheath styling features a slim, body hugging gown without a waistline.

Trumpet Skirt features a slim, body hugging gown that gently flares out beginning mid-thigh.

Mermaid styling features a slim, body-hugging gown, with or without a waistline, flaring from the knees or slightly above.

Keyhole Back features a gown with an opening in the back, (most popular as a long wide slit from the neckline to mid-back.) May also be a circular or heart shaped opening.

Wedding Gown Necklines

Most bridal gowns fall into one of four categories: an A-line or princess style looks great on almost every figure, and empire-waist with the waistline just under the bust can have a straight or A-line skirt and helps to add height, ballgown style dresses are great for brides with a larger bust and the sheath, which sometimes has a detachable train or skirt that bells out from knee to floor.

Petite (under 5'4")

Think long vertical lines. Go for a high neckline, empire waist (or a full-length sheath if you're slim) with short or no sleeves. No train. Add elbow-length gloves and a veil no longer than floor length Try a pouf veil for more height. The long lines will add inches of visual height.

Tall (over 5'9")

You'll want to break up your natural vertical. Go horizontal. Look for a drop waist. Maybe a wide belt, ruffles or trim that wraps around your gown. Lower necklines and off-the-shoulder. Fuller sleeves also can help. Try a hat or fantastic veil, but don't go for a pouf veil.

Average Height & Weight (5'5" to 5'8")

Most dress designers style the majority of their lines for you. Look to your Grooms height. You may want to follow the guidelines for Tall or Petite Brides to help balance your height to his.

Slim

You have two options, play it up or visually fill-out. If you want to play it up follow the guidelines for petite or heavy brides. You can visually fill-out by going with a heavier fabric (velvet, damask, etc), full skirt, slim waist and sleeves. You may consider a blouson bodice as well.

Heavy

Generally, add height. Read the guidelines for the Petite Bride. Go for a high waist or A-Line. Run from ruffles, clingy fabrics and big sleeves.

Busty

You probably have already learned that you don't look your best in empire, A-Lines or cinched waists. They only add to your bust. Try a V- or high neck. You may even find an attractive keyhole neckline. You may also consider limiting the amount of beadwork on the bodice as it would draw attention to your bust.

Hippy

The most dramatic way to solve this figure flaw is to go Elizabethan. Try a broad collar. Two other ways to solve this are balance or camouflage. To balance, try a hat or pouffy sleeves. To camouflage, go with a flared skirt, A-Line or a skirt which obviously requires a lot of petticoat.

Wedding Gown Fabrics

Brocade features interwoven, raised designs, characterized by a satin weave background, using one or more fillings to create the motif or artwork within the fabric.

Chiffon is a delicately sheer fabric with a simple weave. It is lightweight with a soft drapable finish.

Dotted Swiss is a sheer, very lightweight, muslin fabric embellished with raised dots, evenly spaced throughout.

Eyelet Lace is identified with its small, unsymmetrical holes or perforations finished with a buttonhole stitch, often creating a floral pattern. It has also been described as an open weave embroidery.

Faille (pronounced: "file") is a shiny, tightly woven fabric made of silk or rayon and has a crosswise rib effect.

Moire is generally made of a polyester or silk taffeta patterned to glisten like water when seen in defused light.

Point d'esprit is a polyester net with the yarns sewn together in such a way as to create a diamond pattern.

Polynet is the netting most often used to make yokes and sleeves. Schiffli embroidery is often found on this net and it is popular to attached beaded and sequined appliques as well.

Organza is a transparent, simply woven fabric with a reflective, crystal-like appearance.

Satin is an opaque fabric, woven in a satin weave and features a smooth finish.

Slipper Satin is a light, soft, closely woven, satiny feeling fabric that shines in the light.

Italian Satin is a heavier satin fabric, brimming with body, featuring an antique sheen.

Taffeta is a popular wedding fabric, which may be used as either the lining or outer fabric of a gown. It will have either a matte or shiny finish and will be fairly stiff when used for the outer layer.

Tulle is tiny, meshed net of a silk, cotton or synthetic fabric, usually found in layers, covering a full satin skirt.

Tullonet is a coarse net used to give fullness such as seen in crinoline slips.

Wedding Gown Lace

Alencon is an exquisite lace originating in France. Heavy cording, on a background of fine net, outlines the pattern of this beautiful lace, creating a durable design.

All Over Lace is a wide lace, repeating the same pattern throughout the fabric.

Chantilly is another lace from France. It's graceful floral display has a soft, draping characteristic. Unlike Alencon lace, it does not have cording surrounding the design.

Cluny Lace is made with loosely-twisted yarn giving it an old fashion look and a three-dimensional feel.

Coin Dot Lace features circles or dots woven into lace or netting.

Re-embroidered Lace is a term used to describe the cording which outlines the floral pattern of lace.

Schiffli Lace is a machine made, delicate floral embroidery, made of cotton or rayon yarn and embroidered onto any number of soft sheer fabrics. The most popular background for this lace is either organza or polynet.

Valenciennes Lace features a net background with diamond or round shaped holes. The design is flat, sheer and woven with cotton, nylon or polyester fibers.

Venice Lace features a heavy, raised floral design that has long been a favorite wedding lace. It has a three-dimensional appearance. The background has been burnt out leaving only the yarns which are most often made of cotton or rayon.

Wedgewood Lace is a delicate lace with a point d'esprit field and an intricately detailed border.

5 Tips On How To Save On A Dress

1. Come up with a budget before you start shopping. Look through magazines and on-line to get an idea of prices. In general, your gown shouldn't exceed 10 percent of the cost of the wedding reception.
2. Purchase a simple but elegant gown and dress it up with glamorous accessories like a jeweled tiara or strappy sequined sandals. Try a manufacturer that designs bridesmaids' dresses for a suitable and affordable look.
3. If you're a size 14 or under, call the better stores in your area and ask about upcoming sample sales, when salons discount the past season's dresses to make way for new merchandise. Also use the Internet to track down sample sales as many salons list their store calenders on their web site.
4. If you love their taste, consider borrowing a headpiece or veil from a relative or close friend, which can add anywhere from $2 to $200 to your dress fund.
5. In lieu of sample sales, some exclusive boutiques and stores ship their gowns to outlets, which then sell them at drastically reduced prices. You may find a dress that was originally $6,000 for as little as $200, just be prepared for open dressing rooms and less-than-pampering service.

Bridal Attire Checklist

• Bridal Gown
• Hoop Petticoat
• Veil/Headpiece
• Shoes
• Stockings
• Garter
• Lingerie
• Strapless bra
• Gloves
• Going Away Outfit
• Jewelry
• White Handbag

Traditional

• Something Old
• Something New
• Something Borrowed
• Something Blue