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The Perfect Wedding Dress may not be perfect for you…

Searching for a wedding gown made just for you? Here’s our take on an article printed in the Spring issue of InStyle Weddings.

Have you ever seen the absolute perfect gown in your favorite bridal magazine or boutique? At least it was perfect until you tried it on! Well, fashion designing experts like Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Reem Acra, Richard Tyler and Mischka of Badgley Mischka have come to the rescue with tips to help you find the gown that’s right for you!

Full hips – A-line skirts are best for the bottom-heavy bride. Also play up other areas, like a small waist, or lovely bustline to draw attention from hips.

Short waist - A Basque waistline, or any drop-waist style that angles downward, will lengthen a short torso. Choose A-line skirts over those that are puffy at the hip for a slender appearance.

Long waist - A high empire waist, or that just a little lower than empire, paired with an A-line or straight skirt, are best for long torsos. Avoid drop waists.

Thick waist - The contrast of a big fluffy skirt can make your waist look slimmer. Or you might consider a corseted bodice to create an hourglass shape.

Less-than-perfect arms – Don’t cover them up – go strapless, because sleeves or straps can often draw more attention to the area. In particular, avoid cap or band sleeves, which cut the upper arm at its widest spot.

Small bust – This “flaw” may work to your advantage and allow you to have fun with design flourishes, such as detail on the neckline. Draping at the neckline is flattering, as well as an empire-style gown with a seam under the bustline.

Large bust – Avoid a closed neckline, and strapless gowns, which usually push the bust up too much. Sweetheart, scoop and V-necks are the best choices for necklines, and a drop waist helps minimize bustiness by creating space between the bust and the waist.

Tall frame – Big, poufed wedding dresses can be overpowering on a tall woman, and very slim wedding dresses can make you look even taller. For the right balance, try a soft ball gown without too much fullness or a skirt shape that is flat in front with draping or bustles in the back.

Petite frame – A drop-waist style is a sophisticated choice that can make you look taller and a princess style works well for full-figured petite women.

Broad shoulders – A halter style is a good choice because it pulls the eye up and makes the shoulders look narrower. Or try a strapless dress, which de-emphasizes the broadness of the back and avoid off-the-shoulder necklines which make shoulders look bigger.

Narrow shoulders – Halters tops and strapless styles accentuate small shoulders, so try a style with thick or wide-set straps. An off-the-shoulder shawl collar can balance out your figure, as can a bolero jacket or a shawl.

Short neck – Open necklines are the key to lengthening a short neck – collars that close around the neck only make it appear shorter. Strapless, V-neck and spaghetti strap styles are flattering, as well as wearing hair in an updo, which can add length as well.

All Fabrics Are Not Created Equal
It is important that you know the fabric of your gown and what to do before you get a spill. If you spill something on artificial fiber, it is much easier to get rid of the stain than if you spill something on a natural fiber such as silk. Natural fibers are hollow and absorb the spill. In either case, unless the spill is major and makes you uncomfortable, better leave the spot alone until you can get professional treatment for your gown. If you must do something and the stain is coffee, mud, blood, tea or some other water-soluble stain, dab the spot gently with cool water or club soda, and air dry.

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