It's All About The Dress!
Of all the elements of your wedding ceremony and reception, the gown is the show-stopper centerpiece. Choosing the wedding gown is the wedding planning moment nearly every bride anticipates. It should be fun, exciting and rewarding at that special moment that you find the perfect dress, veil and accessories.
The problem? Despite the hundreds of beautiful gowns you've seen, not one is right for you. Maybe they are too fitted, or too puffy, or too beaded, or just not really "you." What should you do?
Consider designing your own. If your first reaction was to stand back and say, "I don't have the talent for that! " consider this: every great dress starts with a great idea. Along with a few resources that may be right under your nose, we'll help you pull those elements together into your wedding dream gown.
Finding a Seamstress
If your grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, sister or brother-in-law happens to have a special talent for sewing
and has worked with delicate or formal fabrics, consider asking her to donate her talent. Chances are she'll be flattered and thrilled to take on the job.
You can also hire a professional seamstress to flesh out your design. She will make a practice dress out of muslin to be sure your design will work before making the dress itself. Be sure to shop around for a good price and above all, get references. It‘s an important day, and it's
your dress. You want it to be quality-made, so take your time finding the perfect professional.
Tailoring an inexpensive ready-made gown can be another great option. Maybe you'd like everything but the puffy sleeves? Have them removed! If you're lucky enough to have an heirloom dress that's been handed down to you, consider altering it to fit your body or style (be sure you have permission).
Gathering Ideas
Now comes the fun part: the actual dress design. A great place to start brainstorming your perfect gown is in bridal magazines. Pick up several, and leaf through them to see what matches your personal style.
Every figure is different. You probably have a clear idea of what works with your body. Starting with that framework, consider which of the following
basic wedding gown shape fits you best:
- Fitted: Snug at the waist, then graduating to a flared skirt.
- Empire Waistline: Fitted directly under the bust, then looser from the bust downward.
- Ballgown: Very fitted, then full immediately after the waist (like a ballerina) gradually widening into an "A" shape skirt
- Dropped Waistline: Usually fitted through bust, waist and even hips then widens to a looser, flounced or flared skirt.
- Column Gown: Fitted (or fairly fitted) all the way down, or flared from about mid-calf down for a "mermaid" look.
- Sheath Style: This is a classic straight slip look, usually graceful and flowing all the way down.
Your Ideas in Action
It may surprise you to know that virtually all wedding dresses fall under one of the above basic categories. What sets one gown apart from the next is the length, sleeve treatment, level of formality, fabric or fabrics, added dress details and accessories.
Be sure to take your ideas to a local bridal salon and try on a dress or two in each type that you like. This will give you a better idea of the "gown in action." Does that full skirt feel princess or just heavy and cumbersome? Does the A-line fit and flatter your figure? You won't really know what works until you've tried on a few gowns.
Once you have some ideas firmly in place, grab a sketch book, a pencil and sit down with your seamstress (or Grandma, or Uncle Joe). Draw your vision: length, sleeve type, fabric and details you'd like to use. Sometimes you can create the dress from your sketch; other times you'll need to purchase a pattern and make adjustments until it meets your vision. Your seamstress may agree on some points and have more workable suggestions for others. Remember to listen, but stick with the elements that are your "must haves."
With the input of a professional or experienced family member, adding your own personal sense of style, will be the icing on the cake to the perfect wedding dress. One of the best parts of all your labor is that there won't be another bride on the planet wearing your dress!
