The gown in style down the aisle
by Kathryn Lemmon

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Of all your wedding decisions, selecting the right gown and headpiece can be the most exciting. Every bride wants to walk down the aisle with style. It's not often that you can dress like royalty and be the center of attention.

As with any important purchase, however, you should go shopping armed with advice.

At most bridal salons, you get consultation just by walking in the door. Take advantage of the information you receive. The consultant will be able to offer suggestions on styles based on your age and body type. A wedding gown may look terrific in a magazine and many do, but it may not be the best choice for you. Unlike your best friend, sister or mother, the sales person is objective. They are seeing you for the first time and have no preconceived notions about what you like or dislike.

Trends in the new millennium

While still a standard, white gowns are gradually giving way to additional color options.

Susan Jallow, owner of Nedra's Formal and Bridal, says a recent trend is color in bridal gowns. "We have many styles with touches of champagne, pink, purple and even red and black," Jallow said.

"Strapless gowns are always very popular and we have styles with straps, short and long sleeves as well,” she said. “More and more women are wearing less traditional wedding gowns and we can accommodate them with short and long styles that are a bit different. Brides are generally going with separate veils and headpieces so they can remove the veil and wear the headpiece after the ceremony.”

Flatter your figure

Deciding on a particular gown style is easier when you know what flatters your figure. Whatever your shape, wearing the right cut for your body type can highlight your best features and downplay others.

Larger sized brides will look wonderful in A-line or Empress dresses. But, a mermaid style may not be as pleasing to the eye. Mermaid is a slim, body-hugging gown, with or without a waistline, flaring from the knees or slightly above.

Larger -size women may also want to avoid clingy fabrics such as crepe and jersey or bulky fabrics such as velvet and heavy satin. Opt instead for lighter weight satins, chiffons and silk shantung.

If you're pear-shaped, a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and highlight your better half. An off-the-shoulder neckline, for example, will make your top look more in proportion to your bottom. On the other hand, a sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward, where you don't want them to go.

Extremely thin and shorter brides will get lost in big, ornate ball gown styles. Yet you may want to try them anyway. This will give you a feel for what you don't want as well as what you do want.

If you're short-waisted, a princess-line silhouette, fitted at the bodice and opening up gradually to a full skirt, will elegantly draw out your figure. If you're comfortable with your shoulders, try a portrait or halter neckline.

More sound advice

Hangers don't do justice to some gowns, and others may not flatter your figure as you'd hoped, so don't make up your mind about a dress without first trying it on.

Plus, all bridesmaids do not have to wear the exact same dress, which could be news to brides and a big relief to bridesmaids. Variations of one style can create uniformity while helping bridesmaids find one that best suits her body type.

A bit of “buyers' remorse" is typical after you choose your dress. It's a major commitment and quite natural to wonder if you made the right choice. Focus on how you felt when the dress was on and you realized it was the one, and those doubts will fade away.

Susan adds an important note on timing. "Six months or more before the wedding is probably a good time to start shopping since garments need to be ordered in your size and can take three months to come in. Also allow time for alterations once the gown is received."

It's common to have two or three fittings for your gown.

The first fitting usually takes place about six weeks before your wedding day. Ask a trusted friend or family member along for advice. It's also a good idea to bring the shoes you plan to wear at the wedding, for a better overall impression.

This first fitting is to ensure two principal things: your gown is the right size, color, and design (neckline, train, sleeves, etc.) and your seamstress knows what she's doing.

A seamstress will most likely have an assistant (maybe the salon salesperson or another member of the staff) who helps you get into your gown. The seamstress should then begin looking for places where your dress needs to be altered.

Here's what to watch for:

• The way the material falls.

• How the waistline feels.

• How the chest area fits.

• Any unattractive puckering, bunching or bulging.

• That the stitching, embroidery, and beading are all in good shape, with everything securely attached.

Look in the three-way mirrors to view all angles, and ask for another hand-held mirror if necessary. Speak up immediately if you see anything you don't like, or forever hold your peace, as the famous saying goes. The seamstress should be able to tell you why a problem exists and what can be done to repair it. Though you shouldn't expect miracles, it's your prerogative to have as many fittings as it takes to get the perfect fit.