I think its safe to say that most people hate doing homework, but when it comes to bridal gown shopping, doing your homework is an an absolute must if you want to have a hassle-free experience. Chapter 2 of the
gown shopping survival guide is all about
research, research and more
research, in an economy like this it makes perfect sense to conserve time and money by being a well informed buyer. Past article collections like
Silhouettes simplified,
Fabricated,
Bridal Necklines 101, and
Body Conscious Bride are an excellent place to start, and here is quick summary of the basic information a bride needs to have before beginning gown shopping
SILHOUETTES SIMPLIFIED
• A-line - Classic and most commonly worn style. Skirt flares out from the waist literally forming the shape of an A.
Maggie Sottero A-line
• Ball gown- Large full skirt joined to a fitted bodice, usually worn at formal weddings
Justin Alexander Ball gown
• Dropped waist- Waist line is lower than natural waist, often combined with an A-line or ball gown
Casablanca dropped waist
• Empire waist- Waist line is much higher than the natural waist, usually has a free flowing skirt, excellent for destination weddings
Mori Lee Empire Waist
• Fit and flare- Fitted sheath dress that gradually flares out in a trumpet shape. It resembles a combination of a dropped waist A-line and a modified mermaid
Galina Signature by Davids bridal fit and flare
• Mermaid- Fitted gown with a full skirt that flares out from around the knees or upper thigh. Its different from a fit and flare in that, the skirt is fuller, the fullness starts higher up and the shape is more defined. Usually there is seam where the skirt joins the bodice.
Vera Wang mermaid gown
FABRICATED
Fabrics really make all the difference. One main mistake that a lot of brides make is decide they hate a certain fabric based on one dress they've seen in that fabric. Most fabric have an expensive silk version and a cheaper synthetic version. I cant count the number of brides who've told me how much they hate taffeta because they tried on a cheap taffeta prom dress that was crunchier than burnt toast, but after being introduced to luxe silk taffeta fell deeply in love with it!
• Satin- Glossy or matte high sheen fabric. Pros: drapes well, catches the light, glides smoothly. Cons: stains easily, very shiny, heavy weight, wrinkles easily
The very popular Adorae by Sottero & Midgely in Demir stretch satin
• Tulle- Light weight net fabric. Pros: Floaty, light weight, adds bulk to full skirts. Cons: Delicate and rips easily, Has the tendency to look cheap and childish
Amsale Tulle skirt
• Lace- Intricate woven patterned fabric. Pros: Interesting textured look Cons: Tendency to look dated, delicate
Jim Hjelm
• Chiffon- Sheer crêpe -like fabric. Pros: light weight, floaty, wrinkle resistant, excellent for outdoor destination weddings. Cons: Tendency to look casual
Romona Keveza silk chiffon
• Taffeta- Crisp firm high sheen fabric. Excellent for structured gowns. Pros: drapes well and maintains its shape, great for bows and floral applique. Cons: cheaper versions of this fabric can be too hard and crunchy.
Angelina Faccenda taffeta bodice
• Shantung Affectionately dubbed the love child of satin and taffeta: high sheen crisp fabric. Pros: high sheen luxe look. Cons: Heavy weight.
Christos Silk Shantung
• Organza- Light weight soft net, shinier and silkier than tulle. Over used as an overlay or bottom layer for gowns. Pros: light weight Cons: Tendency to look rubbery.
Mori Lee Blu organza
Stay stylish and stay tuned
xoxo
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