Lately, I've been watching "Say Yes to the Dress" on cable television. One of the episodes I saw involved two polar-opposite brides who bought two very different gowns. One was a plus-sized bride who ended up buying an ivory, satin strapless dress that was beautifully cinched on the waist. The other was a very slim, petite bride who bought a revealing, almost risqu� corseted gown.Both brides chose gowns that fit their personality and vision, and as their happiness practically radiated off the television screen I couldn't help but smile.
This is exactly the type of emotion that your wedding gown or attire should evoke from you. If you're newly-engaged, you've probably been trying on your "dream dresses" and thinking that they haven't been making you look too "dreamy." Sometimes what appears gorgeous in bridal catalogues or on mannequins may not really complement us at all. Fear not, most of us have a few trouble spots with our body that we would rather camouflage. When in search of the perfect gown or attire, a good place to start is within your own wardrobe; make notes about your favourite outfits and what others have said flatters you most.
For example, have people told you that you have an elegant neck, shapely legs, a tiny waist? If you apply this basic principle when buying your gown, it may be easier to find one that will give you a sleek, polished image that remains true to the real you.
Here are some common body issues and a few solutions:
Chunky upper arms
If you want to minimise the look of your arms, you can opt for sheer sleeves or three quarter-length sleeves.
If you perspire a lot, long sleeves may keep you quite warm unless your ceremony and reception venue has ample air-conditioning. If you'd like to go strapless, you can use a shrug, wrap or a shawl.
Petite brides
You can elongate your bodies with A-line styled dresses or dresses which are slim-fitting or have clean lines that don't feature too much fabric or large-scale detailing. For example, huge bows or rosettes. It is best to avoid dresses with excessively large skirts, since this will overpower and make petite brides appear shorter. Petite brides should also stay away from dresses with drop waists and dresses that are calf-length, since this also shortens the body line.
Not-so-flat tummy
Select a dress that draws attention away from your mid-section, perhaps one with an intricate neckline. Another good tip is to choose a dress with a "basque" or drop waist, or a dress that features side-draping which will slant diagonally across your body. These options can give the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette.
Wide hips and thighs
If you don't want to emphasise your hip area, it may be best to stay away from excessively fitted dresses or clingy fabrics. An empire-waist dress or an A-line shaped dress will successfully hide your trouble area, or you can simply choose a skirt that will fall wider than your shoulder width.
Fuller busts
Brides with full busts should invest in dresses that feature built-in corsets which will taper the waist and the bust line. Other flattering options are: the off-the-shoulder style, sweetheart strapless dresses, halter neck lines, scoop neck lines or a narrow skirt. Alternatively, these brides can opt to cover up more in front, in exchange for having an interesting back view such as a "deep V" or a laced-up back. Brides who are slim and tall can add a bit of figure fullness with bustled skirts, tiered gowns, moderate use of ruffles and with the use of embroidered or beaded fabrics.
