Mid-Valley Voice

Bridal Gowns

Most women have dreamed about their wedding dress since they were little girls.

Your bridal gown is probably the biggest fashion purchase you will ever make. When you close your eyes and picture yourself in your wedding gown, what do you see? How do you make that vision a reality? Your goal should be to find the perfect dress - the one that turns you into the bride of your dreams. Don't settle for anything less.

Your Attitude and Style: As you go about planning your wedding, you are sure to have picked themes and styles that represent your personal tastes and preferences. That is what should drive your choice in a wedding gown.

The look and feel of the gown should reflect who you are and what you enjoy. Are you laid-back and casual? Do your wedding plans reflect that? Then so should your dress.

Or are you more conservative, a traditionalist? Then a more formal gown will naturally appeal to you.

The Best Gown for Different Shapes: Casual or formal, romantic or modern, the dress you pick should flatter your physical attributes. Take a moment to review the accompanying list of body types and the gown styles that best suit them.

- If you have an hourglass figure, with a full bust and hips and a thin waist, you have curves in all the right places. Consider an A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline to display your attributes to their best advantage.

- If you are short waisted, an A-line gown will elongate your figure. If you have toned arms and shoulders, consider a halter neckline. It will draw attention to that area.

- If you have a thick, undefined waist, try an empire-waist gown, which will give you a long, trim look.

- If you're full-figured, a ball gown will de-emphasize the body areas you want to hide. An A-line gown will create a slimming silhouette.

- If you're pear-shaped, with a small chest and heavier bottom, a strapless ball gown will cover the bottom and draw attention up. An off-the-shoulder neckline will give the illusion of balance between your top and bottom.

- If you are thin, a ball gown will emphasize your trim size and make you look like an elegant ballerina. A sheath always hangs beautifully on a slim body.

- If you are petite, go for a simple A-line gown or sheath. An elaborate ballgown style may appear to be wearing you.

Color (or Lack Thereof) and Embellishments: Believe it or not, bridal gowns come in many colors, although white remains the first choice of the modern bride. Colors such as soft pink, blue or green are new options. Metallics, like silver, gold and copper, are also becoming prominent.

For those brides who want to shine, some dresses come uniquely embellished. From rhinestones to pearl flowers, today's gowns shine with elegance. Or go glitzy with beading and embellishments in gold, silver, bronze and color overlays as dress accents.

Heading for the Stores: Once you have a firm idea of what you may see in the stores and what best suits you, it's time to start shopping. Bridal shops vary in policy, but keep in mind the following list of questions you should ask on the phone before you arrive in person.

- Will I need an appointment? Some shops require an appointment to even view bridal gowns.

- What are the hours? Some bridal shops are only open certain days during the week. Others keep evening hours only on specified days.

- Which designers does the store carry? If you've been pouring over wedding magazines and of course you have, you may have your heart set on a Vera Wang or a Scaasi.

- What range of prices and sizes are carried? At higher-end shops, you may not be able to find a bridal gown under $1,000. There are shops that specialize in plus-size dresses.

- Ask If you can look through the gowns yourself or will you have to look with a salesperson? Some shops have such vast inventory, they simply ask you the types of gowns you'd like to try on and then bring you samples to preview.

Take the following items with you when you're shopping for gowns:

- A strapless bra or bustier

- Panty hose

- A pair of shoes with the same type of heel as the ones you plan to wear for your wedding

- Your mom, sister(s), honor attendant and/or bridesmaids. Try to limit your group to three people. And do remember that the one person who really wants to be there is your mom!

After you've found the dress - and you'll know it when you see it - find out the following information from your salesperson.

- How long will it take for the dress to arrive? Can it be rushed if necessary? Although you know you should start shopping early, it may take you awhile to find the right gown.

- Will the dress you order look exactly like the one you try on? Make sure you're getting exactly what you want.

- Does the dress have a matching headpiece? While you might not want a headpiece that exactly matches your dress and may instead choose a complementary one, it's good to know whether you have the option.

- Does the store carry headpieces, or can they suggest a store with a good selection of headpieces? Your salesperson can either help you pick out a headpiece and veil, or direct you to a quality shop.

- What alterations will need to be done? How much will they cost and can you get a written estimate? Get everything in writing.

- If your bridesmaids order their dresses through this store, are there discounts available? Some stores offer a percentage off your gown or your bridesmaids' dresses if you order all from them.

- How much is the deposit? Some shops require a flat fee, others ask for a percentage of the overall price.

- What are the cancellation/refund policies? Check to see if there is a certain time period during which you can cancel your order and have your deposit refunded.

- When is the final balance due? Some stores require final payment before the dress comes in.

- Can the store list everything about the dress on the contract? As always - get everything in writing. For your gown, this means the designer's name, size, price, color, fabric, manufacturer, style number and delivery date.

Will you work with the same salesperson when you come in for fittings? Some salespeople are there to sell only. In that case, you'll deal with a different staffer for fittings.

Bridal Headpieces and Accessories

Now that you've chosen your bridal gown, it's time to put the icing on the cake!

Shopping for a headpiece, veil and other accessories gives you a chance to put your personal stamp on your wedding day appearance. Keep in mind that your personality can most come through with accessories that complement, not exactly match, your gown.

The following information on headpieces, veils and other accessories can help you appear exactly as you want on your wedding day.

Headpieces: When you meet with your hairstylist for your wedding hair consultation, the two of you can determine what hairstyle suits your face shape: updo, loose and flowing, or somewhere in between. Then you can consider what headpiece would best complement your gown and your hairstyle. Here are a few of the most popular:

- A bunwrap is a decorative circular band that gets wrapped around a chignon or updo. Bunwraps look best with traditional, simple gowns.

- A crown is a full, high circular piece that circles a bun or updo and is adorned with gems or beads. If your dress has some embellishment, a crown can tie the look together.

- A headband is a half-circle band of either plain fabric or fabric embellished with gems and beads. Headbands also are available in styles that have a wider middle, and tapered ends.

- A tiara is a jeweled or beaded semi-circle that sits on top of the head and can give a bride a regal look.

- A wreath may be a good match for a flowing ethereal gown. It features a full circle of flowers and ribbon that rests on the crown of the head. A wreath looks best with a loose, flowing hairstyle.

Veils: A veil, once a must-have for all weddings, is now more of an optional accessory. Whether or not you want to wear a veil depends on your personality, the style of gown you are wearing and the overall feel of your wedding. Veils are seen most often at more formal, elegant weddings.

When you're considering veils, first look in the mirror. The shape of your face - whether soft and curved or more angular - will help determine what kind of veil you should have.

- A round-faced bride should consider a veil that falls along the sides of the face, helping it to appear more narrow. This effect is further complemented by hair worn down in loose curls or a bob.

- A square jawline can be softened by a longer veil and loose tendrils surrounding the face.

- An oblong face - or longer oval - looks good with a veil that adds width. A "waterfall" veil paired with a simple updo and elegant headpiece looks wonderful. However, stay away from high-piled hairstyles that accentuate the face length.

- For a heart-shaped or triangular face, consider a veil that attaches behind the neckline - best with a chignon.

- A bride with a diamond or oval face has limitless options, since those shapes are symmetrical.

Accessories: There are more accessories that you can use to further personalize your wedding day look.

- A shawl or wrap can accentuate your dress and keep you warm.

- Your shoes, no matter what style you choose, should be comfortable.

- Gloves can add that extra touch of elegance to any gown.

- Your engagement ring and wedding band(s) will be slipped on your finger during the ceremony.

- A necklace can accentuate certain necklines.

- Earrings should be ornate with a simple gown, or simple when worn with an embellished gown or other extravagant jewelry.

- Bracelets can add subtle sparkle but shouldn't take away from your rings.

- A watch is only appropriate if it has sentimental value.

Bridesmaid Beauty - Picking the Perfect Gowns

Everyone has heard the dreaded stories about all the ugly bridesmaids' dresses sitting in the back of women's closets. Not only are they never to be worn again, but they also cost an exorbitant amount of money.

To help ensure that your name will not be added to the list of "good friend, bad bride," there are many factors to take into account when selecting bridesmaids' gowns:

- Decide how you want the bridesmaid dresses to complement your bridal gown. If the bridal gown is simple, you don't want to select ornate bridesmaids' gowns.

- Consider the complexions and hair colors of your bridesmaids before choosing a color. Choose colors you think will look good on all of your bridesmaids.

- Choose a style that flatters the different sizes and shapes of your bridesmaids. Sure, that strapless tube dress may look wonderful on the model in your wedding magazine. But if you were a bridesmaid, would you feel comfortable in it? Keep in mind that simple, elegant styles can make all your bridesmaids happy.

- Ask your maid or matron of honor to be in charge of helping the other bridesmaids with their gowns.

- Keep cost in the front of your mind. You shouldn't ask your bridesmaids to pay more than $100 to $300 for the entire ensemble.

- Take your honor attendant and/or some other bridesmaids with you to look. You may get some insight into what they're looking for when you see the styles they gravitate toward.

Pretty as a Petal - Flower Girl Fashion

When a little flower girl floats down the aisle at a wedding, she reminds the guests of what the bride must have been like as a child. And while you want her dress to match the overall scheme of the wedding, you don't want to choose anything that detracts from her girlish charm.

Pretty, feminine dresses continue to define the flower girl's image, as her dress traditionally is similar to the bridesmaids in color and style. Some brides prefer the flower girl's ensemble to resemble her own, using similar elements such as pearl beading or lace. It's not uncommon today to see flower girls mini veils to complement the bride's attire.