Elaborate beading, cascading layers of lace, that one dress you've always dreamed of.
It's the dress you envisioned as a child. And even though your taste may have changed since your 5th grade “green and purple everything” days, this is a dress that is supposed to blow every prom gown you've owned out of the water.
It's your wedding dress, and aside from saying “I do” it's probably the biggest part of your big day. This one article of clothing will make you feel like royalty for a day and will likely be one of the most talked about things at your wedding. When planning your look, this will all likely leave you wondering “how do I find the right dress that will fit my budget?”
There are a few factors to buying this white (or even multicolored) dress of your dreams. Style, shape and price are just to name a few.
So many doors have been opened for brides-to-be when it comes to the style and shape of a wedding dress. No longer is the typical white ball of poof the only option when making a trip to the bridal salon in search for “the one.”
Think about your personal style and let that guide you in finding a suitable gown. Look online, in magazines and wedding books to get a head start. The Anti-Bride Guide suggests jotting down things you must have or just can't have such as sequins, no sleeves, no skinny straps, lots of lace, etc. It also suggests doodling ideas you come up with, as well as tearing out pictures from magazines, ripping off what you don't like and taping all of the pieces you do like into a notebook. This will help you give yourself an idea of what you're really looking for in a gown.
When it comes to shape, style and size, whatever your figure is, you can find or create a dress that accentuates everything you love and likely cover up anything you don't love that much. According to TheKnot.com, there are a few basic gown shapes.
Gown Shapes/Styles
• Ball Gown The most traditional of all categories, the ball gown is recognized by a fitted bodice and waistline that lead to a very full skirt.
• Empire The hallmark of the Empire-style gown is a high waistline (right under the bust), which falls to a slimmer skirt.
• A-Line or Princess An A-line or Princess shape is cut close to the hip with a slight flare at the hem (creating an A-shape).
• Sheath The slim sheath silhouette closely follows the lines of the body.
• Mermaid A body-hugging silhouette that flares below the knee.
• Trumpet A more understated style. The fit-and-flare trumpet skirt gradually flares at mid-thigh.
TheKnot.com also gives suggestions on what gown shape will go best with your body. If you have an hourglass figure, wear an a-line gown or possibly a trumpet or mermaid shaped gown to show off your curves. For short waisted women, consider the princess shape and stay away from the sheath style, while thick waisted women should opt for an empire-waisted gown to give a long, slenderizing look.
If you're full-figured or pear-shaped, consider a ball gown or empire and avoid spaghetti straps, they may be unflattering. If you're thin, a ball gown will make you look like a princess and a sheath will show off your slender figure. And lastly, if you've got a petite shape, it's best to keep it simple. An a-line or sheath gown will suit you best.
When it comes to the color of your gown, don't forget that color is definitely the thing to do today. Champagne and silvery gowns have been gracing the covers of various bridal magazines, while wearing a deep-toned, shimmery gown will illuminate you and your skin tone when in a candle-lit room. Want color, but want to keep it traditional? Try a gown with pink or burgundy accents to give it a little flare. To keep it completely traditional, wear a beautifully beaded white gown, or dress up a plain-styled dress with crystal and pearl earrings. It's your wedding, anything can go!
Finally, when considering a gown, you must consider your budget. Many of the gowns shown in Bridal Guide and Modern Bride are those of the Vera Wang nature, and likely won't fit into a budget that still has to cover a reception hall, sit-down dinner and an open bar. So, do you want a Vera Wang look for a not-so Vera Wang price? Head to your local David's Bridal or Alfred Angelo, where you can find your dream gown ticketed as low as $99, if you catch them during the right sale.
Jessica Hicks, a bride-to-be, suggests looking at different designers on the Internet. “Find a designer you like and see if they offer their gowns in a bridal salon in your area. Call the store and ask for the price range of that designer's gowns. That will help you get an idea of what you have to work with.” Many designer's have entire collections to browse through on their personal web-sites, which can also be found with the help of sites like TheKnot.com.
“Mori-Lee, Demetrios and Jessica McClintock all have stunning gowns for an affordable price,” Hicks says. Brittany Adamy, an Alfred Angelo employee, suggests going vintage for a unique look, while The Anti-Bride Guide even mentions checking out your local department store if you want a sleek alternative.
Whatever shape or style your dream-gown may be, there are so many options available that you're bound to find “the one” that fits your vision and your budget.
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