For many brides, the best part of wedding planning is choosing their gown!  You should begin shopping for your gown 6-12 months before your big day.  This gives you plenty of time to order it and have alterations, if needed.  The traditional color of the bridal gown is white, but many brides choose ivory, or any other color they like.  A trend becoming more and more popular is to wear a white gown with a colored sash, usually matching the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses.








Factors in choosing your dress:

• Length of dress
• Sillouette
• Neckline
• Sleeve type
• Length of train
• Embellishments
• Color

Best fits for different body types:

• Thin- ball gown, sheath
• Petite- A-line, sheath
• Short waist- dropped-waist, princess
• Thick waist- empire
• Hourglass- A-line, mermaid, dropped-waist
• Pear shape- basque waist, ball gown, empire
• Full- ball gown, A-line

Tips

• Try on lots of different dresses from lots of different places
• Choose a dress that compliments your body type
• Get alterations if needed
• Track your budget- include dress, undergarments, veil, headpiece, jewelry, shoes, alterations, etc.
• Keep in mind that some places of worship do not allow bare shoulders, so be sure to ask your officiant about what is appropriate before you shop for your dress.
• Don’t buy the first dress you like, continue shopping to see if you find more you like
• Bring a couple friends shopping with you

Popular Designers

• Vera Wang
• Oscar de la Renta
• Angel Sanchez
• Alfred Angelo

Sillouttes

• A-Line
• Babydoll
• Ball gown
• Basque
• Dropped waist
• Empire
• Mermaid
• Natural
• Princess
• Sheath
• Two-piece

Necklines

• Halter
• High Neck
• Round
• V-neck
• Scoop
• Square
• Sweetheart
• Bateau
• Portrait

Sleeves

• Off the shoulder
• Speghetti Straps
• Strapless
• One shoulder
• Long sleeved
• Cap sleeves

Lengths

• Floor length
• Mid length
• Ankle length
• Knee length
• Mini skirt

Fabrics

• Silk
• Satin
• Duchesse satin
• Charmeuse
• Shantung
• Chiffon
• Tulle
• Organza
• Cotton
• Nylon

Embellishments

• Beads
• Rhinestones
• Gems
• Pearls
• Lace
• Sequins
• Crystal droplets

Optional Accessories

• Bra (strapless) or bustier
• Hosiery
• Slip
• Shaper/Slimmer
• Garter
• Shoes
• Veil
• Headpiece
• Jewelry- necklace, earrings, bracelet
• Shawl
• Gloves