Celebrating Weight Loss

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming —  there are just so many details. However, shopping for the wedding dress itself should be fun. First off, bring along one or two people who make the experience fun, but who will also tell you the truth. Next, try not to schedule your appointment on busy Saturdays or the end of the day when consultants might be harried. Finally, focus on the following points while you try on wedding dresses.

Silhouette

Wedding dresses come in almost infinite styles, but they tend to adhere to certain silhouettes. The sheath dress fits closely to the body with a strait skirt and no waist. The mermaid also fits closely, but it flares out at the hem. The trumpet fits closely at the top but starts flaring out at midhip. An A-line is fitted at the bodice with a skirt that flows in an unbroken line from the waist. A ballgown features a fitted bodice and full skirt.

Have some ideas of which silhouettes flatter you before you go into the dress shop.

Body Type

Which silhouette works best will depend a lot on your body type. For example, an A-line complements the pear-shaped body. The sheath and fitted trumpet complement petite frames. Curvy frames look especially good in mermaid and A-line styles. Tall brides should look at the ballgown silhouette.

Your body type doesn't mean the other silhouettes or off-limits. You might just have to search a little harder to find a neckline and waistline combination that complement your frame within the chosen silhouette.

Neckline

As Glamour points out, people notice the top of your dress the most because they're looking at you, the bride. Common necklines include square, scooped, V-neck, sweetheart, and off the shoulder. With wedding dresses, you also see sheer necklines, which are made of semi-sheer net or lace. A Queen Ann neckline rises in the back but sculpts down across the bust. For strapless styles, you see the straight top, slight curve, and sweetheart.

Your wedding day is going to be long. Be honest about what foundation underwear you're going to be relatively comfortable in when choosing a neckline.

Vision

Ultimately, it all comes down to what you envision walking down the aisle in. Along with dress silhouettes and necklines go the train, fabrics, and embellishments. There's also the matter of color — you don't have to wear stark white anymore to get married. As you start focusing on certain dresses, try to envision your entire wedding day in that gown. That will help you find the right one.

Choose a dress that best complements your body and your vision of your wedding day.