Your wedding dress - where to start?

The first thing brides want to do first is to look at wedding gowns.  Finding a dress is the most exciting of planning your wedding.

Do you want to look like a Hollywood star on your wedding day, but not sure how to where to start looking for that dress?

Rest assured Bathards Bridal are here to help. All you need to do is give yourself plenty of time to plan and don't forget to ask for help! Thats what your bridesmaid's are for!

Before you start looking think about the following:

• What is your body shape?
• When are you getting married - What season does it fall in?
• Where is your venue? 
• Have an open mind
• Wedding dress styles and shapes

What is your body shape?

No matter what shape or size you are, there will be the perfect dress out there for you. 

What body shape do you have?

• Pear Shaped - Small waist with wider hips and bottom

If you are a classic pear-shape then there are many styles that will suit you. Such as a Basque waist or strapless ball gown will balance your shape. An off-the-shoulder/sweetheart neckline will make your top look in more proportion to your bottom. Try not to go for a column dress as they can be unflattering on pear shapes.

• Broad Shoulders - Your shoulders are wider than your hip.

Look at off the shoulder dresses such as sweetheart necklines, or halternecks.  This will really show off your shoulders. If you go for a dress that has a narrow bodice and wide skirt - such as a fishtail style dress, this will broaden your hips to give you the hourglass figure and balace your shoulders.  Capped sleaves can make your shoulders look wider and thicker, so avoid this style of dress.

• Voluptuous - Curvy all over

Try looking at styles that have a structured or bodice top.  This style is great at pulling you in at the right place and gives you a nice sillhouette. Look at longer full length dress and avoid anything short. Try to avoid close fitted/ revealing fabrics such as silk and try to stay away from column or bias cut dresses as they can add inches and pounds.

• Big Boobs - Your boobs are the biggest part of your body.

Off the shoulder dresses tend not to offer support for the boobs, so look at dresses with straps or a halterneck.  If you decide to go for off the shoulder make sure it doesn't show too much cleavage and you look at getting a supportive and uplifting bodice or bra.

• Tall - 5'8" and above

Tall women tend to look good in any style, so try looking at off the shoulder dresses with open necklines to give you an elegent look.   Try to avoid high necklines or long sleeves, as this can make you look taller as well as long veils!

• Slim  - Slender with a tiny frame

A full skirt or ball gown will really help to give you more curves.  Shorter modern styles will also help you to look curvier.  Avoid off the shoulder and halterneck styles as this can make you look boyish - so try a style that gives you a 'cleavage'.

• Petite - Shorter with a small frame

Keep the style simple - keeping away from dresses with lots of beads of embellishments.  Strapless bridal gowns can help to broaden your shoulders.  Try to avoid large ball gowns/ full skirts.  With your small frame this style of dress can often 'drown' petite women.

• Pregnant - You have a baby bump showing.

Bear in mind that on your wedding day your bump will be bigger than when you are looking and purchase the gown.  Empire line, A line dresses and column dresses will suit you, but try to stay away from anything too fitted, tight bodices or ball gowns.

Wedding dress styles and shapes

When are you getting married?

Consider what time of year you are looking or have booked to get married.  This will help with your decision as you want to be comfortable on your wedding day and not be too hot or too cold.

Where is your venue?

Consider your venue. You may be looking at getting married on the beach, or have a traditional church wedding.   If you want a large ball gown dress or a long train - do you have enough room at the venue?

Take another look at your venue and imagine you in your wedding dress on the day.  Will you be comfortable?

Have an open mind

Unless you wear extravagant frocks frequently, you probably wont know which style or shape suits you best.   You would be suprised at what looks good on, so dont dismiss a style because its not what you 'think' would suit you.     Allow yourself plenty of time to look at dresses and try different styles.Try and take someone with you, who can give you honest and open advice.