"The" Dress...

Now that you are officially engaged…I know that you can’t wait to start the process of selecting your wedding dress! Choosing your wedding day attire is one of the most important decisions in your wedding planning process. Your gown should reflect your personality, style, and taste. Trying on various gowns in different styles is recommended and this will help you decide what style works best for you. When selecting your gown, you’ll want to make sure that timeless elegance is a key factor in your decision. You want to be able to look at your wedding pictures 10 years from now and still be as beautiful to you as you were on your special day.

Deciding on a silhouette is important as well. You want to select a gown that best compliments your figure. Do your research and know what you are looking for or at least want to try.

Here are a few explanations of the different gown types for your figure…

Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame. Ball gowns generally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. Be advised that this extra fabric can be heavy and bulky and will require extra care to wear.

A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.

Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos.

Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would.

I was searching on Brides.com and thought I would share a few dresses with you! These are a few favorites from Maggie Sottero and Demetrios - Princess Collection!

Check back with us for more helpful tips in planning your wedding!