Our next guest blog post was written by our friend Lynn Crandal, owner of The Bridal Collection. She, along with her mother, founded The Bridal Collection in 2000 and have become the incredible duo taking over bridal fashion in Denver.
Listen to your heart. When you've dreamed of your wedding, what were you wearing? What gown makes you feel like a bride? These are the most important questions to answer when searching for your wedding gown. But, lets face it, most women have something about their bodies they don't like. As the owner of The Bridal Collection in Denver, Colorado I am often asked to advise a bride stressed about how she will look walking down the aisle. All qualified stylists can suggest gowns that emphasize your best attributes and minimize the rest. There are no absolute rules, but these suggestions may be helpful.
Are you well endowed? If you are fortunate to have a classic hourglass shape, where your bust and hip measurements are close to the same and your waist is 10 to 12 inches smaller, CELEBRATE! Show that off with a fit and flare such as Style 8702. If you feel your bust is disproportionately large, try to de-emphasize it by choosing a gown with a simple bodice and then emphasize your waist by adding a belt with a bit of interest. I like Style 8635. The diagonal lines in the bodice minimizes the bust. Placing belt A003 with the ornamentation to the side continues the diagonal line and draws the eye to your waist.
What about the opposite concern; those with a small bust? Let's bring attention to the bust with bling and a modified sweetheart neckline such as Style 8636. Not a fan of a lot of bling? Try one of my all-time favorite gowns, Style 8465. The three dimensional flowers and set in waist will flatter your bust line.
No curves at all but wish you had them? The right gown can give you that coveted hourglass shape. The beaded bodice with a sweetheart neckline, accentuated natural waist, and full skirt of Style 8724 creates that very feminine shape you desire.
Pear- shaped? Try hiding below the waist in a fuller skirt and bring the eye up to your small area. This gives you a balanced shape. The beaded straps, neckline and natural waist of Style 8718 along with the fuller flowing skirt would be a wonderful gown for those of us with a pear shape. For a softer look with no bling, I love Style 8682.
Need to hide a tummy? A classic A-line which is fitted in the bodice then angles away from the waist and hips would be a good choice. Style 8738 looks beautiful on all body types, but is an especially nice style to hide a tummy.
Broad shoulders? Adding vertical lines or a more narrow horizontal line will draw the eye away from your shoulders. Style 8659 with a bold sweetheart neckline, a touch of sparkle at the waist and a fitted modified mermaid skirt would de-emphasize your shoulders. Style Style 8745 with slim lacey straps, a slight V-neck and interest at the skirt would accomplish the same goal.
Regardless of the advice the "experts" give you, or the opinions of other well-meaning family and friends, your perfect wedding gown is the one that makes your face light up. It's the gown you've seen yourself in while dreaming, the one that makes you feel like a cherished bride.
