How to Choose a Gown

One of the most important decisions you will have to make when planning your special day is selecting the perfect gown to awe your new husband. Whether you know exactly what you are searching for, or if you have just an idea, there are several things you should consider before purchasing your gown.

First and foremost, whether you are planning an elegant beach wedding or an elaborate church ceremony, your gown should reflect your personality, taste, and style. Express yourself at your most elegant moment through your wedding gown.

Second, although your mind may be made up and your heart set on one particular gown prior to going shopping, be sure to try on several different styles. After all, this is a once in a lifetime event, choosing the perfect gown should be fun!

A helpful reminder, a picture is worth a thousand words. If a bridal salon will allow you to photograph the dresses you try on, take advantage of the opportunity. This will help you in making your final dress and it will also help when you return to the salon to purchase the dress. So, always bring a camera with you just in case.

One final point, when you find the perfect dress buy it! When you fall in love stop looking! Just buy it right then, because it may not be there in two weeks when you return. Don’t be disappointed!

Whether you are shopping with you mom, best friend, or alone, it is important to have a basic understanding of the different styles, fabrics, and trains available to you. Below are some descriptions to help you choose the right style for you.

Baby Ruffles are row upon row of lace arranged one above another. May be found referred to as "Tiers of Lace

Basque Waist features a fitted bodice with a deep V point dropping at the front and center of the waistline.

Bolero Jacket is a short jacket with an open front, curved below the bust line and above the natural waistline.

Bouffant is a very, very full skirt, most often accompanied by a hoop slip

Box-Pleated Skirt features a natural waist, with deep pleats of parallel fabric folds.

Bustles were originally thick padding worn to create a draping effect, on the back, below the waistline to bring fullness to the back of the skirt. Lifting the center back of the train to the waistline and attaching it there with buttons or hooks may also create a bustle effect.

Diamond Organza Ruffles feature layers of ruffled organza, hemmed with a fine "fish line" along the edge of the ruffles, creating a full, rippling effect, often cascading into the train.

Pickup Hemline features a gown whose fabric is gathered at one point and draped in a curve effect to another point and gathered again, several times, to encircle the gown.

Peplums are still very popular today.  They can be flared and full or lay flat against your gown, attached at the back waistline. Peplums are beautifully decorated to give the back of your gown an elegant, old-fashioned appearance.

Redingcoat Skirt Effect has the appearance of an open skirt (satin overskirt) covering the skirt of an A-line or full gown.

Ruffles are strips of fabric gathered or pleated to be used as trim.

Keyhole Back features a gown with an opening in the back, (most popular as a long wide slit from the neckline to mid-back.) May also be a circular or heart shaped opening