Your Gown: What to Know Before You Go Shopping

Shopping for wedding gowns is a rite of passage for the recently engaged bride. The process of selecting a gown can be overwhelming, so make sure to understand the gown terminology before you go to your first appointment.

Gown Shapes

A-line: A-line wedding gowns have a fitted bodice with a skirt that shoots out from the waist to form an A shape. If you've got lower body issues, you'll love the way this gown hides them from the public eye.

Ball Gowns: A ball gown looks good on pretty much everyone, thanks to the full skirt and the cinched waist. Keep in mind that ball gowns can be bulky and often require assistance to take on and off. Most ball gowns come with a crinoline or a slip that is used to support the shape of the gown.

Empire Waist: An Empire Waist gown has a high skirt that begins just below the breast bone. A style that works well with non-formal weddings, the light and airy fabric works magic for women with belly issues or pregnant brides.

Mermaid: A Mermaid gown has a body-hugging style that flares just below the knee. Avoid this style if you consider yourself pear-shaped.

Sheaths: Sheaths fall straight to the ground, hugging every curve and showing every flaw. If you are body-conscious in any way, this is not the gown for you.

Trumpet: A Trumpet-shaped gown is a slightly modified version of the Mermaid. Fitted and shapely, this gown flares at the mid-thigh. This is another gown that you should avoid if you are pear-shaped.

Gown Colors
After you've selected the shape of your gown, you'll want to consider the issue of color. Gone are the days when gowns were expected to be white. While white gowns look smashing on lighter skinned women, women with olive or darker skin tones look better in ivory or beige. Champagne wedding gowns are a great option for darker-skinned women who are looking for a gown that is slightly non-traditional. If you want to go rogue, consider a gown in red, blue, or even black.

Silk Fabric Types Chiffon: Made from small, tightly-twisted silk yarns. Chiffon is often combined with heavier and shinier fabrics. Wedding veils are often made out of chiffon.

Organza: Similar to Chiffon, Organza is a tiny bit crisper. Also used for veils and trains.

Crepe: Another highly-twisted yarn, this fabric is flat and bendable which makes it great for draping.

Satin: Woven with floating threads to create a slick surface. Satins can be extremely soft and thin as well as thick and heavy.

Taffeta: Wide full-skirted wedding gowns are often made of taffeta due to it's crisp, plain quality.

Other Gown Details to Consider
In choosing your dream gown, ask yourself the following questions. Does your location allow for a long train or would a dress without a train be more practical? Are you planning on losing weight before the wedding or are you shopping for a dress in your current size?

Your First Appointment

When to Go: If you plan on buying a dress from a specific designer, check to see if there will be any trunk shows in your area within the next month. Trunk shows are a great way to get a ten percent (or more) discount on designer wedding gowns.

What to Bring: Call the store ahead of time to find out if you can bring a friend and a camera to your fitting. Some stores do not allow photos, so make sure you check on this detail before going in for your appointment. Make sure you bring clippings and pictures of all of your favorite wedding gowns. Let your bridal consultant know of any designers you are specifically interested in exploring. If you're feeling brave, ask your consultant to choose a few wedding gowns that she thinks might suit your body type.

What to Wear: Make sure to you wear a pair of shoes with a small heel (less than two inches) and a full support, strapless bra. Given that your bridal consultant will be treated to an hour's worth of views of your backside, you might consider wearing a pair of underwear that is on the more conservative side and offers medium to full coverage.

What to Remember: Have a friend accompany you to your appointment to take pictures and offer moral support. Make sure to have him or her write down all of the style numbers and designer names of dresses that you want to remember.

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