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The Wedding Dress Quest

Tips for finding the perfect gown, whether you are pear shaped, petite or full figured.

It’s often said that a woman just knows when she has found her dream wedding dress. The second she caught a glimpse of herself in the full length mirror; she knew this gown would be the one to take her up the aisle and make her the vision of perfection on her wedding day.

But just in case you find that your luck hasn’t been so smooth in the dress quest or you’re beginning to think the perfect gown is a figment of your imagination, maybe all you need is a little guidance. Our experts here at WeddingsOnline.ie and B Magazine reveal the secret….dress for your body type. Know what works for you and what doesn’t work for you, you want a dress to fit like a glove, not a parachute and not a pair of jeans that are one size too small.

Pear Shaped

This means you have a smaller upper body and a larger mid section and lower body (like a pear, hence the useful phrase). Many women find themselves in this category; you are not alone in your desire to hide love handles and thunder thighs. The pear shape can look stunning by simply showing off the highlights of your body shape.

  • Choose something that draws attention to your upper body. Strapless dresses show off your stellar shoulders, while an empire waist will hug you at just the right spot.
  • A-Line and princess cut gowns will also look fabulous on you, accentuating all the right parts.
  •  Hair Tip- To create overall balance to your look, leave some of your hair down around your shoulders.
The Figure Eight

If you are blessed enough to have the hourglass figure, you owe it to yourself and the world to show off what the good Lord gave you. A large bust, small waist and big hips make you an ideal candidate for most styles. But there are probably a couple areas you are a little conscious off, so here is how best to work your style.

  • Anything that hugs your waist and hips will look great, corset dresses and A-line dresses with dropped waists will be perfect.
  • A sweetheart neckline will create a nice centre for your look and add detail.
  • Mermaid style dresses hug the whole body and flare out at the very bottom making the body look long and curvy.
Petite Frame

Small bodies can look extremely feminine and elegant, easily, which makes the small frame the envy of many women. Attention to detail and a theme of simplicity will make your miniature figure unforgettable.

  • When choosing a style, a rule of thumb is ‘less is more.’ The more simple (not at the cost of elegant of course) the better. Stay away from huge sleeves, long trains and overly full ball gowns.
  • A-line dresses without the use of too much fabric will work well for you.
  • Don’t over accessorise, it will overwhelm you. Choose small and classic pieces.
Full Figured

If you have a full bust, a bit of a tummy and a padded backside then you are voluptuous, and there is no reason why you can’t look just as wonderful on your big day as anyone else. Many wedding designers are coming out with styles especially for the larger figure, giving you many options and no excuse! It’s all in the fit.

  • Empire cuts and A-Line dresses will flatter your figure and fit perfectly.
  • Avoid spaghetti straps, off the shoulder and halter necks. Strapless and scoop necks will be good fits.
  • If you are conscious of your arms, three quarter length sleeves can be very elongating.
  • Purchasing a corset will smooth things out for the larger lady; it will give you a nice waist and detract from your hips.
  • Check out B Magazine’s spring ’08 issue for more information! (http://bmagazine.ie/)
Tall

You may have spent years avoiding anything with a heel and searching for trousers that hit below your mid ankle, but your turn is finally here tall lady because you’re the ideal candidate for most wedding dress styles. Your lanky figure will look proportioned and great in pretty much anything!

  • You probably want to steer clear of empire waist dresses; they can make you appear larger than you are.
  • Do not pick accessories and bouquets that are too small for you, you want something that flows well with the rest of your size and look.

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