As little girls, we often dream of flowing ball gowns and a handsome prince waiting for us at the altar. But nowhere in the midst of these fantasies did we sense the foreshadowing stress of reality, which is that planning a wedding can be more of a scary tale than a fairy tale! Deliberating over invitations, floral arrangements, décor, cuisine and (of course) the dress will leave any bride’s head spinning.
To rectify this issue, we’ve consulted with the most recognized name in bridal retail – David’s Bridal – and provided an easy three-step process for planning your nuptials. David’s has teamed up with Nicole Brewer, a fashion philanthropist and an A-list stylist for celebs like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, to help fashion-forward brides exude flawless style on their special day. Read on to learn how you can plan a stress-free wedding that will turn those childhood fairytales into a reality!
Step 1: Find the perfect dress. Ever find that an abundance of options can be more of a hindrance than a help? To narrow down an overwhelming list of options, David’s divulged a few tricks that will leave your guests gawking at your spectacular appearance! Because brides come in all shapes and sizes, accentuating your finer points is the key to looking and feeling beautiful on your special day.
- Apple-shaped women: always remember to utilize simple necklines. Busy details or high necklines such as halters will draw unwanted attention and make you appear larger. Wear A-line or flowy skirts and use those embellishments; this will redirect eyes downward.
- Feel middle-heavy? Exploit waist-creating details such as strategic beading, embroidery, fitted bodices and darting, sashes, wrap styles or ruching. Anything with an Empire waist will easily create an illusion of a higher waistline, making for a slimmer midsection and a sexier bride. Helpful hint: don’t be afraid to try out separates; the idea might seem unconventional but it’s usually unnoticeable and there tend to be a wide range of combinations. Make sure to avoid drop-waist styles, ruffles through the bodice, and any type of shapeless silhouette dresses that might turn you and your wedding debut into a shapeless muumuu.
- Transform a pear-shaped body into an hourglass by finding a dress with a fit and flare silhouette that accentuates your waistline and minimizes those hips. Use anything eye-catching around your bust line to direct eyes away from your hips toward that beautiful smile. This tip is also useful for the less endowed as it can make your bust appear larger. You’ll be safe with any A-line skirt or bias-cut silhouettes that will stretch and drape over voluptuous hips. Avoid sheath styles, shiny fabrics and hemline details that will draw superfluous attention.
