The Perfect Wedding Dress

As a woman, it is likely that your wedding dress will be one of the most important purchases of your life. We can talk about how crazy that is another day. Today we are going to focus on how to narrow down such a difficult decision. There are 5 things you have to decide on when picking the perfect dress.

Shape
There are 5 basic wedding dress shapes. You'll want to pick one that accentuates your best features and hides the ones you don't want to display. The best stylists will have you try on 1 of each shape to figure out what you like before you narrow down any other details.

Style
The style of your dress should flow thematically with the rest of your wedding. Is your wedding in a church or in a barn? Is the event more rustic or more elegant? I had a dream dress in mind when I first thought about getting married, but that changed after my husband and I picked our venue. My vintage 1920's dream dress just did not fit with the rustic outdoor setting of our wedding. I had to make a few adjustments. On the other hand, you may have a dream dress in mind and pick your venue accordingly. If your dream dress has a vintage flair you'll want to find a venue to match that aesthetic.


Neckline
Like shape, the neckline is all about what you want to accentuate. Sweetheart necklines work well on anyone, while the well endowed gal may go for a plunging neckline. This element is all about preference, and what makes you feel most comfortable.

Embellishments
There are 3 basic kinds of embellishments: lace, beading, and jewels. Lace creates a classic vintage look, while jewels and beading can have a variety of effects. Every dress should have a little flair, but it's up to the bride to decide. Just remember not to let the dress upstage you.

Train
There are a variety of train options for your wedding dress, but it's important to consider your venue. I don't know about you, but I love the idea of an exaggerated train gliding down the red-carpeted aisle of a cathedral. It's the perfect place to wow your guests, and it adds elegance to a perhaps more modest gown. As for the outdoors or smaller venues, go for the ironically named chapel length train. It's shorter and easier to maneuver.

What was your dream wedding dress as a child? How has that changed?