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Rutendo Chidawanyika
Its every girls’ dream to get married, the one that every woman fusses over is the dress.
That’s the first thing that comes to mind, before you think of the food, or venue or even the décor.
Yes, everything has to fall in place but it’s your day and everyone will talk about the bride’s wedding dress. I’ve attended a wedding where the groom was better dressed than the bride, we still talk about it today (not in a good way). It’s still okay not to care what people think, but you need to look your best so that you can watch the wedding video without cringing.
Try on the wedding dress before purchasing it. Remember to look for a dress that fits your height. Some dresses have lace or other type of embellishment at the bottom, so make sure they don’t fall at the wrong place. Petite brides look best in trumpet shape, sheath gowns, column dresses and narrow A-line cuts. Textures work well, but avoid calf length and drop waist designs as they will make your legs look shorter.
Make sure not to lose weight or gain before the big day, or else the dress will not fit you well. Rather try it 2 days before the day for a second time to make sure everything is still in order.
TALLER BRIDES — may prefer a bias or sheath dress. Strapless dresses may also work well if you are tall. Always make sure the sleeves and bottom are long enough to complement your body proportions. The bottom of your dress shouldn’t be at three quarters but at least cover your legs.
THICK BRIDES-PLUS size girls, should pick empire and tailored dresses. These allow the dress to skim your body and give definition to your waist and help you flatter your curves. What also helps for plus size ladies; is to cut off the top part just below the breast, as this accentuates your upper body and draws attention away from the belly. Avoid pleating and oversized and/or unfitting gowns, which will add weight to your figure. Make sure the dress isn’t too tight especially boob tube, with all the flesh falling out of the dress. Go for something that makes you look like a queen, lace sleeves could work too or halter neck.
BIG BUST — Choose a curved neckline if you are busty. A curved neckline will frame your face and collarbone and make your bust area a supporting feature. Avoid strapless gowns with straight horizontal necklines as well as fabrics with sheen ruching, they will make you appear heavier on top. Going strapless is possible for you, just pick a dress with boning or built in corset to help the dress from slipping.
PEAR SHAPED BRIDES — If you are pear shaped or triangular, your shoulders will be thinner than your hips. Enhance your neckline and hide your hips. Deep necklines and strapless tops work very well for your body shape. The neckline should flatter your shoulders and bust. Sweetheart neckline do double duty by helping to augment your neckline and give you a chance to accessorise. Cinched waists and diagonally draped bodices will draw attention away from your hips. If you go with a cinched waist, you can choose a simple sash or add some jewels.
Select an A line bottom that will flare and add volume. Layers, ruffles and tulle can make your look pop.
APPLE SHAPED BRIDES — If your body type is apple, you are full in the waist but your arms and legs are thin. Pick a deep V neck to create a vertical line that will detract attention to the widest part of your waist. Go for bodices that are accented at the neckline with beading or embellishments. Ornamented bodices can visually add weight on top.
Choose a high waistline. For an apple shaped figure, high waistlines will flow into the skirt, helping to give you an elongated figure. Opt for a flared bottom that turns into an A shape, this will reduce weight on the waist.
HOUR-GLASS SHAPED BRIDES — Hourglass! Go with a low cut neckline, this style will expose your neckline and will suit your figure. Choices include halter tops, V necks and sweetheart necks. Choose a low drop waist or a ruched bodice. These will accentuate your curves and show off your figure. Select a mermaid silhouette or a trumpet skirt. These both work well for hour-glass figures.
Avoid straight cut dresses. They may be too snug for your curves and loose for your waist. Gathers and pleats can make your hips look disproportionate.
BUDGET . . . Set a budget — figure out how much you want to spend and be upfront with the salesperson so that you won’t lose your heart in a dress you can’t afford. Your budget will determine the dress you can get. Fancy dresses with embellishments are usually much more pricey that a simple one.
Know the place and time of your wedding when shopping, this will help focus your search. If you are having a beach wedding, rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic sparkles. Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable all year round but some such as linen and organdy are cooler in summer, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.
Look your best it’s your day. Email: [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu