Congratulations, you have found your perfect dress!  Next step: accessorize!  Even though your biggest accessory is your ring, you can still express your style with a little something extra. Use it to show off your individuality. Lets face it, the traditional wedding ensemble has been around for a very long time, and while it is the tradition that makes is so special, it can never hurt to make it your own.

The biggest trends focus on adding vibrant colors through jewelry, shoes, handbags, as well as hair accessories.

Shoes are becoming one of the ways of expression. It started out as a fun way to add that something blue, but it has now grown into pinks, greens, reds, any color at all just to brighten up the dress.

Obviously when it comes to wedding jewelry you don’t want anything that is going to take away from the ring. A lot of brides now though are adding a little subtle pop of color into their jewelry. Also, jewelry that has a vintage look is gathering a lot of attention from brides.

One of the biggest trends for 2012 and for the upcoming seasons as well is the feather fascinators. This goes along with the vintage trend and allows brides to step away from the traditional veils. These fascinators are large bridal hair accessories worn on the side of the head as a part of the hairstyle and the feather fascinators are inspired from the recent royal wedding of last year where there was an overflow of wedding hats and head pieces.

About the Author: 

Enchanted Celebrations is a wedding planning company based out of Manahawkin, New Jersey. The company was created by a young entrepreneur, Alex Karas in 2006 and is now run as a well-oiled machine out of his home. Alex is a wedding expert for News 12 New Jersey and has authored many wedding planning articles and a wedding ceremony etiquette book. He graduated from Stockton College with a Bachelor of Science and is pursuing a Masters in Management from Thomas Edison State College. On top of this Alex is also certified in Adobe Photoshop.

So the vows have been exchanged, the cake has been cut and you are now officially a Mrs. While you are still basking in the “after wedding” glow one may wonder, what do I do with my beautiful wedding dress? For many, they choose to preserve their gown, either as a keep-sake, or in the hopes that they will pass it down their future daughter.  However, if you are not looking at preserving or passing down your gown, there is an artistic and fun way to get one last hoorah out of your dress.

A Trash the Dress photo shoot is where the bride completely “trashes” her fairy tale gown to capture a once in a life time photo. These pictures are as unusual as they are memorable. The entire trash the dress phenomenon has made a huge impact since it was introduced in early 2000, and ever since then brides are searching for new ways to top existing trends. Trash the dress allows both bride and groom to present an alternative flare to the dos and don’ts associated with traditional weddings.

One thing to consider when in search of a photographer is their portfolio, and that it should contain a section of trash the dress photos. Not only will you be able to view their photography skills but you will also get some fun, new ideas and poses that you could use in your session.  Be clear with your photographer and what your vision is.  You only get one shot at trashing this beautiful dress, and you want to be sure that you are getting the shots that you envision.

There are so many possibilities when it comes to ways to trash your dress.  Much of it depends on where you live and the time of year.  Brainstorm areas where it would be unlikely that a beautiful white gown would be.  Do you live near train tracks or an old train yard?  How about a funky part of town with old or run-down buildings?  Are you near a lake, streams or the ocean?  Once you have your location picked out, then the fun really begins!  Don’t be afraid of getting on the ground, kneeling in mud, lying on your back and really getting dirty.  Climb trees, rocks or fences.  Snow and rain make for some beautiful shots, so don’t be deterred if the weather calls for rain or snow on the day of your wedding!

If you live near the mountains, how about you drive up the canyons and get some great shots climbing on rocks, wading in streams, rolling in open fields and wandering through trees.  If you live near water, like the ocean, consider a water photo-shoot.  Wear your gown as you splash and swim in the water, roll in the sand, and explore the shoreline.

Just remember, this photo-shoot is meant to be dirty and a bit funky.  At first it will most likely feel a little strange getting your dress dirty.  You were so careful with it before and during your wedding, that actually getting down on a dirty floor with it will seem a bit strange. However, after a few minutes and a few great shots, you will ease into in and it will be fun to “Trash the Dress”!

Guest Author Bio:

A Wedding is a one-time affair and every bride wants to look her best on this special day. The most significant thing that helps a bride to steal the limelight for the day is a beautiful and exotic wedding gown. There is a large variety available in the market when it comes to purchasing a wedding gown. However, this vast variety increases the dilemma of choosing the most perfect gown as all of these gowns are extremely attractive and charming. This is why you need to make use of some tips and suggestions that can help you select the most unique wedding gown that looks the best on you.

There are many designs and cuts available in wedding gowns. They differ in shoulder cuts, sleeve cuts, front designs, skirt size, drapes, embellishments, dress material etc. Such different designs and cuts can be easily found in different shops. However, it is not necessary that you like a wedding gown easily as every bride has built up an image of the type of wedding gown she would like to wear on her special day. In such a case, ‘made to order’ is the best option.

For getting a gown made to order, brides can pick up design ideas from various fashion magazines, fashion shows, or from the internet. For those who already know the kind of cuts and designs they need for their wedding gowns, simply mention them to the designer and select the dress material as per the design, season and your personal preference.

The choice of wedding gown can be based on some factors that enhance the basic look of the gown. Amongst these factors the most important factor is the body type of the bride. It is important that you select a wedding gown that flatters your body type.

Brides having broader hips can minimize the lower body part by creating an illusion on the upper body part. Brides that have broader upper body parts should emphasize more on the lower body part. The purpose  illusions is to balance the proportion for the final look. Use the wedding gown to flaunt the best body parts, like if you have a long neck line then you can have a high neck wedding gown and if you have a thin waist line then you can get a tight fit on the waist line in the gown.

There are also several techniques of getting a wedding gown designed that can help to bring a change in your appearance. For instance if you wish to appear taller then you can get a high neckline, short sleeves, or empire waist. To appear slender you can get high waistlines, A-line, vertical lines, etc. Bridal  shops also provide alterations and changes in the ready-made gowns according to the specifications or as per their own expertise.

So, browse around and select the perfect wedding gown that will turn everyone’s head.

This article has been written by an expert associated with WeddingMuseum.com, a company providing wedding planning ideas for today’s brides and grooms.

Who says you have to spend a lot to get the wedding dress of your dreams.  There are so many options out there nowadays.  With a little research you are sure to find the right wedding dress for the right price.  According to Brides.com, a bride spends an average of $1,075.00 on her wedding dress.  If you want a designer dress, say a  Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, or Alexander McQueen then the price range is going to be considerably higher.  In this case you could be looking at anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

There a few good ways to find that high end, elegant dress at a price you can afford.  How about considering a consignment shop or sample sale?    Most bridal salons will purchase a few wedding gowns of a designers collection to have in the shop for prospective brides to try on.  As the collections change the salon may choose to sell these samples to make way for samples of the newest collection.  This gives brides a chance to own a designer gown without the designer price tag.

Consignment shops work somewhat the same way.  If a bride decides she doesn’t want to keep her gown, she may decide to put it on “consignment”.  This means she takes the gown to the consignment store and they agree to sell it for a percentage of the sale.

Don’t forget, with the Internet world so readily available, your options are unlimited.  Even if you have found a dress you fell in love with, take the time to look around and see if you can find that gown somewhere that may save you some money.

Here are a couple things to remember while searching for that perfect gown.  First, wedding gowns can be taken in a bit.  That doesn’t mean that you can purchase a gown three sizes larger than you would normally wear and expect a seamstress to be able to take it in to fit you.  But you can purchase a gown that is one or possibly two (depending on the style) sizes too large and still be able to alter it.  Just be sure to confirm with a tailor that the dress is made of material that can be altered to fit before you buy it.  Second, when opting to purchase second hand or sample, you will want to get your dress professionally cleaned before you wear them.  Lastly, keep in mind that some salons may offer a limited return policy, make sure you ask what their policy is before you buy.

Your best day is about to arrive and your head is still spinning with questions like what type of wedding gown you should get, your hairstyle, jewelery, makeup etc. Don’t worry; this article will guide you to select the most important thing, i.e. the wedding gown for yourself.

A wedding gown is the most flattering and expensive dress that a woman can buy ever. Everyone woman wants to get the most beautiful gown so that no stone remains unturned to make her look stunning and drop dead gorgeous. Having this in mind, many women stumble upon gowns that were expensive and beautiful but are not according to their body type. Now think again. Is it worthwhile to buy an extravagant gown that does not suit your body type? Fashion experts suggest the one should buy clothes according to one’s body shape, so, whether is it a normal dress or a wedding gown, go for a cut and fit that are according to your body type, and not according to its price or looks.

There are some basic body types like apple shape, hourglass, pear, etc that define many females’ body, thus, you should identify your body type and select a wedding gown according to it.

If you are an apple-shaped woman that does not mean you are overweight, contrary to its name, this shape refers that you are carrying slightly more weight in the middle region bodies. You have rounded figure with big bust, broader shoulders, and narrower hips with less-defined waist. Choose a dress that defines your apple waist more so that you can look more feminine. Wear a bodice worn attached with A-line skirt, which looks slim around the waist and flared at the bottom, and is ideal for apple shaped women. Select a bodice that has fine detailing around the bust; it will make that region look attractive too.

Hourglass figure is said to be the perfect shape in all the body types. The hips and shoulder almost of the same width, and a well-defined waist determines hourglass figure. If you are blessed with this perfect figure, you need not worry about your gown; you can easily pull off anything. You can choose a dress that can highlight your curves, the most suitable dress for this figure will be fishtail skirt, and it will flaunt your figure and make you look stunning.  Go for empire-line top, which will accentuate your bust area. Do not forget your waist region, wear a well-fitted bodice to make your waist look even smaller and toned.

Pear shape is the most common body type in women and unfortunately the toughest to dress. Those women who have pear-shaped body type have voluptuous lower body with large hips. Pear-shaped women have small torso with small shoulder and bust. With huge curves on lower body part, pear shaped women are more prone to store weight on their hips region. As the pear-shaped women has small bust, one can wear dress or corset with lots of detailing on it, to create illusion of large bust. Moreover, for the bottom, choose an empire line skirt that falls in a straight line past the hips and make your lower body look slender.  An A-line deep halter dress with a low back looks amazingly good on women with pear-shaped body; it enhances the best part of their body, while hiding all the flaws.

This article has been written by an expert associated with WeddingMuseum.com, a company providing wedding planning for today’s brides and grooms.

There are so many options out there.  Start with deciding on what type of bride you want to be.   Are you a modern bride?  Traditional or classic bride?  Maybe you are going to have a very casual wedding or a destination wedding? Or maybe you just want to go over the top on your special day.  No matter what you decide there is a wedding dress for everyone.

Let’s take the modern bride.  Modern dresses are becoming very popular.  These dresses include halter style necklines; mermaid skirts, asymmetry in necklines and skirts, higher hemlines, and exaggerated contours.  These are not the only items that make a dress more modern.  Modern dresses can also include flowing fabrics, 3-D flowers or embellishments, drapey blouson bodices, gauzy materials, or sheer materials for that peek a boo look.  How about a dress that unzips or unbuttons so your elegant wedding gown now becomes a shorter, easier to move in cocktail length dress?  A lot of the time, modern brides choose not to wear a veil but choose to do something elegant with their hair.  What about something simple in your hair?

A traditional gown has a timeless air about it.  A traditional gown has equal parts of romanticism and sophistication about it.  Most traditional gowns are floor length.  It can just come to the floor or if you prefer it can have a train.  They can be sleeveless or have some sort of sleeve or strap. Two of the most common types of traditional wedding gowns are the A-line and the princess.  Most brides who want to stay with a traditional gown will also choose to wear a veil.  Usually traditional brides have some sort of veil.  Choose either a short and simple “blusher” veil or more elaborate elbow-length.

How about that wedding on the beach?  That may not call for a traditional gown.  Something a little more casual would be appropriate.  You will probably want to stay with a shorter gown, possibly knee length.  Fabrics with this type of dress are the key.  Keep with materials that are breezy and light.  Empire style dresses are good for outdoor weddings in the warmer climates because they only cling just under the bust line and gently skim the rest of the body keeping you light and cool.  Don’t forget this also works well with an outdoor wedding of any type, not just the beach.  With this type of casual gown, try a delicate floral woven head wreath to help keep your hair out of your face.

Are you the type of bride who just wants to go over the top?  Well it is your special day and you can have anything you want.  If that is the case go BIG.  If you are going to do it, do it with everything you have.  Make sure your dream dress is something spectacular.  The dress is going to be long, with cathedral trains six to eight feet behind you.  Or they are going to be full with layers of material.  Don’t forget the bling!  Bodices will have lots of it, either in the form of pearls, sequins, rhinestones or combinations of all of the above.  Over the top dresses call for over the top headpieces, think tiara or extra long, multi-layer veil.

You spend week’s possibly months choosing the perfect wedding dress, you have the most beautiful flowers, venue and everything is falling perfectly into place for the big day. You have spent a fortune on getting yourself in shape with facials, manicures, pedicures, hair colors and cuts, make up and tanning. You may have however made the mistake like many brides and over looked your bridal lingerie. This is a vital part of your planning for the big day as all the other elements could be ruined if the undergarments are not correct.

Bridal lingerie can see like a bit of midfield but there a few essential elements you need to decide on they are bra, pants and hosiery. The most important thing about getting the bra right is that it fits. Many women have never been properly fitted for a bra and this is the perfect opportunity to get professionally fitted. Most stores offer a free service for bra fitting this really can prove invaluable. Once you have correctly identified your size you should consider the shape and material of your dress. If you have for example a backless dress than you will need to look for an adhesive bra or specially fitted low cut bra. You also need to be careful when choosing the color anything highly patterned will show through and should be avoided.

If you have lumps and bumps and you would like to be streamlined then some magic pants can be great option. Think Bridget Jones style pants that don’t look particularly attractive when worn alone but when worn under a fitted dress can work wonders. Some dresses allow for all types of pants such as a ball gown or a-line cut. If you have a dress like this then you can choose pretty much anything. There are some really beautiful pants available complete with bows and ribbons or you could even get personalized ones! Just make sure that you are comfortable and they suit your body shape. French cuts knickers and boy shorts are more flattering to the bottom than a g-string. Whatever you chose make sure you are comfortable as you will be wearing them all day.

Once the bra and pants have been chosen you might want to wear some form of hosiery. Hosiery can be good if you are having winter wedding as it will keep you pins a bit warmer and can add some color to your legs. If you are wearing open toed shoes then make sure that you have seamless tights or stockings.

Basically you want your bridal lingerie to flatter your assets and remain invisible. You don’t want any knickerlines or bra straps on show. You want to feel as comfortable and as confident as you can on your big day so plan your bridal lingerie in advance. Even if it doesn’t look great on its own what’s important is that is working hard. You can change into something more attractive for your wedding night later on!

About the Author:  Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with brands like Debenhams. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.

Your boyfriend has proposed and slipped a gorgeous sparkler on your finger. You’re now officially engaged, and the time has come to start shopping for the wedding dress of your dreams. Finding a wedding dress can be a fun adventure, but it can also be a frustrating and stressful task. So here are some useful tips and tricks; and an overview of what to expect at a bridal appointment.

Before booking an appointment, it would be a good idea to figure out which types of dresses you would love to wear on your wedding — cupcake style with lots of layers, mermaid style with ornate beading, classic A-line with lace, etc. Your choice doesn’t have to be definitive, but it could help point your bridal consultant in the right direction. Simply flip through bridal magazines, or do an online search for wedding dresses that strike your fancy; and bring the pictures with you.

You should also have an idea of the type of wedding you’re planning; because the dress worn at a tropical beach wedding would be vastly different from a dress worn at a winter wedding in New York. You don’t have to know all the specific details of your wedding; but a general idea of what, when and where would definitely give some pointers to your bridal consultant.

Now that you have an idea of what dress you want and what type of wedding you’re planning, it’s time to make an appointment with the bridal boutique of your choice. You may ask why you need an appointment, and the reason is simple: your time is valuable. Brides with appointments will always be served first, and you don’t want to have to wait for a bridal consultant to free up.

Another thing to keep in mind when making your appointment is to allow yourself enough time to try dresses on — at least 60-90 minutes. Don’t try to squeeze in an appointment during your lunch hour from work. Since it can take up to 15 minutes to get you in and out of one wedding dress alone, you really want to have enough time to try on multiple dresses; and make it a pleasant experience — not just a rushed dash to the finish line.

As a general rule of thumb, you want to avoid wearing anything that could stain the dresses like heavy foundation, lipstick, body lotion or a strong perfume. You should also avoid getting a spray tan before your appointment. Bridal consultants usually recommend that you wear a nude colored (or white) strapless bra and matching undies. You can also bring with you some body shapers or bust enhancers. Don’t forget to bring a pair of shoes — similar to what you’re planning on wearing at your wedding; and if you’ve already purchased or inherited some bridal accessories, bring them along as well.

Once your dress is selected, keep in mind that a deposit of 25% – 50% of the final sale price is usually expected — especially if your dress needs to be special ordered. It can take up to 3-6 months for a dress to be delivered. If you want to keep all your options open, start shopping for your dress at least 9-12 months in advance.

You will also have to plan for alterations cost in your budget. From shortening the hem to taking in the bodice, alterations cost can add up very quickly. Keep in mind that the more layers, beading and details your dress has the more expensive the cost will be. It normally takes two or three fittings to adjust a dress. You will also need to hire an experienced seamstress specializing in wedding dresses to fit the dress properly — being comfortable in your dress for the entire duration of your wedding day is priceless.

If buying a dress is too expensive for your budget, you could always look into renting a wedding dress. Please be aware that choices can be limited, and you’ll rarely be able to make alterations to a rental. Another idea is to rent all the accessories — petticoat (underskirt), gloves, tiara, veil or winter cover. It could help lower some of your costs.

In the end, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your wedding dress on the first appointment. Just shop around — until you find the dress of your dreams. And, finally, our last piece of advice is to stay true to your style. Don’t lose your personality on your wedding day by choosing a dress that‘s not right for you. Your wedding dress should highlight your best assets and reflect your personality perfectly. On your wedding day, what your future husband simply wants to see is the girl he fell in love with… walking down the aisle, looking radiant and happy.

About the Author: Nadine Elliott, freelance writer for WeddingMuseum.com.

We found an online site today we would like to inform you about.  YesBride offers brides-to-be the opportunity to buy and sell wedding apparel.  Sections include wedding dresses, shoes, rings, accessories and more.  When clicking on wedding dresses, there are more than 6 posts today for selling wedding dresses.

The site is new to online for only a few months but is growing rapidly.  The site is 100% free to post items for sale and to use.  We are not sure if this will continue in the future as the site grows.  However, check it out and offer your thoughts.  In addition to for sale listings, YesBride also features a Forum to discuss any issues using the site.

We are not being paid to post this review…just use the information as is and make your own conclusions.

Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape

Like any bride-to-be, it’s easy to fall in the trap of having to find the perfect dress for your wedding day. Does such a thing exist? Yes, but it’s wise to remember that you’ll go through piles and piles of dresses to find the right one. The pressure of choosing a wedding dress is a common scenario that plays out in many bridal stores, and you’re not alone. As with any article of clothing, however, choosing the appropriate dress for your body shape is important. And if that dress is your wedding gown, there’s added incentive to find the right one.

Few dresses are ideal for everyone – and there are obviously assets you would like to emphasize and others you’d prefer to downplay. Usually, the sales associate at most bridal boutiques or stores will be able to offer an accurate analysis of the dresses you’ve selected, though you can also have your gown altered to make sure it ‘hugs’ you in the right places. While no body is alike, the following guidelines on choosing a wedding dress are designed to help you stick to the right style when browsing through the racks, online, or even having a dress specially made.

The Right Dress for Your Wedding Day

If you’re like most women, you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl, imagining a beautiful, fluffy white ball gown. Choosing your wedding dress may not be so simple. Today’s bride has a plethora of gown options available to her, including A-line, sheath, mermaid, empire, and ball gown silhouettes. Though fitting sessions are the only way to tell what works best for you, the following body shape tips are meant to help you sort through the pile.

Hourglass: This shape is, by far and large, considered the ideal of feminine beauty. Ball gowns are perfect for those with smaller waistlines, while form-fitting gowns work just as well and cleverly show off your curves. Choosing a wedding dress like a dropped waist wedding gown, an updated look from the 1920s that’s becoming very popular, works well for those with longer torsos and some height to them. Hourglass-shaped women are usually on the bustier side, so you’ll want to avoid the harsh straight lines of some strapless gowns; instead, opt for sweetheart necklines or something with a little twist.

Rectangular: Finding a dress for your wedding day is all about knowing your body shape. The idea here is to look for gowns that create curves even if you don’t have them. Elegant sheath dresses cut on the bias or bust-enhancing necklines create curves where none exist. A cinched waist dress on your wedding day, one with slightly puffier skirts, will similarly capitalize on your small waist and create volume.

Slim: A mermaid or trumpet dress for your wedding day is perfect for the slimmer bride with smaller hips, though this style can favor anyone on the slender side. A dress with a ruched bodice will create the appearance of a larger bust line, and, again, add curves where needed. Modified A-line gowns with slightly higher waist lines will make you appear taller as well.

Oval: Oval-shaped and plus-sized brides benefit from the classic lines of empire dresses; whether simple or jazzed up with some embellishments, this dress (a wedding day classic) hides numerous figure flaws and enhances the bust line. When choosing a wedding dress in the empire style, remember that it should be somewhat fitted, since a gown that’s too loose can become billowy.

Show Off Your Wedding Day Style

As a last note, an A-line dress on your wedding day is more often than not universally flattering. Tall brides should keep the lines, detailing, and fabric simple, though smaller brides can pull off fabrics with high sheen; however, they, too, should avoid decked-out gowns, opting instead for nice touches at the neckline or the bust line to draw the eye up. Choosing a wedding dress in this style hides a lot of flaws, but still offers that big skirt appeal from your girlhood days in a stylish way. Sheath gowns, too, offer the same benefits as A-line gowns, meaning they camouflage many of the flaws you’re looking to hide. In this case, however, differentiating between constructed (more curvy brides) and loose sheaths (slender brides) makes the difference when choosing a wedding dress.

Also, consider trying out this handy dream wedding gown creator that walks you through your unique body type and which styles would suit your shape best. It’s easy to use and provides some tips that will pay off during your shopping trips!

About the Author

Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Wedding Favors, the premier site for unique anniversary, baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Her wedding ideas have also benefited readers of many websites, including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before establishing Creative Wedding Favors in 2006, she worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing all the special moments of the nuptials and ceremony. Search for fun, festive favors by visiting www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com.

Finding the One – Dress, That Is

While flipping through the latest bridal magazine, you’ll come across dozens of wedding gown photos. Those models are so beautiful, and they all look perfect, regardless of the style of dress they’re wearing. But who of us has a model-perfect body? Practically no one. Each of us “everyday” women have certain areas we like to show off – maybe lovely legs, or toned upper arms and back, and those “problem” areas we need to play down – perhaps a too-small bust, or some extra rolls and bulges.

The following tips will help you choose a gown that will look perfect on you.

For a Large Bust
Avoid an empire waist or strapless gown. Instead go for a halter style, open scoop neck, or a high-cut v-neck to give you the right amount of support.

For a Small Bust
Avoid halter or strapless styles. They will only draw attention to your small size. Instead choose bodices with draping, ruching and other details will make you appear more voluminous.

For a Petite Figure
Avoid the bulk of a ball gown or a mermaid silhouette, which are too overpowering for a smaller body type. Also, keep detailing small and subtle. Large decorations are overwhelming. Instead try an empire waist, A-line, or sheath gown to delicately add length.

For a Tall, Narrow Figure
A sheath, mermaid or trumpet style is for you, as they add gentle curves. Soft detailing on the bodice or sleeves gives the illusion of width. You’ll want a waistline that is at or close to your own natural waistline. Those that are especially high (empire) or low (drop) waists add additional height.

For Wide Hips
The fullness of a ball gown helps to accentuate your waist while hiding hips, as will an A-line gown. Also try gowns with lovely detailing on the bodice or an off-the-shoulder neckline that will draw attention to the upper half of your body, as will a square or bateau neckline. Be careful with trumpet or sheath style gowns, as they may make you look out of proportion.

For a Full Waist
Avoid dresses that are fitted at your natural waistline. Instead, try a drop waist or an A-line dress to add curves. Also look for detailing around the neckline which will draw the eye to the upper part of your body.

For an Hourglass Figure
This figure has a natural balance – show it off! Choosing the right neckline and waistline are key. Open necklines like an off-the-shoulder are flattering. Accentuate your waist with a fitted waistline. Stay away from high waistlines or necklines. A trumpet skirt or ball gown enhances the hourglass shape.

For a Bit of a Tummy
Basque waists or waistlines with soft draping helps hide a protruding tummy. An A-line gown also beautifully hides this trouble spot while still showing some curves. Avoid a bias cut gown, as these will cling to every curve and bump.

About The Author:

Jean Neuhart, Professional Bridal Consultant, “For A Day Your Heart Will Never Forget . . .  Choose Weddings From The Heart“

Five Steps to Choosing your Dream Wedding Dress

Choosing your wedding gown can be quite a daunting task. There are so many expectations riding on your decision, and when you eventually venture into a bridal salon the choice can seem overwhelming. Fear not – if you’re suffering from that ‘Where do I start?’ feeling these quick tips should help.

1. Your look will set the tone for the rest of the bridal party, so start with yourself before you consider what everyone else should wear.

2. List the shapes, necklines, styles and colours which usually suit you. Most women have been choosing clothes which compliment their figures since they can remember, so this is a good place to begin.

3. Consider the style of your wedding – its formality, the time of year, the time of day and the venue. A heavily structured satin brocade ball gown could be ideal for a formal winter wedding, but if you’re marrying outdoors in summer you might prefer a delicate chiffon sheath gown.

4. Make appointments with two or three good bridal salons so you have their staff’s dedicated attention. Bring along a trusted friend or relative for an honest second opinion.

5. Find a shop assistant who has many years of experience and give her free reign to pick any gown from the whole shop. You may find a dress you thought would look like a meringue actually looks quite stunning once you try it on.

Finally, choose the dress you feel you were born to wear – you should feel comfortable, beautiful and really ‘you’ in it. And don’t be afraid to sleep on it before putting a deposit down – after all this is a once in a lifetime decision so you’ll want to get it right!

About the Author: Jessica Howe; Wow your guests with a wedding they’ll rave about for years. For inspiring wedding ideas, red hot promotions, giveaways, your wedding ‘tip of the day’ and hundreds of planning articles visit http://www.loveandcherish.net/, home of Jessica Howe’s highly acclaimed One Stop Wedding Kit.