THE ROCK MY WEDDING GUIDE TO DRESSES in association with THE FASHION PACK
THE SILHOUETTE EMPIRE WAIST The waist line on an empire gown is right under the bust. If you are petite and want to create the illusion of a longer body you may want to think about this shape. IAN STUART Bridal gowns are unlike anything else you have worn before. Be open minded to the fact that those hips you usually hide will make you feel like a knock out in your dress.
SUZANNE NEVILLE To find the dress of your dreams it s important to start with the shape, choose a shape that flatters your figure and gives you confidence. Once this has been decided you can then concentrate on the detail, such as fabric, neckline and accessories. A-LINE With a fitted bodice and a skirt that gently flares out this silhouette suits most body shapes.
CHARLOTTE BALBIER Let the boutique stylist help guide you into finding the right style for you from a small selection not 100 s. BALLGOWN Fit for a Princess! This style of gown has a fitted bodice and a full, volumous skirt.
SHEATH/COLUMN The column silhouette is a very narrow cut which often emphasises all of your curves. It suits a well proportioned figure. NAOMI NEOH Don t be afraid to break from tradition there are no bride laws. You can wear whatever colour, dress, style etc and look whatever way you want on YOUR DAY.
MERMAID/TRUMPET A mermaid or trumpet cut gown features a corseted bodice and a fishtail shaped skirt starting either just below or just above the knee. They are designed to hug your curves in all the right places. TWOBIRDS Have a hair trial in the morning to get yourself into the zone. Go with your heart! If you love it then go for it no matter what anyone has to say.
AMANDA WYATT Keep an open mind, listen to the stylist in the boutique as they are experts and will know what will suit you, your style and body shape. THE NECKLINE SWEETHEART STRAIGHT OFF-SHOULDER JEWEL SCOOP V-NECK BATEAU SQUARE HALTER HALTER STRAP HIGH NECK SABRINA SPAGHETTI STRAP ASYMMETRIC QUEEN ANNE ILLUSION COWL GRECIAN
SALLY LACOCK Have an idea of budget in mind and try to avoid trying anything that is unrealistic for your budget. Ask if alterations are included in the price because this can make a big difference. THE TRAIN TRADITION According to tradition, trains are exclusively for first time brides... No second weddings or renewals. But we say screw that! Wear the biggest train you can find at your renewal if you so wish! CHAPEL This train sweeps between 12 to 18 inches on the floor. ROYAL/MONARCH Think Princess Di super train. You will definitely need help from your best girls to walk down the aisle in this. SWEEP/BRUSH A sweep train trail about 6 inches on the floor. CATHEDRAL A cathedral train extends 22 or more inches. You can also get a semi-cathedral which would be half way between a chapel and a cathedral.
THE FABRIC Wedding dresses come in all sorts of fabrics these days. You used to be fairly limited to a few to choose from but designers are always experimenting with new fabrics and especially organic ones. Below is a list of the most commonly found. SATIN Satin has been used forever in bridal gowns. It is heavy, smooth and shiny. CHIFFON Chiffon is a transparent fabric that is mainly layered with other fabrics, such as silk polyester or cotton. It s a very light, sheer fabric. LACE There are a million types of lace from all corners of the world. It s now often made with cotton thread but you can still find some that would be made of silk. CREPE Crepe is a fine fabric that is light and soft with a crinkled surface. TAFFETA This smooth fabric is often made from silk and similarly to organza has a crisp, yet soft finish. STEWART PARVIN Don t take too many friends to your appointment - it s better to have maybe one or two of your closest friends who have your best interests at heart, aren t going to have too many conflicting opinions and who s style advice you trust. TULLE Tulle is a form of netting that is often used to add volume to a dress but it has more recently been used as the main finish to the skirt.