Wedding Gazette

Your Butt

Putting Your Best Dress Forward

By Holly Korbey

You've canvassed the internet and the bridal magazines, you've doodled pictures on your desk blotter, and you probably have a pretty good idea what you want your wedding dress to look like. But will it look good on you? Here's some things to keep in mind when choosing the most flattering dress for your body type, and more importantly, your personal style. In the end, you should end up wearing exaclty what you want to wear, but a flattering rear view, silhouette and neckline will only add to your general gorgeousness.

Express Your Personal Style

What kind of clothes are you drawn to normally? Are you a princess, Jackie O, a flapper? Are you romantically lacy, sleek chic, or beachy casual? It's your day, so choose your style and go for it. But remember, if you decide on something that's totally not you, you may regret it later. Since your wedding day is the utmost expression of yourself, you'll feel most comfortable in a gown that's just a grander extension of you.

Consider Your Figure

Be honest with yourself regarding the cut of the gown that flatters you most by accentuating your pluses, and conveniently hiding your flaws. There are exeptions to the hard and fast body-type rules, however, so try on whatever tickles your fancy; the gown may surprise you. Here are the four basic wedding gown styles, and the bodies that show them off best.

Princess Ball Gown

Perfect for tall girls, or pear-shaped brides who are small on top and larger on the bottom. The fitted top accentuates thin arms and small chest, while the full skirt hides hips, butt, and thighs. If you are busty or short-waisted, you may want to stay away from the ball gown; the pouffy skirt will only shorten the distance between your breasts, ribs, and hips.

Empire-Waist Gown

If you're trying to mask your tummy or thighs, this high-waisted gown relieves the pressure from that area by drawing the eye up, above your natural waistline. It also distinctly expresses a romantic, Renaissance feel. Girls who are very tall and thin should avoid the dramatic high-waist, it will only dramatize your long, bony body.

Sheath Dress

Tall and thin supermodel figures look spectacular in a simple, fitted slip-like sheath. If you're small-chested, this free-formed gown makes you look a bit bustier by clinging closely to your figure. Petite or full-figured brides should avoid the sheath; it's long uninterrupted line makes short girls look shorter, and it's clingy nature shows every curve.

Classic A-line

Almost every woman looks good in the classic A-line dress, with a fitted top, natural waist, and gently sloping "A" shaped bottom that widens toward the floor. A heaven-send for the full figured, this traditional style is easy on the eye and its natural proportions draw attention to all the right areas.

Consider Your Surroundings

If you're getting married in a field of flowers, you may want to reconsider that cathedral train! Take a minute to think about where you're getting married, and what you'll be doing at the reception. Do you want to drag a full princess gown through the sand in 90 degree weather and back again? Will you want to boogie down at the reception? Be sure you can control your dress all night long, and if you want to be able to move around freely, the less dress you're carrying around, the happier you'll be at the end of the evening.

Consider the Opinion of Your Mother/Sister/Best Friend

I know, I know, you hate to do that, but it really is best to take at least two people whose opinions you trust shopping with you. This saves you from impulse buys, pushy salespeople, and other shopping mishaps that occur when you're left to your own devices. And, they can see your dress from all angles - especially your most popular one, that we mentioned above.

If You Find Something You Love, Buy It

Don't forget that most wedding gowns take 3 to 4 months to arrive once they've been ordered, and then there's a chance you've lost weight because of the stress, and the gown must be altered. If you find a dress that you love, it's gorgeous and affordable, pounce on it like a good man. Then you won't have to stress about your dress any longer.