Wedding Dress Dos and Don'ts

What wedding dress will be best for your coloring, shape & style? (expert advice)

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Although there seem to be a million little details that will go into making your wedding day perfect, most women feel as if their dress is the most important detail of all.  From the fabric to the cut and style, what kind of wedding dress you will wear is a huge decision.  It's important that you're aware of these wedding dress dos and don'ts before your big day arrives.

Your Own Personal Style

Do: Choose a dress that reflects your personality.  When it comes right down to the basics, this is your big day and what you want is important.  If you're not a fan of a particular dress (no matter how well it would complement your theme or location), don't wear that dress.  It's essential that you choose a dress which reflects who you are and what you love.

Don't: Give in to the ‘advice' from your mother-in-law, sister, best friend or groom for choosing a dress.  As great as their intentions are, it's not their wedding dress.  It's all about what makes you happy and that needs to be the focus of your wedding dress decision.

Your Theme and Location

Do: Consider the theme and location before purchasing a dress.  Try to find a gown that will work well with the location and theme of your ceremony.  For instance, an expensive, floor-length gown and cathedral veil are not good choices for a beach wedding.  Similarly, a casual and short sundress gown is not appropriate for a formal church wedding.  Considering the theme and location can help you purchase a gorgeous dress that you will love.

Don't: Be bound by tradition when it comes to choosing the dress.  If your theme and location are funky or unique, choose a dress that will work well - but make sure that you love the dress.  You don't HAVE to wear a white wedding dress and it doesn't all have to be one color.  You don't HAVE to choose a typical A-line wedding dress either.  The choice is up to you, so don't be afraid to leave tradition behind.

Your Body Type and Your Gown

Do: Choose a gown that works well with your body type.  A-line dresses work well on most body types; however there are some dresses that will not look the best on different bodies.  For instance, pear shaped women should avoid silhouette and mermaid-style dresses while very petite women can get lost in a ball gown wedding dress.  Speak with your wedding dress consultant about your body shape and finding the dress that is right for you.

Don't: Choose a white dress that will wash you out.  Even with white wedding dresses, a color must be chosen.  Individuals with fair skin should stay away from the stark white dresses and instead choose an off-white shade like champagne or eggshell.  Girls with dark skin can choose pretty much any white because it will look great against the skin.  However, if you have yellow or pink undertones, choose a dress that contrasts.  So, a girl with yellow undertones should choose a dress that has pink undertones. 

By remembering these wedding dress dos and don'ts, you can choose a dress that you will absolutely love for the most important day of your life.

Member Comments

22 123 3 lypris

06/02/2009 at 01:11 pm I think that the best choice is to have it custom made.  You can sit with the person in charge of making it and take away or add anything you want.  It also helps to make it fit your body correctly and without the risk of damaging the fabric while altering.

5472 248 141 theprincessb..

03/27/2009 at 12:49 pm I'm a pear shape and my wedding dress is a trumpet shape and looks faboosh!

1 9 2 laflacad

03/27/2009 at 12:43 pm DO:  Make sure you can move in your dress. Beyond breathing if you love to dance make sure your dress is dance ready.  That slight train on your french bustle looks heavenly while walking around but won't feel so great once it gets stepped on for hte 20th time DON'T: Sacrafice comfort for beauty.  You'll be in that dress all day, you want to not only love the way you look but feel good throughout.  That includes not getting a strapless if you'll be pulling up on it all day.

6789 1422 191 HolyMolyMatr..

03/27/2009 at 12:11 pm Great article! Also: DO: But the dress in the right size, and don't assume it will fit or you'll loose weight (lol I did this) DO: Try on the dress, b/c they aren't always what they seem just in pictures/ the internet! You may actually like other styles & fits!