Unlocking the secrets of wedding gowns
As a wedding gown designer, I’m asked a lot of questions about how one finds the perfect dress. My first piece of advice is start looking early. It can take upwards of four weeks for fittings and then six to eight months from the time you’ve ordered the dress to the time it is delivered. In other words, be safe and plan on the whole process taking about a year.
My second piece of advice for brides-to-be is enjoy the process. It’s not everyday we get to wear full-length gowns, so savour the experience. Try on anything that catches your eye and don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes, colours and fabrics. To help in your selection process, I’ve compiled a list of definitions and examples of silhouettes and styles you will come across. Give some thought to which styles will best compliment your body type and then have lots of fun trying it all on.
1. Ball gown: a fitted bodice with a full skirt. To get the full effect of the skirt, this gown should have a full crinoline underneath.
2. Mermaid: fitted to the knees and then the skirt flares out from just above the knee. Great for the hour glass figure as it shows off the curves.
3. A-line: the skirt part of the dress drops from the natural waistline forming an A shape to the floor. It hides your hips and shows off the narrowest part of your body, the waist.
4. Fit & Flare: fits through the upper body through to the hips and then the skirt flares from underneath the bottom line to the floor. It allows for more movement in the legs.
5. Sheath: fitted through the upper body and falls straight from the hips to the hemline. This shape doesn’t hide a lot of flaws but is stunning on those who are in tip-top shape.
6. Destination: although this isn’t an official “silhouette” it is a great option if you want a light- weight gown. These dresses can be any length (mini, cocktail, tea or full length) and are often made of chiffon, silk or polyester charmeuse, jersey, or a light-weight stretch satin. They are also lighter on the bank account.
7. Cocktail: a less formal look with a skirt that falls above or just to the knees. If this is the look you want, check out the bridesmaid section of the wedding dress store as most can be ordered in white or ivory and in a cocktail length, tea length or full length.
Wedding Gown Terms
Empire: style line found just underneath the bust
Natural waist: waistline that sits at the narrowest part of your waist
Dropped waist: waistline that sits closer to your hips
Ruched: fabric is gathered in a horizontal direction
Shirred: fabric is gathered in a vertical direction
Bias cut: fabric is cut on the diagonal of the cross/lengthwise grain allowing the fabric to drape and cling beautifully to the body
Sweetheart neckline: the neckline forms a heart-shaped look
Halter neckline: a neckline that attaches at the back of the neck leaving your shoulders bare and often has a low back
Princess seaming: style lines that cut vertically over the bust line and continue on through the waist and hips
Train: A swath of fabric that extends from the back of the waist. They vary in length from the “sweep,” which just barely brushes the floor, to the Royal Cathedral, which is three yards (108 inches) long
Andrea Hughes is a wedding gown designer and the owner of Kiss the Bride in Castlegar. Visit her website at www.kissthekootenaybride.ca
