Choosing Your Wedding-Maternity Dress

These days it is not uncommon for pregnant women to get married. As such, there is the need to find special wedding dresses that, we can say, serve as a maternity dress as well. How do you find the perfect wedding cum maternity dress? More so, where can you find one and what are the options available to you? Here are some things to bear in mind when deciding on your wedding-maternity dress.

The first thing that you have to consider is to pick a cut that you like and at the same time shows off your shape best. You may want to choose a cut that has a slimming effect as well. The usual maternity dress is normally shaped like a tent – meant to give the mother to be maximum comfort. However, they might not be the best for your wedding. So, for your wedding, you can choose something that would be both comfortable and stylish as well. Much like for plus size women, you can pick out an a-line cut, which would give you enough breathing room (thus comfort as well) and give you that stylish look at the same time. Another style that would show off your shape is the sheath style. This style is in fact perfect for those who are in their first trimester of pregnancy.

Maternity dresses are usually focused on embellishing the upper part. That is, the bust up. My suggestion is that you go for simplicity. Embroidered bodices are all well and good, as long as you don’t overdo it. Another good idea would be to have plunging necklines, or at least a v-neck. These would emphasize your bust and give you a sexier look.

You should also pay some attention to the material or the fabric. The best choice would be material that would fit snugly. The last thing that you would want to happen is for the material to bulge at the oddest places. What kinds of fabrics would be good then? Organza, silk, and georgette are some examples. Of course, you would have to makes sure that the material type is well suited to the style as well.

At this point, you should be well convinced that being pregnant does not mean that you cannot look your best on your wedding day. In fact, you will probably find a lot of help when it comes to making your decisions about your wedding cum maternity dress. Just look online for design ideas, there are a host of them. If you can afford it, you can even go to specialty stores. If you have more cash to spare, look for a tailor or a dressmaker. They would be more than happy to help you look your best for your wedding!

And remember, the important thing is always your comfort. This is even more important with you, as a mother to be. Do not sacrifice your comfort for style. There is no need for that. With the right ideas and assistance, you will surely be able to come up with the perfect wedding-maternity dress.

Deciding On Your Wedding Attire

This is perhaps one of the most time consuming and crucial decisions that you would have to make once you have decided to get married. For women, especially, the wedding attire is one of the foremost considerations for the wedding day. This day is the day for the bride to shine and perhaps the most outstanding element is her gown.

Tradition has it that the bride has to wear white. This is to symbolize the purity of the bride at the wedding altar. Though it may not be the idea behind many people’s minds today, we still see a lot of brides wear white on their wedding day. This does not mean, however, that you have to wear a white gown or dress if you do not want to. There is absolutely no law or decree forcing you to do so. In the end, the decision is up to you. What you want is what you should follow.

Where can you find the perfect gown or dress for your wedding? There are many options for today’s bride. The easiest would be to visit your local bridal shops. These shops specialize in weddings and as such will probably be able to assist you with your needs. They will be able to offer their expertise to you. You can either choose dresses or gowns off the rack or have one made especially for you. For the former, one advantage would be the price. Compared to made to order dresses or gowns, the off the rack ones would cost considerably less. You would also have a lot of choices to pick from. However, the advantage of made to order gowns or dresses is that you would have more flexibility regarding the style and design of your gown. This option is perfect for those who have a specific design in mind already. All you have to do is draw it on paper and they will make it for you. Of course, you have to be ready to pay the price, which is considerably more than the ready to wear gown.

Another option would be to look on the Internet. Traditionalists will probably balk at this idea but it quite practical. In today’s society, we can buy everything off the Net – and usually at a cheaper price! More so, we have a wide variety of options when it comes to shopping online. Another advantage of shopping online is the time factor. For people who are pressed for time, shopping online frees up your time for other things. However, you would have to take into consideration that you cannot fit the gown until it is shipped to you. You might have to have it changed or altered and this would also take some time.

As for the groom, the shopping ideas are basically the same – maybe even easier. Getting a tux is perhaps less complicated than buying a wedding gown. Some men even agree to just renting a tux!

It really is up to you, how you want to go about it. The important thing is that you are happy with your choice and that you will look radiant when your day comes.

Designer Wedding Gowns

White silk, lace, embroidery, petticoats…what does your dream gown look like? Have you found the person who will make it for you?

When you ask around, the first name that usually comes up is Vera Wang. This creative and talented artist often went with her mother to fashion shows in Paris. She got frustrated with the lack of fashion in bridal wear and decided to create her own shop. Today she is the hottest name in this industry, dressing such glamorous ladies for their nuptials as Jessica Simpson, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone.

Another name to watch out for in bridal fashion is Monique Lhuillier. This lady always wanted to be a fashion designer. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising but didn’t go into designing wedding gowns until after she designed her own wedding dress that she decided to get into this business. Today she designs gowns for such celebrities as Britney Spears, Christine Baumgartner (wife of Kevin Costner), Natalie Imbruglia and Charlotte Ross.

Now, you may be saying to yourself that you can’t afford the price tag of these designers. You may be surprised. While it’s true that to ask these designers to make a gown specifically would be expensive, you can get their designs off the rack, so to speak in places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus. You can also check out the online stores for wedding gowns made by these wonderful designers.

Quite a number of brides don’t wish to waste their gowns, sitting in their closets, just mouldering. That would be a shame. Their generosity, your find, an absolute treasure. Check out the bargains to be had from purchasing used wedding gowns created by these very same designers. They are absolutely beautiful and can make you feel asolutely glamorous on your wedding day without breaking your bank.

Your Wedding Party Outfit

You look gorgeous as you walk down the aisle. You’re an absolute princess in your medieval style gown. The lovely gown and long train add to the solemnity of the occasion and truly complements your beauty.

After the ceremony though that long train, layers of petticoats and really warm dress can get really uncomfortable as you go around mingling with your guests. You keep stepping on your own dress and just barely avoid pitching into the plate of one of your guests. Thank goodness for the strong arm and quick reflexes of your groom.

Why not have a detachable train made for your gown. It will look beautiful in all your pictures, will be there as you take your walk down the aisle but won’t hamper you when it’s time to mingle. There’ll be nothing to drape over your arm but your new spouse.

Why not have a layered skirt made for your gown that is slightly shorter in front growing longer towards the back. Lace can be used to create a false image of evenness. It’ll be easier for you to maneuver now that there is no cloth right in front of your foot.

If you’ve watched the Lizzie McGuire Movie, you’ll notice that they made her a gown where the skirt was detachable. Underneath, she had a pair of pants on that perfectly matched the rest of her ensemble. Again, you’ll have no problems circling the reception since there are no longer impediments to your movement. You’ll be able to really get down on the dance floor without losing your poise.

Of course, last resort, just have another outfit on standby. Once you’ve had the first dance and the father-daughter dance, you can change into an outfit more suitable for mingling and even for running quickly to your wedding car.

Find the Gown for your Body Type

The search for the perfect wedding dress begins - with a long, honest look at the mirror. What is your body shape? Even though you swear you’ll lose ten pounds before the wedding, you can’t drastically modify what Mother Nature has given you. And why should you? There are so many styles and materials available, there’s bound to be something that will make you look absolutely gorgeous, just the way you are.

Full figured women. Your best choice is the A-line, which lengthens the body without calling undue attention to the waistline. Look for a gown that concentrates its detail either at your neckline (a V-neck is most flattering, as a round neckline will only emphasize a round face) or at the hem. Another smart choice is the empire waist, that narrows at the bust and hides the waist and hips. Avoid heavily embroidered bodices or full veils; they’ll only add extra bulk.

Bottom Heavy. Go for a full skirt, and look for dresses that draw attention upwards—beautiful embroidery on the sleeves and neckline, a flattering bustier or corset bodice. Another trick is to show your arms, back and bustline (if you’re uncomfortable about showing too much skin, ask for a translucent, gauzy material). Avoid pleats or any fabric that’s gathered at the waist.

Large Bust. The secret is proportion. Wear off-the-shoulder sleeves (strapless or bustier cuts will only emphasize the chest area) and stick to a narrow, tailored skirt. Avoid detailed necklines; concentrate any embroidery at the hem or waist. It may take a while to find the perfect dress, but with the right planning and preparation you’re sure to find one that fits your body and your budget.