Choosing your destination wedding dress?
Under the Cyprus Sun has some great hints and tips to help you choose destination wedding dresses and save money at the same time. Once you've got over the heady euphoria of being newly engaged it's time to turn your mind to planning your wedding. One very important element of any brides wedding planning experience is 'choosing the dress'. There are various things to consider when making your dress choice, but if you’re planning a destination wedding climate will certainly figure strongly in your choice of destination wedding dress. Maybe you're already planning your Cyprus wedding. If so, there are some great ideas and tips in this section to help you choose the perfect dress.
Those heavily structured Ball gown numbers with layers of petticoats; though gorgeous to look at, are far from comfortable to wear in our Mediterranean sunshine. A-line, column, empire and Princess-Line dress shapes tend to be the most flattering and comfortable to wear in the heat in light weight versions of satin, taffeta, organza, crepe and chiffon. Hoops and net petticoats are not only cumbersome to transport on the flight, they generally result in a very hot and sticky bride.
My number 1 tip on making the right choice of dress is:- TRY ON many different styles in various colours and fabrics. What looks fantastic on the model in a bridal magazine may putting it bluntly look awful on you in reality. Think about your figure. What are the assets you'd like to accentuate? Which bits would you rather disguise?
Chunky ankles? Avoid cocktail or tea length. Great bust? Show it off with a detailed neckline.
Column The column dress is a figure-hugging sheath of fabric that comes in a variety of strapless and backless styles. It's an excellent choice if you have a slender or athletic build and if you're petite it will elongate your figure. Anyone wishing to show off 'well toned' curves will find the column clings in all the right places. However this clingy design might not be the style for you if there are certain areas you'd rather not accentuate.
Empire Line The classic empire line dress is ideal for many figure types with a high waist that sits just below the bust and drapes of fabric that gently skim curves rather than clinging to them. Its slender, flowing style is the ideal choice for creating the illusion of length on a petite figure and is similarly flattering to the fuller figure. Styles with swathed or bead encrusted bust lines are excellent for smaller busted brides.
A-Line A girl's best friend. Like the Princess Line the A-line dress universally flattering. By gently flaring from the shoulders or underarms if strapless, it skims curves rather than clinging to them creating an elegant silhouette. If you're petite it adds the illusion of length; if you're tall it can add fullness, and if you have a fuller shapely figure that you want show off in all the right places this shapes ideal.
Princess Line Like the A-line this shape is universally popular Created with a series of vertical panels of fabric, and no obvious waist, the Princess Line dress is more dramatic but similarly flattering. The panels follow the contours of the body creating shape and elongating the torso. The shape lends itself to stunning necklines accentuating the bust line and creating the illusion of a smaller waist. If you're not keen on the idea of a long gown and see yourself running through the surf in a short little number take a look at these!
Where to Buy Your Dress Bridal boutiques, Department Store Bridal departments and wedding Fairs now compete with the more recent 'online' wedding dress retailers. 'Some' of these online retailers offer fantastic savings on dresses that would usually make a significant dent in any wedding budget. Here's my advice on how to have your dream destination wedding dress for a fraction of the recommended retail price (RRP). 1) Plan a shopping trip to various bridal outlets and try,try,try. This will help you narrow down exactly what suits you. 2) Make a mental note of the design features that suit you best or better still take a friend along to take photos. The pictures will be a great reference tool after you've left the shop. 3) Jot down manufacturer/model no:/style names of dresses you love. 4) Get a good idea of the size you need to buy.
A broad guideline is you will need to go for the size that fits your largest part and have the dress altered for a perfect fit. For example, you may be a size 14 bust but need a 16 for your hips. ** Please don't be distressed if you have to buy a larger size than usual. Looking fantastic is the important thing and nobody sees the size label inside the dress**
5) Armed with all the above information check out the online wedding dress retailers to see what fantastic savings there are to be made. 6) make sure you order in plenty of time particularly if you're purchasing from a company based in the USA or China. Wedding dress manufacturers often require in excess of 12 weeks lead time to process and despatch a wedding dress order. 7) Pay very close attention to size and measurement guidelines on the website and within product information. Once again if you’re buying from overseas remember USA dress sizes are one size smaller than UK. For example a US 16 is a UK 18. 8) Measure yourself carefully according to the websites guidelines and if you appear to be between sizes go for the larger dress. You can always make a dress smaller creating the perfect fit but it's virtually impossible to make one larger.
I think this is an excellent way to shop for your bridesmaids as well. You can all get together around the computer screen and take a look at the various dress styles available. Online retailers are great if your attendants have varying figure types as many of the dress designs are available in the same range of colour choices. You can keep the colour theme right whilst the bridesmaids choose a style that suits them. No doubt you'll be amazed at the savings you can make off RRP but if you're wary of ordering online or from overseas manufacturers take a look at the testimonials to learn how happy other brides have been with the service and their purchases. Generally all wedding dresses have to be altered regardless of where you make you're purchase so why not benefit from the savings available via online retailers. Local seamstresses will be glad to make the necessary alterations for you once your dress arrives. Remember to order in plenty time to cover lead in and delivery times. Most wedding dresses originate in the Far East with some 12-16week lead in times and I would advise you plan to take delivery of the dress at least 1 month prior to your wedding date so you can have any necessary alterations done with ease. Rushing around at the last minute will only add to the stress of the occasion.
Have fun shopping for your destination wedding dress and don't forget to
let me know
all about your perfect day.
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