Wedding Gowns to Compliment Your Figure and Budget

Find the wedding gown of your dreams to compliment your figure and budget by browsing our extensive 'Designers Directory', or searching our wedding gown classifieds, the world's most stunning selection of wedding gowns online. Print your favourite wedding gowns out, take note of the designer/website, gown name or product no., and slip them into a page protector. Keep each page in a binder that you can take with you to a bridal salon, department store, rental store or discount center.

Set a price that you are willing to pay for the wedding gown of your dreams. Beware of incredible "deals" or an "all-inclusive" price that would include items such as a free headpiece or detachable veil as the level of service that you receive may be reduced by the amount of the "free" item. As just mentioned you need to use caution in regards to 'incredible deals', but this does not mean they can not be found. In fact you may view a great selection of gowns for sale at unbelievable prices right here in our wedding gown classifieds section! However you find the gown of your dreams, be prepared to purchase it as soon as you try it on.

Most salons require a 50% non-refundable deposit when you order your gown. Use a credit card for both the deposit and any payments you make, if the gown does not arrive in time or there are problems with the order you may receive a refund directly from the credit card company.

Renting Gowns

Other gown options for the bride are to consider loaning a wedding gown from a dear married friend or renting a gown. If you choose to borrow a gown, be sure to return it freshly cleaned (or re-heir loomed if that is how you received it) and in perfect condition. Renting wedding gowns has become a popular and affordable option. Many brides consider that the gown they are wearing will be worn only once and can be quite pricey. Check bridal shops in your area for renting options. After you have chosen your gown to rent, the gown is fitted to your personal measurements and put away for you until your final fitting and wedding day.

A Word of Caution

Unless you have arranged to purchase a gown at substantially reduced prices from a service such as our wedding classifieds, we recommend you do not order a gown that you have not actually seen or tried on, the way it fits the model in the photo may not be they way you had hoped it would compliment your particular shape.

Use caution if you choose to purchase a gown from a trunk show or traveling show. Ask if the salon/hotel hosting the show will guarantee the purchase should you not be happy with the gown. Beware that most traveling shows are "cash and carry" and will not except refunds or exchanges.

When planning your gown budget, expect alteration fees. A custom fit will best compliment your figure. Inquire about the alteration policy and estimated fees that you will need to pay. Purchase a gown that is the closest to your usual dress size or 1-2 sizes larger to cut down on alteration expenses. Do not purchase a gown smaller than your usual dress size and expect to diet down to fit the gown. A larger gown can be altered to compliment you, a smaller one cannot.

Choose the shoes, under garments and petticoat (if applicable) you will be wearing and bring them with you to your fittings so that the length and fit of the gown can be accurately determined.

Compliment Your Shape and Style

Is your wedding formal, semiformal or informal? What time of day will your wedding be held? What is the season in which you will be getting married? Choose a gown that corresponds with the style of your wedding day.

Full Figure
Full tapered sleeves with a V shaped waist and full skirt will best compliment your figure. Tulle covered skirts add elegance and fullness to de-emphasize larger hips.

Hourglass Shape
Basque silhouette cuts that come to a "V" at the waist and fall into a full skirt will best enhance your figure. Refrain from large sleeves or bustles that can add extra bulk. Tulle gives the illusion of openness throughout the neck, arms and back.

Long/Short Legs
Short hemlines, angled hemline, sheath skirt with long split and short dress with long attached train or full skirt work well with long legs. An empire waistline, A-line skirt or simple sheath style will enhance shorter legs by giving the illusion that they are longer.

Pear Shape
Bring the focus to the upper half of your figure with the majority of the detailing being in this area. Try a strapless, spaghetti strapped or cap sleeve gown that drops into an A-line or full skirt.

Petite Figure
A dropped V line waist or sheath style gown will best compliment this figure. "Simple" is the rule as too much detailing will take away from your figure.

Small Bust
Bring the focus to this area with a strapless or spaghetti strapped bodice. Most of the detailing should be in this area. A princess/high neck together with a plunged V neckline will enhance this area of your figure.

Small/Short Waist
Elongate your figure with a princess or A-line skirt and fitted bodice. The empire waistline will also enhance your figure by making you look longer.

Tall and Slim Figure
Choose the classic sheath or a full skirt gown. Cathedral length trains or long veils will enhance your figure line as well as plunging or backless gowns.

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