Get the Best from your Retailer

The following is offered as a general guide for brides making that first step towards buying their dream gown.  Before you visit your bridal retailer please remember that the gowns they have are not supplied to them free of charge.  Contrary to popular belief, retailers pay for all their gowns and they are used for brides to try on until such a time as the style is either discontinued or the retailer wants to make room for new stock.  These gowns are then sold at a tremendous discount on the new price. Retailers try their very best to keep these gowns in as good condition as possible and you can help them in the following ways;

• Please keep make-up to a minimum
• Please please please do not apply fake tan before attending your appointment
• Remember that children with sticky fingers and bridal gowns are not a good combination 

By helping your retailer in this way you will help preserve the gowns in the condition that you would expect when you trying them on yourself.

Now for the types of dress that you will find when you get there and the general suitability for different figures.

Guide to Choosing your Gown & Who you should bring.

Bridal Gowns come in 6 basic shapes and getting to know which of these silhouettes suits your frame and figure best can make the shopping experience much easier and enjoyable. Our advice is to try one gown of each shape as this will give you an indication of which dresses to try and those to stay away from.

Ball Gown 
The most traditional shape of wedding gowns and can give the real princess look. This is a dramatic and full wedding gown which generally has a well fitted corset/bodice and the skirt is very full with lots of netting underneath to give even more body. Trains are generally mid to long to even longer with ball gowns and this style looks amazing for church weddings and large hotels.

Good for: Most body shapes as they can hide a multitude of sins but also emphasise a small waist.

Not so good for: Petite frames as the bride can tend to look lost in the fabric.

Slinky/Sheath Gown 
This is definitely coming into bridal fashion at present for brides looking for something different. Also popular for weddings abroad due to ease of carriage plus they are also lighter and cooler to wear on the beach than a ball gown! The materials used can be slipper satins and silks, with jewel encrustments. Due to the nature of the materials and the cut, this style is not for the shy of heart.

Good for: Proportional builds as they tend to emphasise the lower half. We have seen these gowns look amazing on fuller figured girls however the right lingerie must be worn to achieve a smooth sexy sillhouette.

Not so good for: Brides worried about lumps and bumps as you cannot hide in this style, but bring along your Spanx Pants and give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Empire 
The Empire cut emphasises the bust as the waist line is higher than usual, lying just under the bust. The flowing material under the bust is generally very flattering to a fuller waist line and is also ideal for pregnant brides who are not keen on the corseted bodice of a ball gown. This style lends itself well to having sleeves or straps.

Good for: Small busts, petite frames as it the straighter skirt can add inches to your height.

Not so good for: Large busts and shoulders as this only serves to emphasise this area.

A-line/Princess Cut 
This is a popular shape as like the ball gown it can disguise all the areas that brides generally want to hide, leaving smooth classic lines and a confident bride. The A-line is so-called due to the slim fitting torso section and the fuller, flared skirt, making an 'A' shape.

Good for: all body shapes

Mermaid 
this style, like the Slinky, is designed to show off your womanly curves and let's face it our men love them even if we don't. The Mermaid dress is typically cut to synch in at the waist and just above the knees to accentuate your bust, waist and hips. Absolutely stunning.

Good for: Lucky slim figured ladies out there, of all heights

Not so good for: Fuller hips as they tend to emphasise this area.

Prom/50s tea dress 
Making a come back into bridal fashion is the simple prom dress, usually with netting galore to give a full swishing skirt. Great for those of you looking for something different or a second marriage perhaps? Stunning with Audrey length veils, little gloves and killer heels!

Good for: Brides wanting to show off their shapely legs, any body shape can look good in this length.

Not so good for: Heavy legs

I hope that you have found this general guide useful.

Now go and find out for yourself why British Bridal Retailers Association members are where you should go to make your wedding day a day to remember.

We are indebted to one of our fabulous members for providing the following insight into who you may want to bring to help with this important decision.

Click here for link

British Bridal Retailers Association-Exceeding Expectations