Every bride dreams of looking her absolute best on her wedding day. From sparkling tiaras to elegant heels, every accessory matters. But nothing plays a more crucial role than the wedding dress. Finding the right one can be daunting, especially with the many options available. But here’s the catch: not every dress suits every body type. Let’s unravel the mystery behind choosing the ideal gown for your body shape.
Continue reading Wedding Dresses for Every Body Type: The Ultimate 2024 Guide
Buying the perfect wedding dress is only half the task done! Now, you have to start the process of having it fitted to your exact measurements, so you can look perfect on your wedding day.
Ready-made wedding dresses are built to specific measurements, based on the designer collection they belong to. When you look at a particular wedding dress collection, you will observe that all the dresses in that size will have the same measurements for the bust, waist and hips. Unless you measure exactly the same for these three aspects, it is likely that you will need at least minimal alterations so your dress fits correctly.
Let us make this more clear!
No two women are alike. Haven’t you noticed how the same dress can look different on two women who share the same dress size? Although your dress size may be the same, your structure and built are different. So, how a dress drapes around you will also be different. A dress is based on standard measurements that guide you to the closest fit. The fact is that it is nearly impossible to find a dress that will exactly match your body size and measurements.
This is where fitting sessions come into the picture. Every bride must have her wedding dress altered to fit her correctly, if she has to look her best on her wedding day. Wedding dresses are structured garments that usually follow your natural shape. Unless the silhouette enhances your best features, and fits comfortably, you can look either squeezed into a dress or holding it up like a hanger. Neither of these are good! Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to alter your wedding dress, and all it takes is a couple of fitting sessions after you buy your dress.
Before we move on to how you can make the most of your fitting sessions, let us first look at some things that will help you make the job much easier, even before you book your first session.
Once you take care of these factors, you will have a gown that will yield to your vision, with minimum alterations. Although you can always schedule as many alteration sessions as you want, it isn’t usually necessary to have more than three or four sessions to get the desired look.
Before you go for your wedding fitting session, it will be helpful to know what you can expect at it. Let us find out now.
What to expect at your wedding dress fitting sessions
During your wedding fitting, you will be working with a tailor or seamstress who has the well-needed experience to work on wedding dresses. Remember that not every tailor is capable of the task, as wedding dresses are complicated garments with several layers of fabric. The design details are also very intricate. Unless the person working on altering it knows her way around wedding gowns, it can become a disaster.
You will most likely have to attend more than one alteration session to have your dress look like it should, on your wedding day. Your seamstress should be able to give you an idea of how many sessions will be necessary, when you attend your first appointment.
The first appointment: At your first appointment, your tailor will take a look at your dress while you are wearing it. She will then suggest what fixes will be required to make it fit your actual measurements. This is also the time when you will have to discuss custom changes like adding a sleeve or altering any design details like the neckline, so it meets your vision.
Your tailor will be taking down measurements and notes, and will pin and tuck the fabric on the dress to make it match your curves and look good on your body shape. At this time, pay attention to whether you like what you see and make your suggestions on whether something should be different. If you want it a little loose or tighter than what she thinks is right, let her know.
Consecutive fitting sessions: Your tailor will work on the suggested changes after your initial appointment. You will have subsequent appointments once these changes are done, and it will be while you are wearing the garment. The following appointments are usually shorter than the first, and you will see your dress coming closer to the final form it should be in, for your wedding day.
If there are any changes that you aren’t quite content with, or you wish to make any further changes to the original plan, you can discuss this with your tailor. If it is practical and there is enough time to work on it, you should be able to have it done.
Now let us take a look at some handy tips to help you make the most of your fitting sessions.
1.Try to be at your target size in time for the final fitting: Fitting sessions are all about getting the dress to fit your natural size and curves perfectly. This will be impossible for your seamstress to do, if your size keeps fluctuating significantly, from one session to another. Schedule your final appointment close to the big day. A week before the wedding would be a good time. By this time, you should ideally have reached your final target size, and your seamstress can do the last-minute changes to make your dress fit you just right.
2.Wear your wedding shoes at the session: Once you buy your wedding dress, don’t delay buying your wedding shoes. This is because you must wear your actual wedding shoes at your alteration session, if you are to get your gown length right. Your seamstress will have to shorten the dress hemline to be just right so it covers your feet. If you buy the shoes after the hemline is done, and the heel length ends up being higher than you assumed, your dress will look shorter than it ought to be. If the heels are shorter, you risk tripping over the dress, and having an accident.
3.Wear undergarments and shapewear that you will actually use on the day: Make sure that your dress fitting is done to perfection, by having it altered over the actual innerwear you will be using on your wedding day. If you wear shape-wear, it will squeeze in any unsightly bumps, making your figure more attractive. Unless you wear it to your fitting session, your tailor would be working with your actual figure when altering the dress. This could cause you to lose the advantage of using shapewear for a more toned look on the actual day.
4.Make sure you feel comfortable in the dress: At each alteration session, the main thing you should look at is whether the dress looks and feels comfortable. If it is loose or too tight, inform your seamstress so she can make the necessary changes. Also pay attention to the neckline. If you have chosen a strapless or sweetheart neckline, see to it that the neckline stays taut and doesn’t shift. You should feel comfortable about where it begins and how tight it is. If the dress reveals cleavage, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of exposed skin. Ask your tailor to make adjustments if it doesn’t meet your expectations or is deeper than you are comfortable with.
5.Follow up on the previous sessions inputs: It will be helpful if you keep notes of the changes you suggested at the previous session. Also take pictures so you know what suggestions were made and can follow through. At the next session, make sure that the concerns you had previously were addressed. If not, ask your seamstress to prioritize them for the next time. If you had any more ideas after your previous session, note them down so you can discuss it with your tailor at the coming appointment.
6.Walk, twirl and make sure you can move comfortably in your dress: You will be in your wedding gown for several hours on the day you get married. Make sure that the dress is comfortable to wear during your fitting sessions. Lift your arms and stretch them to see if the neckline stays steady. Try sitting down, walking and twirling as you would on the dance floor to ensure the fabric doesn’t stifle your movements. Also walk around a lot, to make sure that the skirt length is correct and you do not run the risk of tripping over an excessively long hemline. Discuss the changes that may be necessary if the bodice is too tight or feels loose, and ask your tailor to correct it for the next session.
With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble with your alterations. Watch yourself love your wedding dress more and more with each consecutive appointment when the dress is made to fit you perfectly.
At Best for Bride, our wedding dress services include wedding gown alterations. Our seamstresses have years of experience working on wedding gowns and can offer you the best possible service you can get, for the most reasonable cost. We handle everything from simple dress fittings to complicated design changes easily. Whether you want to have your wedding dress altered or your wedding party’s dresses fitted to perfection, you have the solution at Best for Bride. Call us or drop in today to find out what we can do to help you. Watch our video for more tips and advice on using our alteration services.
Our store also brings you wedding dresses of every style from top-class designers and a range of wedding services. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop bridal destination and welcome you to visit and explore all that we offer you to make your dream wedding day a reality.
Your wedding ring is the symbol of your union that you will wear forever. So, choose it with care and you will love wearing it in the years to come.
Rings or wedding bands are available in every design, pattern and color. While having so many options allows you to find a unique choice, it can also become very difficult for you to choose. This article will guide you through all the options available to you, so you can narrow down your choices to what you love the most and buy your ring based on it.
Type of metal
Rings can be made from different metals, and the metal you choose will not only determine the look, but will also affect the durability and usability of your ring. So, this is a good place to start. The most commonly preferred metals for wedding bands include the following.
White gold: Gold is alloyed with other metals like nickel or platinum to create a white or silver-colored finish. These rings are usually coated with an outer layer of rhodium for added shine, making the ring whiter. Although this layer may wear off continuously over time, it can be reapplied to regain the original look. White gold resembles platinum but is more economical. The purity of gold in wedding bands can be18ct or less, depending on the amount of gold in the ring.
Yellow gold: The traditional choice for wedding bands, yellow gold is an alloy of gold with other metals that look yellow in color. Like white gold, it is available in 18ct, 14ct and 9ct. It is also available as 22 ct or even 24 ct. However, as the amount of gold increases, the band becomes very soft and, hence, isn’t suitable for daily wear. A ring of 18ct or less would be ideal.
Rose Gold: A shimmery pink colored alloy of gold, these rings contain copper alloyed with gold in a specific ratio to have a pinkish color. The presence of other metals like zinc can alter the color to a reddish yellow or dark yellow, but it has a distinct pink overtone.
Platinum: One of the most expensive options, platinum is a metal that is greatly preferred by couples today. Platinum rings have a white color, similar to that of white gold. The difference however, is that it tolerates wear and tear very well, and is the ideal choice if you want a ring that will stay unmarked even after years of use.
Silver: One of the most budget-friendly choices in metals, silver an rings are usually white, but can also take on oxidized, satin or polished finish. Silver rings look similar to white gold initially, but they are most prone to wear and tear in comparison with other metals. Being a soft metal, every small scratch and mark will show up and cause it to look aged. You may also like to look at palladium sterling silver, which contains palladium in the alloy. The benefit of this choice is that it has better durability and you can still enjoy the original charm of a traditional silver band on your finger.
Titanium: This lightweight gray metal is the ideal choice for people allergic to metals. Titanium is slightly darker than traditional white gold or platinum but is a good choice for its durability and hypo-allergenic properties. It also feels very light on the finger.
Now, let us look at the different ring finishes you can choose from.
Wedding ring finishes
Mirror or glossy: Here the ring is polished to be reflective, and this makes it shine and look brand new till wear and tear sets in.
Matte: The best way to describe a matte surface is to call it misty. The texture of the ring is such that it will be coarse to the touch, and look marked or rugged. You can choose between fine matte and coarse matte, depending on whether you want it to look slightly textured or uneven and visibly marked.
Stardust: Here, the metal’s surface is subjected to high polishing and texturing, so it selectively sparkles. As the name suggests, the effect is similar to that of stardust with a distinct shine, and it has a sophisticated look.
Hammered: Here the ring surface is softly hammered to create dents that reflect light and give it a rugged appearance. The entire surface will be textured in multiple directions due to the uneven hammering effect, and this makes the ring brighter than it actually is.
Sandblasted: The ring is subjected to high pressure and the surface is blasted with sand grains to create a definitive textured finish.
Next, let us take a look at the different ring profiles, as this can greatly impact the way the ring shows on your finger.
Wedding band profiles
Court: This is the traditional style, where the edges are rounded and both the inner and outer faces are curved. The outer surface is gently curved, so it doesn’t look too bulky. When choosing the rings together, many couples usually choose the same design with the groom chooses a wider width for their ring than their bride does.
D-shape: The inside of this ring is flat, while the outer area is rounded. This makes it sit closely on the finger, while the rounded outer surface makes it comfortable as well.
Flat court: These rings are comfortable, as it has a rounded fit on the inner surface. The outer surface, on the other hand, is flat and reflective, making it slim and shiny.
Concave: Distinct from the other types of rings, concave wedding rings have an inward curving outer surface. This gives it a textured look. Although it is an attractive-looking profile, the drawback is that this profile isn’t easy to re-size, so you may have to consider this factor when you choose to go with it.
We have looked at the technical details pertaining to wedding rings. Next, let us move on to the more interesting aspect—Style! The wedding ring you choose should be a reflection of your personal style, as it will be part of your daily attire. We suggest you devote some time to decide which style will still appeal to you, years after you’ve been married. Let us look at the options available.
Wedding ring styles
Plain band: As the name suggests, the plain wedding band has a simple structure with no fancy designing or details. It is the traditional favorite. The plain band can take on any of the profiles and finishes mentioned above, and it is easier to modify or re-size later, should the need arise. If you have a beautiful engagement ring which you will continue to wear along with your wedding band, the plain ring is one of the best options that will sit well with it.
Shaped ring: One of the important factors to consider, when you choose to wear two rings side-by-side is how well they sit together. If your engagement ring is slightly bigger in diameter or has a distinct style, it is important to choose your wedding band in a shape that will go well with it. Shaped wedding rings are contoured to suit the size of your finger, and they come in a variety of shapes. The most common shapes are curved, wishbone or cut-out.
Stone or gem-set: gem set ring You may have a solitaire or precious stone of significant size on your engagement ring, but it won’t hurt to add a little sparkle to your wedding band as well. Diamond set wedding rings are fashionable, with brides either choosing to add a single small gem inlay or having gemstones all over the curved surface of the ring. The stone is usually round or square-cut. However, it is not unusual to find stones of unique shapes, such as a pear-shape or marquise cut. Gemstones other than diamonds, such as tanzanite, sapphires, aquamarine, ruby and topaz are common choices. It is a good idea to have gems set in both wedding bands, as this allows the groom to also wear a sparkling gem that reminds him of his beautiful bride. Gem set wedding bands are usually done in plain or shaped ring designs.
Inlay: Whether you want something unique, or are unable to decide which metal is best, wedding bands with inlays are your best choice. Duo-tone bands with one metal sandwiched between strips of another metal allow you to mix your favorite metal colors. The other option is to add a wooden or ceramic band in between two metal layers or adding a hammered or textured inlay. By varying the thickness of the inlay, you can find a design that is unique. Mixing of white gold or platinum with yellow gold is a popular choice, as it is durable and has a timeless elegance.
Engraved: engraved ring A beautiful and romantic addition to any wedding ring, engraved wedding bands have always been very popular. Most couples engrave a line of text on the inside or outside of the ring. However, you can choose to have anything engraved on your ring. The common choice that most couples go with is to engrave their initials and their wedding date. You can also choose a simple expression or quote like “All my love.” We also found some more interesting ideas for wedding band engravings, such as
When you choose to have your wedding band engraved remember that the customization will take time, and you will have to place your order early, so it is ready on time. Also remember to double check your spellings before you place the order, as it cannot be redone if there is a mistake. Keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of characters that can be engraved, depending on how small the ring is. So, plan accordingly.
Here are some general tips to remember when you go wedding band shopping.
Wedding ring shopping tips
#1 Start Early
As with everything wedding-related, start shopping for your wedding band early. We think two to three months before the wedding should give you sufficient time to browse options, narrow down choices, try on rings and zero-in on the one you love. If you choose to have your ring engraved or custom-made, it can take anywhere from one to two months. So, keep this in mind when you go shopping.
#2 Choose a ring that is suited to your lifestyle
Your wedding band will be a regular on your finger throughout your lifespan. So, make sure you choose a metal that will tolerate the strain it will endure. If you actively work with your hands and use sharp instruments or apply a lot of strength and force, choose metals like platinum that can endure it. Also avoid gemstones that can come loose or engravings that quickly trap dirt and age the ring quickly.
#3 Think long-term
Before you finalize a ring that is flashy and very trendy, think of how your choices may change over the years. The wedding band is meant for eternity, so it should be a choice that you will continue to love over the years. Think of how you see yourself ten years from now, and consider whether you will still love this choice then. Classic and timeless designs are better that way.
You should now have all the information you need to start shopping. Have a great time trying on rings and hope you find one that you will always love.
Continue visiting us on Best for Bride for more wedding related tips and advice, and also to shop for all your wedding needs.
