Strapless Wedding Gowns, maybe it's your dream design or worse maybe your sick of them!
Whichever side of the fence you fall on, strapless wedding dresses are still the most popular style for today's bride.
Now more than ever, strapless dresses are available in every kind of cut from the simple to the elaborate. But what is it about this style that appeals to so many brides? And more importantly, what should every woman know before she buys her dream strapless wedding dress?
When you're looking at a dress without sleeves or straps, you need to first be mindful of your figure type. It seems that all brides have thrown caution to the wind and even the plus size bride who in the past wouldn't even consider such a style are jumping on the band wagon. So here are the biggest things you should look at before you buy.
1. If you are a US Size 12 and below and you have a proportional bust then you are the ideal candidate for a strapless bridal dress. You should be able to wear just about any gown and not be too mindful of the closure. However, if you have a C cup or above, then it would be wise to make sure that you have some boning incorporated into your bodice. This will definitely give you that added support.
2. Closure styles can make or break a strapless wedding dress. If you have a properly fitted gown a hidden zipper or satin covered button closures are always a standard, and should work well. However, a French corset style closure gives you much more control. You can tighten or loosen your bodice and it definitely helps eliminate some of the last minute alterations that brides-to-be might need because of fluctuations in their figures.
3. Almost all full length wedding gowns that are strapless should have boning in the bodice. If you have ever tried on a wedding gown you know what I mean. Wedding gowns are heavy! Ask anyone who's been to Filene's Running of the Brides!
Boning is like an underwire in a bra, it's there for support . But in this case it is a long strip of either heavy duty plastic or an actual "wire" , covered in a material channel, that runs vertically from the top of your gowns bodice to the waistline. Boning will make the bodice stay up and if you are a plus size bride, you will need extra "bones" to help your bodice fit properly and stay up. Also, if you are bigger busted, extra bones can be the difference between a well fitted wedding dress and an utter disaster.
4. The one fact that most brides don't even consider when they are looking at that strapless bridal dress is wedding pictures. A good photographer will tell you that strapless wedding dresses can actually prohibit close up portraits. Why? Think about it, the Bride looks naked! That's right, if you want close up wedding pictures taken, then consider how you will look without anything on your shoulders. You will look like you have no clothes on! If you can, ask your bridal shop to just give you some detachable spaghetti straps so that you can put them on for any close ups. This will eliminate the concern over that one close up shot of you and your new husband!
If you keep these 4 facts in mind, you should be able to buy the strapless bridal dress of your dreams that will have you looking like a million dollars! |
