THE DO'S & DON'TS

TYPES OF FABRICS:

Before you choose the silhouette of your gown, you need to know yourself first. No doubt the silhouette sets the mood of your gown but you have to look good in it. If you like the sexiness of a Sheath but have a pear-shape figure, you are better off avoiding it and choose the Ball Gown instead. Know yourself first and then choose a Silhouette.

There are different types of silhouettes and we shall introduce them here. Other than the Ball Gown, the other silhouettes are available in your usual dresses. We believe that a gown is, after all, still a dress and that your body type doesn't change. If you never looked good in an Empire, chances are you won't look good in an Empire gown either.

If you do not know which silhouette suits you, we recommend you head for the shopping centre. If you try-and error in a bridal studio, you may probably feel obliged to sign up a package if you have tried a few gowns. Or worse, you may not even had tried enough! You can take your time to try in a shopping centre, of course. And if you know which silhouette suits you best, you can find the right one faster. This is just a guideline and not a rule!

1. Ball Gown:

The most traditional silhouette consisting of a fitted bodice with a very full skirt, usually with gathers or pleats at the waistline.In recent years this dress style has become quite popular as designers to bring back the age of Hollywood

Best for: Defining the waistline, especially for a fuller figure. Also great for hiding full hips if you're pear-shaped. Recommended for: Full-figured (full breasts, slight tummy, big hips);

Not Recommended for: Brides with short waists and those who carry their weight up top (which makes for an overall look of roundness). A very full ball gown may overwhelm a petite figure. Hourglass (full breasts, thin waist, round hips

2. Empire:

The high waistline which falls right under the bust is the hallmark of the Empire gown. This style of gown will flatter most of the different body types. Usually the shape of the skirt falls into an A-Line gown however, it can also be a sheath or mermaid style This dress has made an amazing comeback in recent years.

Best for: Thick waist.

Not recommended for: Hourglass

3. Sheath:

A narrow, form-fitting style that closely follows the body line. These dresses are most flattering to women who are slimmer in the hip area.

Best for: Tall slender frames especially for those with well-proportioned slim figure It can add length to a petite figure. A well proportioned full figured woman can really make a statement in this type of gown especially if is an off the shoulder or sweetheart neckline.

Not recommended for: small-chested, short waist, pear-shaped woman because it tends to over-emphasize fuller tummies, hips buttocks and thighs.

Mermiad or Trumpet:

A narrow, form fitting style that flares at or just below the knee it is a variation of the Sheath. This dress style is the most contemporary of all the gowns and definitely does not suite all body types.

Necklines:

Choosing the right neckline can make the difference between a wedding gown that flatters, and one that falters. Below, we help you decipher the different styles.

Try to keep an open mind when shopping for your gown. Even if you think you know which neckline will look best on you. Something that looks great in a picture may not be right for your figure, while something you thought you didn't like could turn out to be perfect.

4. Bateau (BAT-toe)
This neckline, which means "boat," extends straight across the shoulder with a slight curve at the front. It is a very sexy and femine neckline because it emphasizes the shoulders and collar bone. Most figures can wear this type of neckline. It is especially enhancing to the medium and full chested woman.
Good for: well-endowed and pear-shaped women
Bad for: Broad shoulders, fuller arms

5. Portrait
Similar in shape to the bateau, but made with more fabric this style stands away from the bride's face and shoulders the portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to, the tip of the other.
Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Bad for: Undefined collarbones

6. Sabrina
The sabrina is similar to the bateau, but it starts two inches in from each shoulder. As a result, it has a narrower neck opening. A very current look, this shape gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders -- and it's cut straight across, so less of the decolletage is showing. This style can be made with or without sleeves.
Good for: Small breasts
Bad for: Full Chested well-endowed

7. Decolletage (day-COAL-e-taj)
For the adventurous types, this is a deep, plunging neckline. Also known as the sweetheart neckline -- which is actually shaped like the top half of the heart -- is a wonderful choice for full-chested women. "It really accentuates the decolletage," The sweetheart is often done with an overlay of sheer material that rises higher than the heart shape, "giving the torso a longer line, and making the neck look longer." This style is known as the "Illusion".
Good for: Serious decolletage
Bad for: Smaller chested (unless cups are added and the silhouette is straighter )

8. Illusion
An illusion neckline can be any style (V, scoop, heart, etc.) that is covered with transparent netting. (See above)

9. Jewel
A high, rounded neckline that sits at the base of the throat. It is also known as the "T-shirt neckline," due to it's similarity to an actual t-shirt --. "This look is usually for the more conservative bride,"
Good for: Small-chested woman (it will make you appear bustier)
Bad for: Large-chested women (it will make you appear larger in the bust area.)

10. Keyhole
This teardrop-shaped opening starts two inches in from the shoulders and looks like an old-fashioned keyhole. The Keyhole is a variation on the halter style dress.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: pear shaped or narrow shoulders

11. Queen Anne
A heart-shaped opening in front combined with high neckline in back. Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbonesas well as the fuller chested bride
Bad for: Undefined collarbones

12. Wedding-band collar
A high circle of fabric is fitted around the middle of the neck. Designers often use this style for a traditional Victorian look. This style will appeal to the more traditional bride.
Good for: almost anyone

13. Scoop
A curved neckline that may be low in front and quite often, the scoop will continue on the back of the dress The scoop, is a classic style good for just about anyone
Good for: Just about anyone

14. Halter
This neckline echoes the '70s with a scoop or v-neck in front and fabric band wrapping around the neck. It's a great look with sleeveless designs. Used a lot in destination gowns. Very flattering to the bust line and taller woman over 5ft..7in.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoulders

15. Square
This style forms a half-square.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoulder

16. Strapless
This gown speaks for itself in essence, no straps. It is probably the most popular type of gown style on the run way. The variations are endless.
Good for: Great shoulders and collarbones
Bad for: The smaller-chested woman!