<BGSOUND SRC="youlooksogoinlove.mid" LOOP=INFINITE>
WELCOME ..  THE PERFECT IMAGE -  Newsletter  Issue 3      January 2001
CONTENTS

* Defining your style
* Pregnant Bride
* Specials
Home for Bridal Series
The Perfect Image - A-Wedding Day
FINDING THE RIGHT STYLE for your Wedding Day

As a way of explanation lets look at some basic categories.

1. Informal - depending on the type of wedding you want, your gown could be anything from a mini to a cocktail length dress, or a long gown in a more simple style and fabric. This could be worn with flowers in your hair, or a nice hat.

2. Traditional Formal - Beading appears on many traditional gowns for elegance and beauty.  Gowns would be floor length with long cathedral trains in fabrics like silk, satin, lace, organza.  The headpice would be extravagent with a full cathedral length veil.

3. Formal - These gowns will still be full length but not quite so elaborate and the train can be shorter.  A waist-length or fingertip veil, would suit.
For Semi- formal/day , wear a floor or ankle length gown with no train, and a shoulder  length veil, maybe with a spray of flowers of headpiece to suit the gown.
Soon you will be walking down the aisle, and thoughts turn to the type of wedding and gown, you have dreamt about.  Decisions, decisions.

Check with the Minister or celebrant, first, about the guidelines or restrictions on bridal attire and please don't leave this till the last minute.
If you are, indeed, considering "breaking the rules" by wearing something
very out of the ordinary in style or gown, maybe in bright red or even black, let family and friends know in advance that you will be different.
You will be happy and comfortable with your choice, and no one need be shocked as you walk down the aisle.

We all have a unique sense of style and luckily today, the modern bride can use many options, but wedding are steeped in tradition, and you may have to compromise a little, maybe.  Your theme, style and location is a celebration of you both, as a couple.

Does your guy want to wear a tuxedo and bow tie, a nice suit, or pants and blazer.  Do you want a modern look, traditional look or island style.
Will it be a formal candlelight ceremony, or in a spiritual setting.
Think about the time of day and the formality you want.  A floor length gown with a long train is not what you want for a casual wedding in a park or a garden.
What type of dress have your dreamed about?
Is it a ball gown with your hair in ringlets?
A lovely flowing dress with loose hair and flowers.

Make a list of how you want to look and feel ...
traditional, modern, sophisticated, princess, sexy, over-the-top, 20's, 40's, summery casual, winter warm.  The groom will have some ideas too, so compare notes with each other.
How formal do you want your wedding, where do you want your wedding,   Attire should reflect the time and place, and incorporate your sense of style into the ceremony, wherever the location.

If you want a simple garden ceremony, then a big gown, with beading and long veil and train will most certainly be out of place.
When you decide what sort of gown you want, then perhaps your plans turn to the setting and theme.  The formality of your gown, reflects the degree of formality needed for the wedding, despite the time of day.
Some wedding gowns today can be 2 in 1.  2 piece gowns with interchangeable skirt and pants; body skimming sheaths with removable floor length sheet jackets and short dresses with long see through layers on top.
Wear it one way for the Church ceremony and another way for the Reception.
PREGNANT BRIDE

You will still want to look beautiful on your wedding day, if you are pregnant. It is very possible that your hair and skin will be healthy with a special glow and wearing a dress of your dreams is not beyond you.
Depending on what stage of the pregnancy you are, there are many styles that will suit the expanding waistline.

Don't drop your fashion or style standards is what many gown designers will say ... many bridal design stores now have a maternity section.

Wear something that is comfortable, and try to avoid ruffles, lots of buttons, lace,  bows and look for a style that is clean and simple.  Avoid shiny fabric.
Take attention away from the waist area with a flattering ncckline.  Choose A-line or a flowing cut.

Gowns with a front inverted pleat will fall away over the waist and tummy area, and suit either a pregnant bride or someone who needs a larger size gown.
Alternatively, you may want to show this area, and wear a gown that accentuates. Extra material can be put into the seams of conventional gowns, to give extra room to stretch.
An empire-waisted gown is a good choice as it falls down from above the waist - so many to choose from in the empire style in wonderful fabrics.

Keep accessories classic and simple - a nice string of pearls, or a special pendant will be more elegant than over-accessorising .

Wear a style that shows up one of your body assets - like legs with a shorter style gown, or arms, or your neck.

Dressmakers or designers will often tailor a gown to your needs.

Enjoy your day.
A-WeddingDay Leader Profiles
Bridal Site Awards - click here to apply OR see winners