Choose the Silhouette and Design

The silhouette is the shape of the gown, and it can make or break your figure. Most wedding dresses have a fitted bodice that may or may not have straps. Some dresses have sleeves, but those styles are hard to come by.  If you’re looking for extra coverage, you might want to purchase a sparkly cropped cardigan or a faux fur jacket.

As for skirts, there are several popular styles to choose from – ballgown, empire, asymmetrical, and mermaid skirts. The classic ballgown style has a fitted bodice and a long skirt that flares out with the help of multiple petticoats underneath. The empire dress has a short bodice/bustline with a long skirt that starts at the waistline. An asymmetrical dress looks like a strapless gown with one strap or sleeve. A mermaid gown is primarily fitted from the bodice to upper skirt before flaring at at the knees.

Pay Close Attention to the Details

When you’re going for a certain look, it’s important to pay attention to the small details. If you want a dress that looks hyper-feminine and romantic, you should look for dresses with lace. If you’re a trendy bride, you might want a dress with a a bustled skirt. If you are going for a classic style, perhaps a dress with embroidered stitches or ornate beading might fit the bill.

1- Pre-Shop First

You should begin dress hunting as soon as you have that engagement ring on your finger. Even if you already have a dress in mind, it is still a good idea to see what’s out there and what you like. Start your search by purchasing several bridal magazines and bookmarking your favorite wedding dress websites. Remember to take note of what catches your eye (mermaid skirts or lace), and of what you really want in a wedding dress. Don’t forget to make room in your budget for your dress; you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 upward.

2- Shop Around  and Try on Dresses

Once you know what you’re looking for, and you have a small collection of photos of styles you like, it’s time to book a few appointments at a few different bridal salons. Many bridal salons expect you to find and settle on a dress at your first appointment, so be sure to tell them if you plan doing otherwise. If you plan on making a decision at the bridal salon, make sure that you are wearing the right undergarments for the dress style you’re searching for. In general, it’s best to wear a strapless underwire bra and classic cotton panties.

3- Settle on a Dress and Schedule Fittings

Once you find your dream dress, it’s time to start your scheduling a payment plan and regular fittings.  If the bridal salon has a contract, be sure to read it thoroughly before you sign it. You will also want to double check the style, color, and fit so that you don’t become a victim of bait and switch. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the contract.

1- Keep It Short And Sweet

Many brides choose to walk down the aisle in a classic ballgown or floor length dress, but if you want to really stand out on your big day, try a pretty tea length gown instead. Another bonus for wearing a short bridal gown: you’ll have an easier time dancing and enjoying yourself! A shorter dress also gives you more leeway to style it with dazzling accessories like jeweled sandals and a glittery tiara.

2- Focus On The Neckline

Sometimes, it’s the details that really make the most stylish impact. Forget strapless and sweetheart necklines, consider a gown with a bateau neckline or portrait collar. Another unique style you might want to consider is the one-shoulder look. If you decide on a dress with a stunning neckline, be sure to play up your décolletage with a vintage-inspired cameo necklace.

3- Consider Vintage

Give new life to a gorgeous wedding gown from the the 60′s or 70′s. If your dream vintage gown is out of your budget, ask your mother (or grandmother) if she would be willing to loan you her wedding dress for your big day.

4- Shop Outside A Bridal Store

Who says your have to wear a formal gown in white? You can find lots of equally amazing options in other styles and colors  at your favorite designer shops or department stores. You could wear a simple sheath dress or a silk maxi dress instead.

1- Think Simple

Since most beach weddings are outdoors, you’re going to have to choose a dress that’s beautiful but could brave the elements. Try a dress with a slender silhouette or slightly shorter skirt.  Steer clear from ballgown styles or dresses with a lot of layers. Opt for a dress with a simple elegant shape and minimal frills.

2- Skip The Heels

Unless you’re walking in an ocean front lobby, you might want to opt for a pair of comfy sandals in white or cream. And while you may be a little tempted to slip on a pair of flip-flops, don’t! A beach wedding is still an elegant event that deserves something much more elegant.

3- Go Easy On Accessories

A simpler wedding dress does not give you permission to over-embellish, so remember to accessorize lightly. Choose up to 2 pieces of jewelry and your veil. If you choose one large piece of jewelry, keep the second piece more low-key, or you can opt to keep both pieces low-key. You could also skip the veil or headpiece altogether and put a real flower in your hair! When it comes to bridal accessories, the possibilities are endless.

Enhance Your Favorite Feature

Do you love your arms? Go for a strapless or halter gown! Do you have an hourglass figure? Look for a body-conscious or fitted sheath dress.  You’ll radiate a lot of confidence in a wedding gown that accentuates the positive.

Bring The Right Undergarments

The right lingerie and shapewear will make all the difference. If this is your first time trying on wedding dresses, make sure that you’re wearing your most flattering undergarments or a strapless bodysuit.  When you do select the right dress, make sure that you wear the same (or better) undergarments to each fitting.

Schedule A Consultation

Most bridal shops require a consultation to meet up and discuss dress options. Use this time to ask questions about figure flattery and what would look best on you. Don’t be afraid to ask about gown alterations as most bridal salons offer this service because they know just how important it is to get the perfect fit.

Decide Your Style

Obviously you’re going to want to select a dress that you’re comfortable in, something that reflects your style and even the wedding. You don’t want to wear a vintage gown in a classic Cape-Cod style beach wedding, nor you you want to wear a ball-gown if your personal taste reflects something different.  Before you book the consultation at the bridal salon, buy a few wedding magazines and search for dresses that you could imagine yourself in. Cut out these pictures and turn them into a small scrap book that you can bring to the bridal salon. Its best to to have some kind of image in  mind before you actually select the gown.

Tea length dresses are sometimes referred to as destination dresses and are perfect for a beach wedding. If you are planning a beach wedding in Cuba or Jamaica, then this type of dress is calling your name! The dresses are shorter than traditional gowns and will allow the bride to show off her legs as well as her fantastic wedding shoes!

When shopping at a bridal boutique for a tea length dress, look in the informal section of the store. These wedding dresses tend not to be as expensive as traditional wedding gowns, which make them more affordable for the bride who has to be careful about how she spends her wedding dollars. There is less material used in this type of gown and less expensive decorations, which makes it less pricey for the budget conscious bride-to-be. This style of dress can cost you anywhere from $100 to $800.

A tea length gown is classy and beautiful. You can buy as simple or as elegant a dress in this length as you like and add your own brand of accessories to complement the look for your special day.

A tea length dress for your wedding can be classic white, but it does not have to be. In fact, you have plenty of colors and styles to choose from! Ivory is very sophisticated, as is off-white and cream. Some brides may have complexions that are better suited to ivory or off-white shades as opposed to white. This kind of dress offers lots of versatility and can be worn for future formal occasions.

Tea length gowns work well for:

-Casual or informal weddings
-Beach weddings
-Spring/summer weddings
-Garden weddings
-Outdoor weddings
-Second weddings that are less formal

Before you start thinking that a tea length dress is simply a smaller version of a traditional wedding gown, know that this is not the case. A tea length is in a class all of its own. Tea length dresses come in a myriad of popular styles including halter, sleeveless spaghetti strap, short sleeve, A-line, empire waistline, strapless, V-neck, and more.