Ok here’s the deal I am to be given my wedding gown as a gift, it is a size 16, I am not sure what size that is in street clothes. I am a size 9 in street clothes. Can I alter it down to my size without losing the over all look?

Choosing a silhouette is very important to the look and fit of the gown.  Different silhouettes can compliment your shape or exaggerate your flaws.  It is best to take a girlfriend or family member along with you when trying on wedding gowns to see what particular silhouette suits your individual body shape.  Advice on choosing a silhouette for different body shapes is below.

Choosing the Silhouette
What is the Silhouette and why is it so important?  Silhouette refers to the overall cut of a gown. It’s the most vital element to focus on, because a gown’s shape is its foundation – it’s what sets the mood for the entire garment.  The fitted bodice and full bell-shaped skirt of the ball gown, for example, gives a princess-like presence. More form-fitting styles like the A-line and sheath, offer a different appeal. The A-line elongates the line of the body, adding the sheath ups the ante on wedding-dress sex appeal, creating a sleek and modern option for the more daring.  While the sheath ups the ante on wedding-dress sex appeal, creating a sleek and modern option for the more daring bride.

The Ball Gown
The most traditional of all shapes, the ball gown is typified by a fitted bodice and natural or dropped waistline that leads to a very full skirt.  Pleats or gathers in the skirt are what make it a ball gown.

GOOD FOR: skinny minnies (adds curves) and pear shapes (the skirt hides everything).

BAD FOR: the petite (the excess fabric can overwhelm tiny frames) and those with a lot on top (you might end up looking round).

The Sheath
A modern sexier take on the traditional wedding gown, the sheath is characterised by a slim profile that closely follows the curves of the body.   This style is characterized by a low waistline that is generally V or U-shaped, beginning several inches below the waist. Petite brides may want to consider other shapes as this style may create a shorter appearance.

GOOD FOR: the tall and thin as well as the slim and petite (the lean shape adds length). This shape is great for taller brides who are looking to create an hourglass appearance with the low waistline.  Recommended for: taller brides, large hips, hourglass, pear shape figure.

BAD FOR: anyone who feels like they have something to hide    (we repeat: lean shape).   Not recommended for: petite brides.

The A-line
As its name implies, the A-line cut is narrow at the top, cut close to the ribcage, and extends out along the body in the shape of a triangle (or ‘A’) in a smooth, elongated line. It is perhaps the most popular skirt option, as it looks wonderful on a variety of body types. The lines of the skirt are always clean and ungathered, but there is, as always, a number of versions. The princess cut is exemplified by vertical seams travelling from the bust to the hem.  Another take is the circle skirt, a very wide A-line with a full skirt.

GOOD FOR: most body types.
BAD FOR: almost no one.

What to wear when trying on gowns
It is advisable to wear your chosen lingerie for your wedding day when trying on wedding gowns. Why is this so important?  It makes a big difference to the fit and look of the gown.  You may choose a push up bra, a reducer bra or a corset but will this suit your gown choice?  Wearing your chosen lingerie when trying on the different gowns will show you how the different silhouettes fit your body shape.  When you pick up your gown you will not be stressed because the gown fits differently to when you originally tried it on.

Inexpensive Wedding Gowns

After you have tried on various wedding gowns to see what silhouette suits your body shape now armed with your knowledge go online and check out wedding dress websites for gowns with similar silhouettes.  You can purchase quality inexpensive wedding gowns for your special day online. Of course your wedding gown will not be a designer brand wedding gown as these would cost in the in t thousands of dollars.  The range of inexpensive bridal gowns styles and colour choices available are very good.  You will more than likely be able to purchase an affordable unique wedding dress online.

Gown Styles

(a)    Sexy Wedding Dresses

(b)    Cocktail Wedding Dresses

(c)    Casual Wedding Dresses

(d)    Coloured Wedding Dresses

Plus Size Wedding Dresses
When browsing websites look at the Measurement Charts to see what size the gowns go upto. If You can have wedding dresses custom made at very affordable prices.  If you are not sure email the business to see what they can offer.  These days it is very easy to have a plus size wedding dress made in a range of elegant styles and colours.

What to Avoid

When looking to buy a wedding gown or to have one custom made do not advise your measurements while you are on a diet.  This will be a very disappointing experience for you. Your Body shapes change while dieting or you may not lose as much weight as you were aiming for.  Best to diet before looking for a wedding gown and then to maintain your weight after purchasing or organizing to have a custom wedding gown made.

Also avoid putting on weight after your measurements have been taken for your gown or you have purchased your wedding gown.  It would be very upsetting to have a gown custom made that did not fit when it arrived.  You cannot return the gown for a refund as when gowns are custom made they are made to your measurements supplied at the time of purchase.

In conclusion feeling like a princess on your wedding day is an obtainable dream for all size ladies. By taking the time to find out what silhouette suits your body shape you can go online and view gowns that will compliment and flatter your figure. When browsing online you will see a large range of inexpensive bridal gowns that will suit your budget. Whether you want a formal, casual or cocktail wedding dress all these different styles are available to view online 24 hours a day.  Have fun choosing your wedding gown online.

There are several types of tables to choose from for your wedding reception.

I’d like to go down a size or two before my wedding. I’ve already bought the dress. How much can it be taken in? It’s a sleeveless dress that’s fitted around the chest and waist area.

The perfect clutch of flowers will have the power to do two things – complement any color and style of wedding dress and help set a joyous mood at every turn. There are thousands of color combinations and a rainbow of hues to select when your planning your nuptials. Arranging gorgeous blossoms into the perfect wedding appropriate bouquet can be done in many different style and sizes. Depending on your dress, the formality of your wedding and your color palette, the size of your bouquet can have an affect on the unique look of your ceremony. Being savvy about your flower bouquet can create an eye-catching and memorable experience for your guests. No matter what type of blossoms are in your bouquets, you can be assured your wedding flowers will enhanced the beauty of your special day. Read on to learn more about the different types of wedding flower bouquets: 

Hand-Tied Bouquets
 These bouquets have a nature inspired look and are perfect for summer weddings that take place outside, such as in a garden or on the beach. These flower blooms are simply tied together, usually with a fancy ribbon or bow. These wedding flower bouquets are suitable for almost any setting, whether formal or informal. Adding textured flowers such as roses, peonies and chrysanthemum can add an extra elegance to your bouquet. If you are looking for a more personalized hand-tied bouquet, instead of using a ribbon, use meaningful objects such as your mother’s old wedding dress, etc. These bouquets are eye-pleasing and classical

Cascade Bouquets
Cascade wedding bouquets are designed to resemble a “waterfall” of blossoms. Although these bouquets are beautiful to look at, they are usually only complementing to taller brides and dresses with a simpler design. Since the bouquet itself is larger, it is important to balance out the proportions of size and color with your dress. These bouquets are usually filled with flowers such as calla lilies, orchids, stephanotis and long, flowing greenery. The soft accents of green are an excellent backdrop for any other vibrant colors in your bouquet. A cascade bouquet can be striking on it’s own! 

Posy
These smaller flower bouquets are popular among flower girls and bridesmaids. Tiny flowers such as spray roses, baby’s breath and lily-of-the-valley can create cute bouquets for your wedding. Another creative option for the posy flower bouquet is to use a couple larger flowers as focal points to complement your color scheme. These flowers arranged together can make a large statement at your ceremony! This style of bouquet is perfect for children and has the ability to accompany every dress type. Some more examples of flowers that would work are hyacinths, hydrangeas and multicolored roses.

Over arm
This modern look is an elegant and simple, yet extremely beautiful design for any wedding. Over arm bouquets are most commonly seen with long-stemmed flowers such as orchids, calla lilies and roses. These flower buds are your best guarantee because of their sturdy and durable stems. Wrapping these flowers together with a ribbon is also a stylish option. Figure fitting dresses are perfectly complemented with an over arm wedding bouquet. Keep in mind, holding the flowers for long periods of time during photos may make them become heavy – select lighter flowers if this is the case.

Round Flower Bouquet
Round wedding flower bouquets are the most commonly seen as bridal flowers. Although similar to the posy style bouquet, round bouquets are larger in size and usually contain a collection of various flowers. Using color to your advantage for these bouquets is important – use complementing or contrasting colors to create the biggest emotional impact. Any wedding, whether formal or casual, can accompany a round wedding flower bouquet. If fragrance is an important part of your floral design, consider adding sweet smelling roses, lilacs or peonies to your bouquet. Capitalizing on flower texture, color and size, your can be assured to have the most striking bridal flower bouquet your guests have seen!

A lovely, creative and personal flower bouquet is just as much a part of your wedding day as finding the perfect dress. Selecting blooms based on the style of your dress, the color of your wedding palette and the availability of your flower choices can assure you that your choosing the right flowers – and help you save money at the same time. Your bridal flower bouquet is the glorious finishing touch to radiating the true beauty of your entire wedding. Call on flowers to set the mood and scene for the wedding you have dreamed of since childhood. Knowing the various designs of bouquets can help you select the perfect arrangement of complementing flowers for your wedding day.