East Gippsland Wedding Planner

16 EAST GIPPSLAND WEDDING PLANNER 2017 | www.eastgippslandweddingexpo.com.au Finding the perfect wedding dress can be a daunting experience but one of the most important things to work out is what style will best suit your body shape. Do plenty of research and try on as many dresses as you can. You can use styles you have spotted in magazines for inspiration but remember, what looks good on a model might not work for you. Whether you are going to buy a dress off the rack or have one made, always get advice from experienced staff at bridal boutiques or seamstresses - and always take along a friend or family member whose opinion you value and trust. Comfort is also a key consideration. Yes, you want to look beautiful but this is also a dress you will wear all day and most of the night; you want to be able to walk and sit elegantly and even dance. The following are some basic rules to observe when choosing dress styles that will suit and compliment your figure. If you’re pear-shaped: This is a common body shape where the hips are wider than the shoulders and the waist is usually quite well defined. Strapless, V-neck or scooped necklines, possibly in off shoulder styles, are suitable. A-line is the best shape, but avoid a full skirt, while diagonal draping on the bodice is very flattering. Avoid: Halter-necks or high cut necks that make hips look bigger. Bias or straight cut dresses also emphasis hips, as do IT’S ALL IN THE SHAPE full, gathered or pleated skirts. If you’re rectangle-shaped: The hips and shoulders are about the same width, and there is not much definition at the waist. Go for a waistline with a V-shape to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Structured and corseted bodices with fairly full skirts also achieve this effect. Keep necklines wide and use detailing either above or below the waist, not both. Avoid: Halter necks or high necks that make the shoulders look narrow and as a result do not flatter the waist. Straight- cut dresses can make you look boxy. If you’re triangle-shaped: This is an inverted triangle, with the shoulders wider than the hips. Bias-cut or straight cut dresses work and this shape can easily take very full ball gown styles. Halter-necks or higher cut necks balance shoulders and hips and flatter a smaller chest. Bustles or bows add shape. Avoid: Very low-cut necklines or full or very fancy sleeves and wider necklines. If you’re hourglass-shaped: Hips and shoulders are the same width and there is a well- defined waist. Strapless, V-neck or scooped necklines work best. Off-the shoulder and A-line styles also work and use ruching or draping to disguise bumpy bits. Avoid: Bias-cut or straight dresses don’t suit the typical curves of the hourglass. Gathered or pleated skirts can make your hips look big, so be careful. Declare your love with rings designed from the heart. At oneofftwo contemporary jewellery they take pride in helping you give your partner a unique handmade engagement or wedding ring designed to capture the intensity of romance, and to celebrate the timelessness of true love. In consultation with renowned gold and silversmith, Marcus Foley, your ideas and desires are turned into beautiful, custom made rings; whether they be a traditional 18ct yellow or white gold diamond engagement ring or simple silver wedding bands, all budgets can be catered to. Call the Nungurner artisan for an appointment to share your ideas, or for more inspiration please visit oneofftwo online. DESIGNED FROM THE HEART