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“Help! I don’t like my arms.
Does size matter when I pick
my gown?”
A bride should feel absolutely beautiful,
confident and comfortable on her wedding
day, said Brittney Magee, spokesperson
for Dallas-based Watters, a bridal
gown manufacturer.
Magee suggests keeping an open mind
about trying on gowns that are different
from what you envisioned. The variety of
gown styles can help achieve sleight-ofhand
slimming effects, whether gals are
petite, busty, curvy or tall.
Some examples: If you’re self-conscious
about your arms, try delicate beaded
sleeves. A defined waistband and A-line
style can help create a streamlined silhouette.
High-low hems and empire waists can
make you look longer and taller.
“Do I need to wear a veil?”
Just a couple of years ago, veils fell out
of vogue, mostly for reasons of convenience.
But, the face-framing covers are
popular again as brides-to-be realize the
fashion accessory is a once-in-lifetime
event. Veils also are quite flattering, yet
they aren’t a budget-buster. They typically
cost less than $200.
“You will never have the opportunity to
wear it again, so why not?” Micari-Fiumara
says. “If brides don’t wear a veil, it’s something
they regret later when they look at
wedding pictures.”
You can take inspiration from Angelina
Jolie, who personalized her veil with
pictures drawn by her children for her
marriage to Brad Pitt in 2014.
Kuschel says heirloom veils also are a
special touch. But make sure to choose a
gown that complements the headpiece,
which can be elbow length, fingertip
length or longer. You should make sure
the veil is practical for your venue.
“A cathedral veil may be very pretty in
the shop, but it will be blowing all over
the place on the beach,” Tien said.
“Isn’t a bridal dress
always white?”
Gone are the days of just white and
ivory, said Charlotte Leung, brand owner
of Augusta Jones, a UK-based bridal gown
label.
“We now have blush, gold, rose tones;
and even silvers, golds and blues.”
The color bonanza can paralyze bridesto
be with yet one more decision to make.
They might choose the wedding dress
color first, then the color scheme of the
wedding. Or, some prefer to select their
wedding palette and flowers, which will
then help dictate the dress color.