The Designer's Secret...It's All About Proportion!

Alison Blain is an award-winning couture wedding dress designer, who has been creating exquisite gowns in her Wellington studio for over 20 years. She has prepared a lesson for us about which styles suit which shapes, so we are briefed and ready when we walk into the bridal boutiques!

Your gown sets the tone for your wedding. And while there's a lot of excitement about what you will wear, when it all comes down to it, you want to look and feel fabulous on this very special day.

So how do you go about making this decision? If you are unsure about what styles will suit you and your shape, start by trying on gowns in the salons and boutiques. Trust me - you will see immediately what works for you and what does not.

The perfect dress will not only accentuate your good points, but it should also keep the attention focused on your best features. It should make you feel fantastic, it should be comfortable to wear, and of course it should be totally gorgeous! 

Although there's no strict formula, here are some tips and guidelines to make the process a bit easier for you.

Petite and Slender Figure
The empire-line was invented for you! This style has a seam just below the bust, with the lower part of the dress flowing or fluting out to the floor. If you are slim and have a small bust, this style will really suit you. A slight figure also looks wonderful in a column dress or a bias-cut dress. If you are slim, steer away from the very big skirt, as it will most likely swamp you.
 
Hourglass Figure
For those of you with an hourglass silhouette, a cleverly-cut halter neck or a V-neck gives the illusion of extending the shoulder line and balancing out the lower body. A two-piece can be very flattering, if your bust is smaller than your hips. A bodice with a tulle skirt will also give your figure a lovely proportion.
 
Strongly Built Body
Get clever with shape! A clever and asymmetrical cut to your gown will give a curvaceous shape to your body.
 
For the Generous Bust
Your curvy figure can look great in a strapless gown, but you will most likely need a brilliant torselette to give you that extra support. To really celebrate your shape, a well-cut scooped or V-shaped neckline will enhance the power of those curves!
 
Womanly Tummy
A slender A-line gown is perfect for you! This style flares out gently from the hips and creates a beautiful line. If your gown is cut in panels, it will give you and the dress a long and flattering look. Keep the beading and detail reserved for the upper section of the dress.
 
Arm-Conscious
If you feel self-conscious about your arms, there's no reason to feel like you have to show them. Your gown can have sleeves of chiffon, tulle or lace. If it's a winter wedding, add a touch of movie-star glamour with a silk velvet jacket or shrug.
 
Trains
Proportion. Proportion. Proportion.
It's all about height. If you are short, so your train should be.  The taller you are, the longer the train. Easy to remember!
 
Try on a few gowns and talk to a designer about what will best flatter your shape. Having your gown made for you by a skilled designer is a wonderful experience. Together, you can create a look that enhances your figure AND expresses your individual style. It's a great part of the excitement of planning your fabulous wedding!

Alison Blain