Shorter dresses.

If the look of the traditional wedding dress has never really appealed to you, you can be ultra chic and modern on your wedding day with a short wedding dress. Shorter wedding dresses being shown for 2009 have fitted bodices with full skirts that stop at or just above the knee. Many are strapless or have thin spaghetti straps. These dresses may be appealing if you’ll be having a casual, outdoor wedding and if you have the figure to carry it off. Of course, many women will prefer the more traditional look of a floor length wedding dress.

One shoulder dresses

The one shouldered gown so popular for winter 2009 has extended over into wedding dresses for the upcoming season. This chic, distinctively modern look in wedding dress appeals to those who like a slightly less traditional look.

Detailing

Spring 2009 wedding dresses emphasize detailing with added embellishments such as subtle beading, ribbons, bows, and, of course, lace. This distinctively feminine look is played up by the contrast of soft chiffon and silk fabrics that flow with the body. Look for subtle detailing that’s both ultra-feminine, yet elegant. These small added details and embellishments can be immensely flattering if not overdone.

Vibrant color

Yes, white is still the traditional favorite when it comes to wedding dresses but color is the new trend for 2009. Not only will softer pastel shades be popular but warmer splashes of color including scarlet red make their appearance. On the runway, designers showed wedding dresses in brilliant shades of crimson with gold accents designed for the bolder, less traditional bride. If this look is too overwhelming, you can add subtle color by selecting a dress in a pale pastel such as lavender. This is one year you don’t need to be afraid to embrace your love of color when it comes to selecting bridal wear.

With so many choices when it comes to wedding dress trends for 2009, you’ll have lots of options available to you when you make the important decision of what to wear on your wedding day. Enjoy making your selection!

But, finding that perfect wedding dress is much easier said than done. So many brides simply don’t know where to start, what to look for or what to ask.

There are three golden rules when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress: plan your shopping day, find a dress style to suit your figure and ask lots of questions.

Shopping Itinerary

Make sure you plan out in advance which bridal shops you want to visit. Call in advance to make appointments and always ask how long the appointment will go for. A first appointment can vary from 20 to 90 minutes.

Shopping for a wedding dress is best done with your closest friends and family. You will need a second opinion, so consider taking a couple of girlfriends or your mum or sister with you. That way you can get constructive feedback and even have a good time as well!

Dress Styles

Although you may have a style in mind, you shouldn’t get your heart set on it as it may not suit your body shape. The key to looking beautiful on your wedding day is picking the right style of gown. Wedding consultants can help you with this, so make sure you ask them about styles that will be figure flattering for you.

Following these rules will give you a head-start:

1. Shorter brides should go for a V-shaped neckline – this will make you look taller. Avoid gowns with full skirts as these will make you look short and puffy – go for something straighter.
2. Brides with a larger bust should also go for a V-shaped neckline as this will give you length through the chest and torso. Avoid strapless dresses as these accentuate large breasts, making you look out of proportion.
3. Brides with a smaller bust size should go for a structured, boned bodice with a built in push-up bra. This will give you more cleavage.
4. Fuller figured brides should go for a boned bodice and a fuller skirt starting from the waist. This is better for hiding any lumps and bumps.
5. Only tall and slim brides should go for very figure hugging slim-line dresses

Ask Questions

Always make sure you ask the consultant lots of questions. Remember that it is your decision to either buy the wedding dress at that particular shop or have it made by that particular designer. This means that you are there to assess their competence and expertise. Therefore, you need to walk away from the consultation satisfied.

If you are having your wedding dress designed and made to measure, make sure you ask these questions:

1. How long do you need to make the gown? Typically most designers will need 6 to 12 months to make the gown
2. How many fittings will I need to have?
3. Can I have a quotation for the total cost of the gown? Some designers will charge you separately for making the pattern and making the gown itself
4. Do I need to pay a deposit?
5. Can I make any changes to the design?
6. Will I need to wear a hoop or will the skirt be layered with tulle instead?
7. Can I have a detachable train? If you intend on having a train, this is a useful option for the reception
8. Can you make the veil as well? You should also ask about any other accessories you intend to wear, such as gloves and jewelery. Most designers will have reputable contacts that they can recommend to you.

Above all, choose a gown that you feel confident, comfortable and beautiful in! A bride should captivate and entrance all who see her.

Consider hiring a makeup artist.

If you can afford to it, consider using the services of a bridal makeup artist. This service may not cost as much as you think and not having to apply your own makeup can take some of the stress off of you. To be sure there are no surprises, have your makeup artist do a complete trial makeup on you a week before the wedding. Plan on interviewing several bridal makeup artists before making your final selection. Having the right makeup artist will give you one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.

Don’t make drastic changes.

Your wedding day isn’t the time to try a whole new look on your eyes. Stick with colors that work for you and don’t over apply them. If you’ll be wearing a white or light colored wedding gown, you may find that heavy eye makeup looks garish. Keep in mind that you want people to remember how beautiful you were not how obvious your eye makeup looked.

Groom your eyebrows five days before your wedding.

If you pluck your eyebrows, do it five days before your wedding. This won’t be enough time for the stray hairs to grow back but you’ll be able to avoid the redness and irritation that sometimes comes from tweezing eyebrows. Consider having your eyebrows groomed professionally to get a smooth, polished look for your big day.

Use waterproof eye makeup.

It goes without saying that you want your eye makeup to be completely waterproof. Even if you don’t think you’ll cry chances are your eyes will get a bit damp and misty. You don’t want to risk walking down the aisle with eye makeup running down your face.

Avoid very dark or frosty eyeshadow.

Dark eye makeup colors are generally too overpowering when you’re wearing a light colored dress. Stick with matte eye shadow colors that are a shade or two lighter than you’re accustomed to. This will give you a more natural look and will open up your eyes. Avoid shades of eye shadow that are shiny or frosted. Shiny shadows usually don’t photograph well.

Use an under eye concealer.

Chances are you’re going to be nervous and may not sleep well the night before your wedding. A good concealer will help to minimize any undereye circles that could mar an otherwise beautiful look.

Prep your eyes for eye makeup.

Before applying eye makeup on your wedding day, place two cold cucumber slices from the refrigerator over each eye and relax for fifteen minutes. This will help to reduce any swelling and minimize under eye circles. Follow up by using an eye drop that removes red such as Visine. This will ensure that your eyes look bright and healthy when you walk down the aisle.

Enjoy your wedding day!

Decide how formal you want your dress to be

If the wedding is to be held in the evening, you’ll probably be required to wear more formal attire such as a long dress. Otherwise, unless the invitation specifically mentions formal or white tie, you have the alternative of wearing a shorter dress or skirt. If in doubt, try to get an idea from the bride or from friends how formal the wedding is expected to be.

Choose a dress style

For an informal summer wedding, a light, breezy sundress in a pastel shade or a floral print will not only look stylish but will feel good as well. Pair your dress with some open toed sandals in a light color and a simple clutch bag in a light color. You’ll look refreshingly cool and elegant for the event. Another more formal alternative is to pair a long slim skirt with a loose, breezy summer top. Add a fashionable belt and some simple jewelry to complete the look. A strapless dress or halter dress that doesn’t show cleavage in a simple, neutral shade worn with discrete jewelry would also be appropriate for most daytime weddings. Be sure to carry a wrap or shawl if you select a strapless dress or you may get cold at the reception.

Choose a dress color

Pastel shades of pale pink, peach, or yellow can be flattering for a summer wedding. If you favor neutrals, try wearing shades of light taupe of beige or the newest neutral, light, dove grey. Stay away from white or black. You don’t want to upstage the bride or look like you’re going to a funeral.

Go light on the jewelry

A summer wedding isn’t the time to pile on the heavy jewelry and earrings that stretch your ear lobes. When wearing light, breezy clothing, keep your jewelry simple. Simple pearl earrings and a simple necklace with a pearl pendant will be flattering without being cumbersome.

Go light on the makeup

A fresh, minimalistic makeup look is more flattering for a summer wedding. Leave off the heavy lipstick and apply a pale, shimmering gloss to keep lips moist and shiny. Be sure to wear a sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors but go light on the foundation or wear a light coating of powder instead. Go light on the eye makeup and use a waterproof mascara if you cry at weddings. The look for a summer wedding should be light, airy, and unpretentious.

Now that you have your dress planned for the wedding, you can relax and enjoy the upcoming festivities.