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Your Wedding Dress

..."Say Yes to the Dress!"

One of the biggest decisions you will face as your big day approaches is the perfect wedding dress.

The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a fun adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming.

You may have no idea what you are going to wear but the important thing is to relax and remember there are as

many different kinds of dresses as there are different kinds of brides.

The style of your wedding dress is the single most important factor in creating your overall look on your wedding day. Wedding dresses can range from sleek and simple to grand and elaborate. The style you chose for your wedding day will depend on your own personal taste and the statement you want to make on your big day.

There are 5 basic wedding dress styles

A-Line/Princess

Empire

Mermaid

Ball Gown

Column

Each silhouette may also have different necklines, sleeve lengths, dress lengths, and fabric choices that are best suited for each style. By walking into a bridal store with a clear idea of the style you are most interested in, will save you and the sales clerk a lot of headaches. However, remember that there is no set rule in wedding dress designs, and you owe it to yourself to be adventurous when trying on gowns. You will never know what you look

like in certain styles if you never try them on. Who knows, the style that you really

do not is the one that suits your body shape is the one that suits you the best.

The Trend for 2011 is a Return to Sophistication

2011 Wedding Gown

Big ball gowns are back, along with dresses draped, ruched, and layered with clouds of tulle, power netting and fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume. The outcome? Fairytale-inspired and

whimsical wedding dresses for 2011 I Dos. ~ www.onewed.com

e bridal gowns are moving away from the ruffle trend, but not from the idea of using embellishments to add volume and femininity. Instead of ruffles, look for gowns with hundreds of tiny three dimensional flowers stitched all over them. Soft petals are another favorite decoration for the romantic gowns of 2011. Over sized clusters of flower "corsages" are another big trend, and they are primarily being used as accents on waistlines and shoulders.

One thing you will not be seeing is a lot of plain dresses or those with simple lines. Asymmetrical is still in, both in the form of the one shoulder gown and in the draping on the bodice. Very low waistlines are still a big hit and most bodices will be ruched, gathered or draped which will hug the figure. Strapless and one shoulder design gowns will still be a staple and in style. A new addition to the necklines for 2011wedding gowns is the tip of the shoulder design which is very slim at the top and just barely grazes the edge of the bride's shoulder. It is a very flattering neckline for many women, and a nice alternative to the more typical strapless wedding dress.

In 2011, you will be seeing Swarovski Crystals stitched into the center of tiny floral appliques, as well as larger crystals used to embellish the entire gown. The sparkly details will be more organically and in clear crystal, rather than the icy silver of mirror backed crystals or rhinestones used to create a defined. This will tie in beautifully with the Swarovski crystal bracelets which are one of the top trends for both 2010 and 2011 brides.

Not only will gowns be embellished with floral appliques and over sized crystals, but designers are using even more interesting accents to create gowns with dimension. Look for multiple sizes of paillettes (larger and nicer versions of sequins that are often drilled at the top so they can dangle and move) being used to create shimmery, faceted appearance on gowns. Even feathers are making a statement as a trendy bridal gown embellishment. These fantastical details are being added to very soft and romantic fabrics like net, lace, and organza to create gowns which

are like something out of a fairy tale!

Give yourself ample time to shop for your wedding dress. Generally, you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. You should ideally start shopping for your gown at least nine months before your wedding. Most shops will ask for three fittings to tailor your wedding dress to fit you.

Plan ahead and think about what you want before you start your shopping journey.

It will be helpful when you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential, and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be. The wedding attire (dress, headpiece/veil, undergarments, hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, and Groom's Tuxedo or suit) will be roughly 10% of your total wedding budget. When you do go shopping, you need to be careful about trying on dresses that are out of the budget you have set for your dress. If you try on a dress that you really cannot afford but you fall in love with, you will feel disappointed and frustrated when you are not able to purchase it. After that, it may be hard to find the dress of your dreams that fits within your budget.

On your wedding day, you'll want to look great, but you will also want to be comfortable. It will be hard to dance, eat, and laugh...not to mention posing for all those pictures...if you're tugging your dress up or have boning jutting into your ribs. Consider first which wedding dress is most appropriate for your day. Think about what you usually wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Then look for a wedding dress with similar lines.

Most of all, remember this is your wedding day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. Wear what fits your style and personality and fits with your vision for your dream wedding. Have fun shopping for

your wedding dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Also, remember that your dress is not only something special for you, but it is something special for your groom as well.

The image of you in your wedding dress walking down the aisle toward him and your future is so very special. You want to make it a most memorable event for the both of you.

Please share your perfect wedding dress style for your dream wedding.

What do you think about the wedding dress trends for 2011?