Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids dresses & Alterations, Bridal shops in New York

Ball Gown (a fitted bodice and a very full skirt)

• Full figure

• Pear shape

• Thin

Empire (a slim skirt with a waist right below the bust)

• Petite

• Thin

• Pear shape

Princess (a dress with vertical seams and a flared skirt)

• Hourglass

• Full figure

• Petite

Sheath (a very slim, form-fitting dress)

• Thin

• Petite

• Hourglass

Once you have figured out what silhouette you want (based on what would look best), you will want to decide on other parts of the dress as well. Not only will you want to make a list of styles you do like, you will also need to make a list of styles you don't like. For example- likes: empire waist, flared sleeves, sheer overlay; dislikes: big skirts, lots of beading, long trains. Your lists can be as long or as short as you want, but remember, the longer the "like" list, the harder to find the perfect dress and the shorter the dislikes list, the harder to narrow down the search.

As soon as you have your "do's and don'ts" list, look at resources online, or bridal magazines to find dresses that match your criteria. The more research you do before you go shopping, the better. Try to only focus on two or three of your likes when picking out dresses so that the people at the bridal salon have something to work with (instead of set criteria that are unwavering).

When you finally do go shopping, make sure you bring your sample pictures and a trusted friend with you. The best thing to do is call around to a couple stores and make appointments (if necessary) and make sure you look at lots of different dresses before making a final decision. The salespeople at the bridal salon may suggest different styles that may look good on you. Unless these styles are in your "dislikes" list, try them on- you never know what you may fall in love with.

Just as with most purchases, brides usually do not buy the first dress they try on. Most brides try on between 5 and 25 dresses before finding the one they really love. If you are not completely satisfied with the way a dress looks on you, keep looking- it is not worth the disappointment of not thinking you look fabulous on your wedding day.

Your bridesmaids are your best friends. These tips will help you keep them like that. Many New York brides go all-out with the bridesmaids' attire, making everyone wear the same color, same style, and the same accessories. In these modern times, it is no longer necessary to do that. Follow these ideas to ensure your bridesmaids will love their dresses.

First of all, no one said they didn't have to match. In fact, if you tell your bridesmaids to wear whatever they want, you are in for a disaster. The only problem is the extent of matching. For example, there are three different ways to match your bridesmaid dresses in a way that they will have individuality. First, you can have them all wear the same style and let them choose one of your wedding colors (give them swatches so they don't go overboard). Second, you can choose one or two colors and let them choose the style they want (from the same manufacturer so the colors match). Third, you can let them choose their own style and their own color from a list that you have compiled of "acceptable" dresses.

Second of all, keep your bridesmaids in mind when looking at dresses. Would your tall red-head friend look as good in that dress as your stocky blond one? What about your preppy college friend and your high school "concert buddy"? Different people all have different styles, not to mention different colors and shades that look good with their coloring. Make sure you keep all these ideas in mind when picking out colors and/or styles. The best way to go is to do the third option and let them choose from a designated list. This gives you control over-all, but lets them feel truly independent. You can even let them get their dresses from different designers if you choose a color scheme (like various colors of green) and a style idea (like only dresses with halter tops). This way, they don't have to buy their dress from the salon down the street from you, and they'll have more chance of being able to buy a dress from a store accessible to them.

Third of all, remember their financial situations. If your best friend is still paying her way through college, don't make her buy a $600 dress- that would just be cruel. Generally, it's a good idea to keep your dress budget around $200. Definitely try to keep it under $200 so that your bridesmaids will be happy with your decision. Another consideration with money is- will they wear it again? If you don't think they would ever wear the dress you pick out again, try to keep the price as low as possible. This doesn't mean if they will wear it that it's okay to have them spend $450- just be cautious about your decision. If you happen to follow one of the three options for matching the dresses, your bridesmaids are likely to wear them again since they had a say in it. However, it might be better still if you find inexpensive two piece that they can wear separately for every-day occasions. If you do choose an expensive dress that they won't wear again (ex: if it's too formal), then it is a good idea if you pitch in with their costs.

One of the main things to remember is that these bridesmaids are in fact your friends, and you do not want to sabotage them by making them wear something hideous just to make yourself look better. Make sure all of your bridesmaids are happy with their dress before making them purchase it. This way, you will all be able to have a great day.