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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Bridal Style

If you're getting married, congratulations on your wedding proposal! But finding the perfect dress can be an emotional experience. It is one the most important purchases of clothing in your life and you are only likely to wear it once. When you walk down the aisle, the dress will be a lasting nemory for your groom and guests.

Before you start fhe shopping process for the right wedding dress and accessories, you need to determine your body proportions, body lines and scale. If chosen carefully this skill flatter your body shape and style preference and will assist with the type of dress silhouette, train lines, sleeves, weight and variety of fabric.

Your face shape should dictate the type of necklines and jewellery worn around the head area. It is important to assess your body proportions and consider the following body shapes:

ROUND: Rounded shoulder lines, curved back, full torso, flat bottom.
OBJECTIVE: To elongate your body, particularly the torso area.
SUITABLE DRESS SHAPES: A-Line:The A-line is a simple line, cut closely to the ribcage, and flows outwards, outlining the body into an A-shape; it creates a clean, elongated line, making your body appear taller.

PEAR~SHAPE: Lower body is curvier and the upper body is straight. Full hips, a well-defined Waist and shoulders may be rounded and narrower than the hips.
OBJECTIVE: Balance the upper body shape with the lower part, emphasise your bust and minimise your hips.
SUITABLE DRESS SHAPES: Ball-gown: The ball-gown has a fitted bodice and waistline leading to a very full skirt; it enhances and accentuates the bust, lengthens the waistline if dropped and the skirt can disguise your figure below the waist if you are bottom heavy.

COLUMN: Narrow or straight shoulders and lean limbs, flat or small chest, small or waist with little definition, narrow hips and flat bottom.
OBJECTIVE: Create an illusion of curves to highlight your bust, hips, waist and bottom
SUITABLE DRESS SHAPES: Sheath: The sheath follows the silhouette of your body and appears to be figure-hugging; it defines your body shape, creating a Well-balanced figure.
Empire Line: An empire line gown is fitted directly below the bust line and flows freely to the hemline; it enhances a small bust, as the dress clenches to the upper body, and if you have a small waist this will elongate your torso.

HOURGLASS: Bust and waist definition, rounded bottom and hips.
OBJECTIVE: To enhance your natural curves.
SUITABLE DRESS SHAPES: Mermaid: The mermaid is cut close, following the top part of your body and the line of your hips and thighs like the sheath, except the skirt can flare out above the knee, at the knee, or below the knee to create the mermaid shape. This style defines your body shape and adds an extra sexy twist.