From The Straits Times    |

When it comes to your wedding, it’s natural to want to look your best because all eyes will be on you and your groom. Here’s sound advice from The Feline Bridal’s creative designer Rachel Wang, Silhouette The Atelier’s founder and designer Minda Gomez, as well as Ted Wu, designer and owner of Ted Wu Bridal.

Don’t lose too much weight
“I’ve seen brides who look great after weight loss, but I’ve also seen those who  obsess about it so much that they become so thin that dresses don’t hang well or fit nicely,” says Rachel.

“More than weight loss, it’s a sensible diet and exercising that will help you to look your very best. It’s a win-win situation: You feel great and your dress will look even more fabulous on your toned body.”

sheer.jpgThe mermaid silhouette is flattering on tall brides as it enhances their natural shape. Duchesse satin mermaid gown with lace, sheer scalloped back and chapel train, as well as Gioielli lace and flower appliqued Juliet cap, prices upon enquiry, from SILHOUETTE THE ATELIER. 

Buy the one that’s right for you – not your dream size
“You have to be realistic and disciplined. Unless you’re very sure that you will be losing all that weight by your last fitting, I don’t recommend this,” says Rachel.

Ted recalls: “I had one bride ask for a mermaid cut that didn’t flatter her shape at the time. And then she worked very hard, checked in with me regularly and ended up looking fantastic. I was so impressed, I made an exception – something I rarely do – and rushed her mermaid dress, so that it would fit her perfectly for her wedding.”

Minda suggests getting a custom dress instead of something off the rack – especially if there’s a chance that you may lose or put on a little weight. She saysl, “It’s easier to make alterations, so that it will fit you on the day itself.”

B-Dac 7773 new herworldplus.jpgFitted on top to enhance the bust, a ballgown that gradually flares out from the natural waist hides fuller hips. Diamante-embellished embroidered organza gown, $3,500 to rent or $5,000 to buy, from THE FELINE BRIDAL.

Dressing for different shapes
Tall brides can carry off most designs that emphasise their natural shape. “But few have an hour-glass shape. Every woman deserves to look and feel fabulous, so choose a design that brings out the best in your shape,” says Minda.

– If you’re pear-shaped: Ballgowns and A-line styles are the most flattering as they’re fitted on top to enhance the busy and gradually flare out from the natural waist to disguise fuller hips.

– If you’re apple-shaped: “A dress with an empire waistline accentuates the smallest part of your silhouette and helps create a waistline while floating away from the hips and thighs. A bodice with ruching or lace detailing, or a corset-like effect, is also slenderising,” adds Rachel.

– If you have a more busty shape: “A strapless gown draws the eye to the neck and shoulders while a deep V-neckline draw the eye vertically rather then horizontally,” says Ted. If yours is a church wedding or you are quite modest, you can add a cape, bolero or overlay.

– If you are petite: A trumpet or sheath-style gown with small or no detailing is usually the most flattering. Also, one with a high waistline gives the illusion of a longer lower half.

White magic: Wedding gown from Ted Wu, Singapore
Not comfortable with baring your shoulders? Consider options like this cape over a strapless white gown, from Ted Wu Bridal.

Fabrics that flatter
Ted advises: “Tall brides will look great in organza, silk, lace and pretty much any of the following fabrics: Duchesse satin and taffeta provide good structure and give curvy brides a better-fitting outline. Chiffon is light and so floaty, it works for all heights and hides problem areas while having a slimming effect. Tulle gives that light, floaty impression as well and is very flattering for the heavier bride.” 

Do fittings as close to the wedding as possible
“Whether yours is an off-the-rack or custom dress, arrange to do fittings as close to your wedding as possible – and don’t try your dress on too often,” advises Ted.

Minda adds: “Some set out to lose weight and then there are those who drop kilos without even trying while planning their wedding, so it’s best not to start fittings until you have arrived ta the size you want to be and will remain at.”

Having a dress pulled apart and then taken in again can ruin how you feel about the dress. In fact, if you have dropped too many dress sizes, it is actually easier for salons to make a new dress instead of altering the original, says Rachel.

This article was first published in Her World Brides June – August 2014.