Tips For Petite Brides

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There are many wonderful things about being petite. You are dainty, you have adorable little feet, and you can buy your t-shirts at GapKids. However, when you start shopping for your wedding gown and related accessories, you may find that being petite poses a bit of a problem. With persistence, and a really good seamstress, you will be able to find a gown that fits your frame perfectly.

At 5'1", I found shopping for a bridal gown to be downright hilarious at times. It was hard to imagine if a dress would really look good once a foot of fabric was chopped off from the hem. Even standing on the pedestals at the bridal shop only helped so much. I had loved the look of dresses with a band of satin fabric around the hem until the bridal shop associate lifted it up to show me where it would be once the gown was hemmed for my height - there was practically no skirt left between the waistline and the satin trim! Also strictly off limits were any gowns with beading, embroidery, or lace embellishments on the hemline.

It is not only hemlines that pose a challenge for the petite bride. When trying on the sample dresses in bridal shops, you are likely to find that the waistlines hover somewhere in the vicinity of your knees. If you have a short torso like I do, it looks even sillier. In general, most petite brides will look best in gowns with a natural waist (hitting right at the smallest part of your waist), an empire waist (hitting right under the bust), or a princess seam gown (also known as a fit and flare style, there is no break at the waistline).

For a good fit, look for bridal gowns that can be ordered with custom measurements. Most of the fine designers allow the bridal shop to order a gown with an adjustment to the torso length, and with other specifications as well. Buying a wedding gown is not like buying a shirt or a pair of jeans; if it does not fit your body exactly, it will not look good at all, so it is worth it to do whatever it takes to get it adjusted to your frame.

Another option is to have a seamstress custom make a bridal gown especially for you. It is likely to be a more expensive option up front (and if it is not, be wary of the talent level of the seamstress). However, by the time that you have factored in custom measurements and the standard alterations on top of the price of a designer gown, you may be surprised at how close they are in cost. With a custom gown, you will be assured of a perfect fit.

Once you have found the perfect wedding gown, it is time to accessorize it. The accessories are easier because fit is not an issue, but you still want to pay attention to proportion. It should never look like your wedding jewelry, headpiece, and veil are wearing you instead of the other way around. Custom bridal jewelry is a wonderful option, because you can have bracelets made to fit smaller wrists, necklaces shortened as needed, and earrings made to be just the right length. When created from precious materials like Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, and freshwater pearls, custom bridal jewelry is as affordable as it is fabulous.

Headpieces for petite brides will look best when they are not overwhelming. Consider dainty tiaras, small clips, or hairpins. It may come as a surprise, but a long veil (at least floor length) is often a terrific choice for the petite bride, because it creates a long, uninterrupted line. If you prefer a shorter veil, be cautious about heavy borders that can visually cut you in half. Simpler is usually better.

Even though the process may be a bit more involved, every petite bride can find a wedding gown that is perfect for her style and size. It is all a matter of good proportion. And a petite bride does not have to wear high heels if she doesn't like them - you can always stand on a step above your groom for the pictures!

Let us know if you need assistance in any area of planning your wedding.Take advantage of Bridget's experience helping clients select jewelry and accessories. Custom bridal jewelry is perfect for any bride who loves unique and special jewelry.