Searching for the perfect wedding dress...

Planning the perfect wedding is all about the search -- the search for the perfect spot on along the shore for your dream beach ceremony; the search for the best photographer to capture those priceless candid moments; the search for the best caterer to feed your guests — the list goes on and on. But no search is greater than the hunt for the perfect wedding dress.

There’s no other piece of clothing on earth that we ask to do more. We want it to reflect our uniqueness, cinch our waists, make our skin tone glow and our smiles sparkle. And not only that, we want it to fit the setting, whether we’re getting married in a quiet garden at noon or on a downtown rooftop at sunset.

So where do you begin on your hunt for “The One”? Start with the two Bs: body type and buying power. No matter where you begin your journey, knowing your body type and how to dress it is “Dress Shopping 101.”  Discover your body type by having someone take your measurements in these three areas: 1) at the widest part of your bust; 2) the widest part of your hips; and 3) at the narrowest part of your waist. 

You have an hourglass shape if your bust and hip measurements are virtually the same and your waist measurement is considerably smaller (5 to 10 inches) than those two measurements. Brides with hourglass figures look great in mermaid, trumpet and fit-and-flare style gowns.

You have an apple shape if your waist measurement is larger than your hips. Apple shapes wear A-line gowns well, as long as they cinch in at the smallest part of the waist and gradually flow out. 

You have a pear shape if your hip measurement is considerably larger than your bust and/or shoulders.  Pear shapes also do well in A-line gowns that gradually flow out from the natural waist.

Inverted triangle shapes are larger at the shoulders but narrower at the hips. Ball gown and A-line styles help balance out broader shoulders and create more volume through the hips.

While these are just general guides, fabric type, details, & necklines have a lot to do with accentuating or downplaying your features too. So you still have plenty of decisions to make even after you’ve discovered your perfect cut. 

That brings us to our second B: buying power, aka budget. Don’t leave home without knowing your body type OR your budget. At Distinct Event Planning, we advise all brides: Know and stick to your budget. When it comes to buying a wedding gown, tell your bridal consultant your dress budget BEFORE she loads your dressing room with beautiful gowns that your budget wasn’t built to handle. 

Keep these tips and mind and enjoy the hunt!!

Happy Planning!!

Are Engagement Photos Right for You?

Most brides want every moment of their wedding day captured on film whether it’s in the form of photos or video. But what about letting a professional capture those special moments before you say “I do”?

A great way to begin thinking about whether or not engagement photos are right for you is to understand their purpose. Traditionally, couples include an engagement photo or two when they publicize their engagement in their local newspapers. Some couples also create guest sign-in books that feature some of the photos. Lots of couples also design “save the date” cards featuring their engagement photos.  To add a more personalized feel to the wedding reception, “picture happy” couples also use their photos to display them throughout their event space.

Another perk of engagement photos is the comfort factor that comes from working with your photographer before the big day.

A local photographer stated, “Having engagement photos done helps you to get to know your photographer and to get to know them if you’re still not sure of whether or not to book them. It also helps you get comfortable with getting your picture taken.” That’s especially true for men, who are often more camera shy than their brides-to-be.

All those great reasons aside, you have to know and respect your wedding budget. If you’re on a tight budget and your photographer doesn’t offer engagement photos as a part of his or her package, you may want to reconsider purchasing engagement photos and instead focus on hiring a photographer who can capture high-quality wedding day photos.

As for what to wear if you do opt to get engagement photos, matching outfits are a “don’t,” but coordinating with your honey on your style is a must. That means deciding ahead of time whether you’re going for a casual or dressier look. 

When it comes to choosing that perfect location - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So choose a location you love.

If you’re stumped, you can also ask your photographer for ideas; they’re eyes are always scouting out great locations and they may know sites you overlooked.

No matter what you decide, the options abound!

Happy Planning!