THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605290118
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 69 lines
``She walks in beauty'': Poetic words that a bride hopes are true on her wedding day.
Stepping down the aisle in style requires only one thing - good planning. Choosing a good bridal salon, staffed with professionals who can help you find a gown and all that you will need for your wedding entourage, will guarantee the wedding-day look of your dreams.
According to Jeanette E. Senkowski in ``The Wedding Advisor,'' the gown should be ordered at least eight months before your wedding, because manufacturers sometimes wait until they get enough orders in a particular size making them.
Eight months also gives you plenty of time for alterations. Sometimes just two or three fittings won't do. A gown may have a flaw and have to be sent back; often a bride will lose weight, requiring the gown to be taken in.
The earlier you get your fittings out of the way, the more relaxed you will feel about the rest of your wedding.
Before you embark on a gown purchase, look through several bridal magazines to decide what kind of silhouette to wear. Do you want a dress that is full-cut or fitted? Embellished with lots of beading and pearls, or pure satin and lace? Has a portrait neckline or a V-neckline? Is white or off-white? Has a chapel- or cathedral-length train?
Your headpiece and veil are essential parts of your look. Be certain the fit is comfortable and secure. If you want a veil for your ceremony but the freedom of movement during the reception, make it detachable with Velcro.
Decide on your hairstyle after you choose a headpiece, and take the headpice with you to your hair stylist. Anthony Taflambas of Anthony & Company in Norfolk suggests having a trial run with your stylist before your portrait or wedding day to determine your hair style.
``Don't surprise your hair designer on the day of your pictures,'' cautions Taflambas. ``By meeting ahead of time, you can experiment with the headpiece to find a style you'll be comfortable with.''
When looking for your gown, take some magazine pictures with you so your sales assistant has a point of reference. Wear your hair and makeup the way you will on your wedding day.
Karen Eagle, fashion consultant at Karen Eagle After Five & Bridal, Virginia Beach, says brides are savvier and more aware of how they want to look than ever before.
``It's really surprising to me that girls are right on top of fashion. They are looking for elegance, but the shift is towards a more simplified way of achieving it. And a simpler gown ultimately gives more focus to the bride herself.''
The covered beaded gowns of the '80s are being replaced by pure lace detail and finely cut fabrics, according to Eagle. Because brides are in better shape, they are able to wear silhouettes that are more streamlined.
The newest silhouette includes the sleeveless dress. Because of this, gloves are being used more than ever before.
Marinel Wright, bridal consultant at Tiffany's Bridal, Norfolk and Hampton, notes that age influences the look a bride chooses.
``Today's bride wants a more sophisticated look. She is older, more self-assured, hard-working and knows exactly what she wants.''
Once you choose a gown, have a photograph taken of you wearing it, so you can give your florist and your hair and makeup consultants a reference.
Whether your wedding will be traditional or contemporary, or designed around a theme are up to you and dictated only by budget and custom. Let early planning and professional guides make this a day to remember. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by Beth Bergman\The Virginian-Pilot
[Four photos of Bridal Gowns] by CNB