Attire Etiquette
<b>Q</b>: Which dress silhouettes flatter which figures?
<b>A</b>: You should definitely try on several different silhouettes to find the one that looks best on you, but here are some general guidelines:
Petite: Consider a column like sheath or a high-waisted dress to add length. Look for something simple with detail around the shoulders, to bring the focus up to your face. An open neck is also flattering to a petite woman. Avoid a wide border around the skirt hem.
Full figured and curvy: Try dresses with a Basque waist- a natural waist with a V front and full skirt, which has a slimming effect on the waist and hips. A high-waisted dress with low neckline also flatters curves.
Thick/undefined waist: Try on an empire-waist dress-a small bodice and slender skirt that falls in a slight A line from right below the bust line. lf you have a large chest or hips, you probably want to stay away from this one.
Short-waisted (or any shape): Try princess, or A-line dresses, with seams running from the shoulders to the hem but with no seams on the waist, for a long, slim look. This style works on just about every figure.
Boyish figure: A traditional ball gown may be for you, fitted through the bodice to the waist with a full skirt. It's a very feminine shape that adds curves.
<b>Q</b>: This is my second wedding. Can I wear white?
<b>A</b>: Yes, of course! White simply represents joy and celebration and is just as much your terrain as that of the first-time bride. lf you don't feel comfortable in an elaborate ball gown, go for a simpler dress with a modest headpiece. Whether to wear a veil is up to you.
<b>Q</b>: I'm wearing elbow-length gloves with my dress. What do I do with them during the ring ceremony, and are there any rules for when I should take them off later in the day?
<b>A</b>: A no-fuss solution: Make a slit in the seam of the ring finger on your left glove, so you can slip your finger out to receive your wedding ring. You should definitely take gloves off when you're in the receiving line- shaking hands is something to do bare! Also remove them anytime you eat or drink during the day. This may become a pain, and you might just decide to take them off for good once you get to the reception.
<b>Q</b>: What's the etiquette of veils? Who lifts my veil during the ceremony, and when? Do I wear it throughout my reception?
<b>A</b>: How much veiling to wear for your ceremony is up to you-some brides opt for a hat, headband, or fresh flowers instead; others go for yards of fabric and a "blusher" veil to hide their face. Depending on your ceremony (and possibly religious requirements), your father can lift up a face veil when the two of you reach the altar or stage and he gives you a kiss, or you might wear it draped over your face until the exchange of vows and the kiss, when the groom does the honors. Many brides choose to wear their veil during the reception (minus the blusher, of course), but others find it unwieldy. You might want to consider a veil attached to the headpiece with Velcro, which can be easily removed without disturbing your hair do for the party.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
