Ask Carley
<b>Q</b>. I just found out that I will be almost nine months pregnant when I’m walking down the aisle. Luckily, I haven’t bought my wedding gown yet. Do you have any advice for finding a dress to fit and flatter a (very) pregnant bride?
<b>A</b>. Just because you’ll be pregnant doesn’t mean you have to compromise on bridal style. Look at stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who’ve been all about flaunting their pregnant figures (particularly the enhanced bustline both boasted). Since it’s hard to see into the future and predict how big you’ll be five or six months down the road, you may want to head for a professional dressmaker- ideally one who’s worked with brides in your situation. A good seasmstress should be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to guess-timating your eventual size (and how to flatter it). You’ll want to choose a material that has a little give and that won’t show the scars of being taken in or let out at the eleventh hour (so silk charmeuse is out). Likewise, choose a relatively unadorned style. Ruffles and ribbons willb e too busy and make it look as if you’re trying to cloak your figure- a smoother silhouette will be much more pleasing to the eye. Similarly, pick a few key accessories and stick with them- you’ve got enough going on. As for overall style, an empire-waist gown will look great (and show off that bust).
<b>Q</b>. My sister’s planning a bachelorette party for me. The problem is how to include my fiance’s sister, who’s also in the wedding party but who’s under 21. My other girlfriends and I are not the afternoon tea types, and we’re looking forward to a rowdy night out on the town. I really want my new little sis-in-law to party with us- but are there any good ways we can incorporate over-and under- 21 fun?
<b>A</b>. This is a tough one to swing, but you can try one of two tactics. First, you might split your bachelorette party into two parts. Go out to dinner as a group or start the partying at somebody’s house (particularly if there are gifts to open), and you’re younger sister-in-law can totally join in the fun too. The catch is that when it’s time for your night to get wild (whether that means cocktails or Chippendales), she’ll need to call it a night. Yes, it’s a bummer, but you don’t want to get into trouble with your in-laws (or The Law) for corrupting a minor! If you think your last night of singledom is going to get a little too wild, your other option is not to include her at all. That doesn’t mean you should turn a cold shoulder, though! Make sure she knows that your really wanted her to come but that you had to keep the zany antics adults-only. Then take time to do something with her so that she doesn’t feel left out: Get manicures together, go out to dinner, or stay in and have a movie night, you know, things that are fun and legal at any age.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
