Wedding Dress Tips for Petite Frames

Despite the number of dresses available, it is common for petite women to have some struggle in finding the perfect wedding dress to wear for their big day. During fittings, these women normally find fault at the dress and see that it is not a suitable option for their body frame. If this is something that you are struggling with, know that you are not alone. There are plenty of other petite women dealing with the issue. To help you find the right dress, here are some suggestions:

• If you have a curvy body, go for a dress that wraps in the front. This will emphasize your body’s best features. The draping length will also add in some height to your look, even if you’re not yet wearing heels.
• Avoid halter neckline dress styles if you have a large bust and small waist. Doing so will enhance your upper body significantly and make you look shorter than you are. Instead, go for a strapless dress or one that has light straps.
• Skip the corset + skirt combination. This ensemble will cut your figure in half and will enhance your short waist area.
• Empire line dresses are perfect for petite frames. This is because the cut draws attention upward and will appear taller on you. Having thin spaghetti straps is the best way to go for this style.
• If you would like to have a ‘princess’ look for your wedding, you can go for an A-line cut dress. With the right bodice size, you can make your look stand out and look like a princess!

No matter how tall or petite you are, you have to make sure that you pick out the perfect wedding dress for your frame. This way, you can look great and even feel more confident than before. Browse through our collection today for some dress options you may like.

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Julia’s Story

"I woke up Christmas morning beside my fiancé, Nick, and was told to wait in bed. When he finally beckoned me outside, the dining room had been transformed with glowing white candles, steaming cups of hot cocoa, and the warm crooning of Bing Crosby’s Christmas hits. “I want to spend every Christmas morning with you, for the rest of my life,” he told me, and my eyes lit up. They filled with tears as he dropped to his knees to give me the Christmas present and memory I will cherish as long as I live."

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” JULIA’s story in our “How Did He Ask?” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Breann’s Story

"New York is a magical city. I have said that ever since I went there for the first time and placed my wish on the “Wishing Wall” at the Time Square Visitor Center. When I took Daniel there for the first time of course I took him to make a wish, little did I know he look an extra one for something extra special later. It was New Years Eve in Time Square.  After all the confetti wishes had fallen he reached into his pocket and pulled out the small square with the hand written wish 'Will you Marry Me.'"

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” BREANN’s story in our “How Did He Ask?” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Lysandra’s Story

"The proposal started at lunch. I got a binder with a story he wrote that explained the events of the day. My coworkers led me on a scavenger hunt that decoded the ring's location. At home, the apartment was covered in candlelight! A trail of candles and rose petals led to the bedroom where he laid outfits for me to choose from, roses, a teddy bear, and a locked box that contained the ring! After dinner we stargazed under blankets in the Usery Mountains. There I was given the code, unlocked the box, and he got down on one knee..."

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” LYSANDRA’s story in our “How Did He Ask?” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Valerie’s Story

"Tim coaches high school hockey and I’m their photographer. At the Annual Alumni game, Tim was performing a ceremonial puck drop and I was on the ice to photograph. I was next to Tim as he bent down to pick up the puck…. and stayed down. All 50 players kneeled. He pulled a puck out of his pocket with our names logo printed on it. A compartment on the back hid my ring. Then he surprised me by calling my twin onto the ice, whom he’d secretly flown in from Florida, along with ALL of our family/ friends appearing in the stands!"

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” VALERIE’s story in our “How Did He Ask?” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Jessica’s Story

Post by Running Skirts.

"My fiancé and I have been together for 9 years, we are high school sweethearts! On the day he proposed, I was running in my first half marathon. As I crossed the finish line, I noticed off to the side were all of our family and friends cheering me on. I was so surprised and excited to see everyone that I almost didn’t see my fiancé standing there with a sign that said “marry me?” Completely shocked, I stopped where I was as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and I said YES!"

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” JESSICA’s story in our “How Did He Ask?” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Angie’s Story

"My husband proposed by taking me to a Chinese restaurant and putting the ring inside the fortune cookie and put a quote, 'This ring is to always be true and to always love you.'"

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” ANGIE’s story in our “How Did He Ask” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Lucky’s Story

"My amazing fiancé, Philip, planned his proposal for many months, was amazing at keeping it secret, and on 11/9/13 in a hot air balloon I said "YES!" As we floated above the Sonoran Desert, our love flew to new heights & my head is still in the clouds as I dream of our future together. He planned the sunrise balloon ride followed by a champagne brunch; a day spent with longtime friends, and ended it with an epic performance by our favorite band, Nine Inch Nails. These events made our 'Best Day Ever- So Far!'"

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” LUCKY’s story in our “How Did He Ask” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Lauri’s Story

"Christmas Eve, Ken told me to find a special ornament on the tree.  I saw the shiny red heart with a long, gold string, engagement ring hanging on the string.  I froze; tears filled my eyes.  The front read "Lauri, Will you . . ., " on back  "marry me?  I love you."  Ken told my daughter she had an ornament, too.  Hers also had a ring: "Nicole, Can I . . . be your Dad?"  Tears streamed as I turned to see Ken sitting on the couch, nervous, tears in his eyes.  I squeaked out a yes."

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” LAURI’s story in our “How Did He Ask” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28th at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Jill’s Story

"Vinny enjoys surprising me on a daily basis so I thought Christmas Eve was just another one of those occasions. While opening gifts, I received a WAR novel entitled “Command Authority.” A bit puzzled by the gift, I smiled, said thank you, and put it to the side. When all of a sudden Vinny told me to open the book!!! The proposal I had expected so many other times was there in the book with a beautiful ring. He got me good!" 

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” JILL’s story in our “How Did He Ask” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014, so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

How Did He Ask? FINALIST: Riana’s Story

"Up until about 1:30 on 11-4-13, it was a typical teaching day in the world of kindergarten.  I was then called into my principal’s office to "discuss some details" of a multi-day conference I was asked to attend later in the year.  My vice principal covered my class while I went to go talk to him.  Upon my return, the most treasured moment of my life unraveled in front of me.  23 of my favorite little people holding letters that spelled "Will You Marry Me?" and roses, and the man I love walking towards me to get on one knee."

Love this proposal? Be sure to “like” RIANA’s story in our “How Did He Ask” photo gallery on our Facebook page. Each like and comment is worth one vote (up to one like and one comment will be counted per voter, per photo). Voting ends February 28, 2014 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be posted on our Facebook page on March 1, 2014 so be sure to like our page to see if your favorite story wins!

VOTE NOW For Your Favorite Proposal Story!

After reading an inbox full of proposal stories – funny ones, sweet ones, creative ones, and romantic ones – our judges have chosen their ten favorites for our "How Did He Ask?" proposal contest. Now it’s time for our Facebook friends to choose the one they love best! The stakes are high for these ten brides so be sure you get your vote in! You’ll find the top ten stories posted in the "How Did He Ask?" gallery on our Facebook page. Be sure to “like” your favorite and leave a comment. Each like and each comment on Facebook counts as a vote (up to one comment and one like per voter, per photo will be counted) – so don’t be shy! We've also posted each story as an entry on our blog so you can see all the great photos and videos that our finalists submitted, too. Voting ends February 28th, 2014 at midnight (Arizona time) - so start reading!

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Why You Should Go for a Retro Wedding Dress

Nowadays, there are plenty of different designs of wedding dresses that bride-to-bes can choose from. If you are thinking of going for a retro wedding dress, it is important that you pick out the right style carefully. Since there are plenty of brides who opt for a similar theme for their wedding dress, you need to know some basic things to help you pick out a retro wedding dress.

Why should you go for a retro wedding dress? The first reason why you should opt for a retro style dress is because it will enable you to have a personalized selection. Considering these dresses have history in them, you will be able to choose one that is unique.

Another reason why you should opt for a retro wedding dress is because the dressmakers of these years paid a lot of attention to the details of each dress. They made sure each detail of the dress has been carefully taken care of—the lace, pearl embellishments, and every single button.

Finally, retro designed wedding dresses never go out of style. If you are looking for a wedding dress with a timeless design, you should go for a retro themed dress. This is the best way you can make your wedding dress stand out. You will get the most out of your wedding day when you go for a retro themed dress.

If you are looking for a retro wedding dress, make sure you go through our collection to check out our available options.

How to Find the Perfect Wedding Dress

Shopping for your wedding dress should be a fun and memorable experience. Unfortunately, the amount of pressure and stress that a bride feels is very common. The wedding dress shopping experience can start with excitement and turn into exhaustion when you can't seem to find what you envision. Here are some tips that will help you find the perfect wedding dress:

1. Location

The venue you choose and the theme of your wedding serves as the foundation for your dress choice. If you are getting married on the beach, you can cross ball gowns and dramatic trains off your list. If you are getting married in a church, this eliminates shorter dresses and low-cut backs. The climate in your locale is also one to take into consideration. Warmer weather calls for linen and organdy while velvet and brocade are better suited for colder climates.

2. Set your budget and stick to it!

Trying on the perfect wedding dress that is way out of your price range is a surefire way to put a damper on the rest of your experience. Make sure you not only set a budget but also inform the salesperson before she starts bringing you your gowns when you go wedding dress shopping. The entire look can cost 10-15% of your wedding budget. Don't forget to consider alterations and shipping costs.

3. Start looking early

The perfect time to start looking for your perfect wedding dress is six to nine months before you say "I do." Once you pick the one it takes three to four months for it to be made and another to months for fittings and alterations. If you are picking a gown with a lot of detail it will take even longer. Some stores do offer rush orders, but your choices are limited and it will cost an additional fee.

4. Second Opinions

Making the decision alone can be difficult. Bringing a few close confidants whose opinions are trustworthy can help ease the decision. Invite people that know your taste and will respect your ultimate decision. The last thing you want is butting heads that can make the time spent shopping frustrating and tiring.

5. Choose the fit, not on the size

Many brides are discouraged when they find out their wedding dress size is four times bigger than what they typically wear. A bride that is normally an 8 may find that she fits better in a 12. Always get the size that fits best, even if you plan on losing weight before the big day. Gowns are always easier to take in!

Feel free to go through our collection to find a dress that may be perfect for your big day.

Hair and Makeup That Lasts on Your Wedding Day

Choosing the perfect hair and makeup look for your wedding day can be just as hard as picking the perfect dress. It is important to factor in the overall theme of your wedding. Your hair and makeup should follow the same feel and should be completely "you." Your hair and makeup should be similar to what you wear every day. Of course, turning up the drama and having a little fun is perfectly fine, it is your wedding day! Here are some other aspects to take into consideration:

1. Weather
The climate in your wedding location is one of the most important things to plan for when planning your big day. For a summer wedding, an undo hairstyle is best for comfort in the hot and humid weather. During the windier fall months, a look that keeps your hair away from you eyes and mouth is key for keeping your makeup pristine. When choosing the perfect lip look in the fall, opt for a jour matte look to avoid sticky lips. If your wedding is indoors you have many more options for your hair and makeup. Just be sure that the colors are vibrant enough to take on the harsh light from the camera's flash.

2. Time
How much time are you giving yourself between getting ready and taking the first steps down the aisle? This is important to think about because makeup looks best within 3 hours of being applied. Try to schedule your makeup application time closer to the walk down the aisle so you can look fresh! Don't forget to use a primer and a setting spray after the look is complete.
If you have a longer day ahead of you, plan for styles and looks that have staying power. Braids and tight curls will hold all day, while big loose curls will start to fall out after a few hours. If you are changing to a more dance-friendly dress for the reception, you can use that time to freshen up and add a more practical style for your party. A little spritz of rose water to the face can bring back the glow.

3. Costume Changes
You may be planning for the dress change between the ceremony and the reception. Plan ahead so this transition is completely flawless. For the first dress, wear the appropriate lingerie from the start that way you aren't messing up your makeup by removing a sports bra. While applying makeup and perfecting your hair, where a robe or button down that will be easy to take off without having to be pulled over your head. If you are wearing a veil, practice putting it on so it is comfortable and secure and won't mess up your hair.

If you have already chosen your wedding dress, make sure that you let your makeup artist know what it looks like. If this is something you still haven’t discovered, feel free to go through our collection to find a dress that may be perfect for your big day.