Mariana Hardwick makes gowns to measure Credit: courtesy marianahardwick.com.au email or share: facebook

In the perfect world, discovering your bridal gown would happen almost instantly in a white walled boutique with a glass of champagne in hand. The reality of the bridal shopping world is it can be a teary depressing struggle to even find a sample that fits for those curvy brides to be out there. So here are some shopping tips to take the tears and fears out of your bridal shopping journey.
TIP 1

Think Goddess!

Know your body shape and choose a style that works well with what you’ve got. A good overall tip is A-line gowns are going to be your best friend. A fitted bodice with an a-line extending out from the hips will flatter in all the right areas. Don’t be afraid to have a fitted dress up top that shows off your curves. This will then put your bottom half in proportion also.

Stay away from – Princess frocks are all wrong for a curvier girl. A full princess skirt will just add to overall body bulk. Also avoid tea length dresses as they can make a curvy girls shape look a little dumpy.

TIP 2

Celebrate the curves if you’ve got them.

A well fitting gown is the most flattering thing you can do for your body. If your gown is too tight, the clingy fabric will make you look bigger, too loose and you only add to your body bulk. Make sure everything is fitted (not tight) and you will enhance your shape and you’ll look your best.

Think about – Finding a great tailor to nip and tuck your chosen gown (if it’s off the rack) to perfection.

TIP 3

Be comfortable.

If you feel beautiful, you’ll look it. This is such a fuzzy feel good tip, but believe me, confidence is the sexiest quality a girl possesses. If you’re wearing a corset that cuts off the circulation or a skirt that makes you walk funny – this would be the worst possible day of your life to be wearing it! You’ll be laughing, eating, dancing and being photographed literally all day long – so find a frock that flatters your shape while being comfortable and you’ll glow.

Think about – Sleeves. Many bigger brides can be conscious of their upper arms. If this is you, look for gown options with cap sleeves, or fitted long sleeves for winter weddings. If not, invest in a gorgeous sheer wrap to compliment your gown that can sit over your shoulders. Also fabric choice is important. Fabrics that crease severely will not sit properly after hours of wear and can be unflattering. Make sure your dress serves you well throughout your wedding day.
WHAT LIES BENEATH

Just like the old saying – behind every good man is a good woman. Well, behind every great bridal gown is a fabulous set of support underwear! This is the one occasion when support briefs, body suits and bras are really going to come in handy.
For necklines; Think about choosing a gown in a shape you know flatters you. High neck and boat necklines on gowns will just make your bust look bigger. Strapless is an options but deep v necklines are the best pick for generous busts. They also give you the opportunity to wear a bra with your gown.
Most bridal gowns are designed as the upper layer of your look. All the structure and support should come from your underwear, otherwise you’re limiting yourself to bullet proof corsets and 10 tonne gown options. With proper underwear, you will refine your look, support your bust, smooth curved body lines and be able to choose flowing gowns in softer fabrics and know they will be flattering. The thinner your gown fabric, the more streamlined your look. Keep that in mind before going for a huge frothy princess creation.
WHERE TO SHOP

Plus size girls rejoice! Bridal tm has just launched their new range ‘Glamour Plus’, a couture style, off the rack collection with loads of styles for plus size brides. The gowns are all made from beautiful French laces and o/s sourced fabrics and are designed for a more womanly body shape. They are stocked nationally and you can see the gowns on plus size models (rather then the under sized variety)
For girls looking to shop off the rack some bridal stores to try are:

• Peter Trends, Roseville. Samples to try up to size 18 and can order up to size 30.
• Sweethearts Bridal, Blacktown. Order up to size 30.
• Jean Fox, Parramatta. Order up to size 28, but they do made-to-measure for gorgeous girls in any size also.
• Abbey Bridal, Sydney city. Order up to size 28.
• Mariana Hardwick, Melbourne. Stocks gowns up to size 18 but also makes gowns to measure.
• Remember the name Essense: a divine bridal label stocking throughout Australia with gowns up to size 30.

 Finally if you’re happy to splurge then couture labels will be your best friend. See our Fashion section for a list of some talented couture designers who can mould your own creation to your exact measurements.

From the Volume 143 – Feb-Apr 08