Wedding dress silhouettes options:
A-Line
The A-line is good for brides with large size and figure.  An A-line dress is made with vertical seams flowing from the shoulders into a flared skirt.

Ball Gown
The ball gown is most traditional and characterized by a fitted bodice and a waistline with a full skirt.  This silhouette is good for drawing attention to waistline -- and hiding full hips.

Empire
The hallmark of the empire style gown is a high waistline (beneath the bustline) leading into a slender and graceful skirt.  It is an attractive option for brides who are with a child.

Sheath

The sheath silhouette follows the line of the body and looks best on brides who commit to full-body fitness.

Mermaid
This silhouette is for those who like to show off their curvy body.  This is trendy in the season and thus showing up in the collection of top designers. 

Neckline shapes options:

The neckline is one of major factor that determine shape and style of dress.  Below are major neckline shapes.

Bateau

Bateau is wide neck shape following the collar bone to the edge of the shoulders.

Halterneck

Halterneck is equipped with straps which join at the back of the neck.  It usually has a low cut back which make it best worn without a bra.

Jewel

The jewel neckline is round and high cut.  This style is good for anyone wishing to cover up their upper chest/ collar-bone area.
 

Round

Round neckline is a U-shaped, which is cut low. This is a style that suits any bride.
 

Strapless

The strapless is a straight or shaped neckline. This style is good for those with broad shoulders.

V-neck

The V-neck is a v-shape at the front, which de-emphasizes the bust line.  This style suits brides with medium sized breasts.
 

Advice in shopping for a bridal dress

Before going out to a shop, familiarize yourself with designer wedding dresses from bridal magazines or websites.  Once you have a wedding date, start shopping for the dress.  If the dress is special ordered, then it can take as much as 6 months.  When you plan for dress shopping, make sure to not visit too many shops in one day.   If you are tired, you will not be able to make sound judgments.

Advice in choosing a wedding dress

It means concealing your weak area and highlighting your asset.

If you have thick waistline, then

- Recommendation is Empire silhouette

If you are full figure, then

- Recommendation is A-Line silhouettes.

- With Full skirts and long sleeves

If you are petite, then

- Recommendation is Sheath silhouette.

- With short sleeve or sleeveless with long gloves

If you have a small bust, then

Recommendation is bateau neckline or jewel necklines.

Hot Trends In Wedding Dresses

Soni Yi of BB Bridal told us that the two trends to watch for in bridal fashion this year is the length of the dresses and the add-ons or detachable pieces that can make any dress unique and versatile. Since brides usually start looking for dresses up to a year in advance, or the very least six months before the wedding day, you have the luxury of time to order your dress then customize it. T-length dresses (dress length is between your knees and ankles) are making a come back replacing the more formal look of the floor length gown. The most exciting trend this year is the separate piece worn over a more bare or simple dress. This additional piece gives your dress a formal look for the ceremony. Remove this piece during your reception for a completely different look. The idea is two-in-one. There are exceptions to every rule, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. Remember to take assessment of your own figure and of the gown you're trying on. Beyond the trim and glimmer is a shape that will help you look your best. Happy hunting!

Show Some Skin
This year's popular style is to go bare with shoulders and arms on beautiful display with strapless dresses. There are strapless dresses, with a full skirt for that Cinderella look, or cut sexily close to the body for a more modern form. If you're thinking of a strapless or halter, remember that they place the emphasis on the bodice. Flattering designs that are flying off the racks this year are often: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.

Body Conscious
The ever popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downward, and often has a built-in train. This doesn't mean designers have abandoned the flowing, classic ingredients of traditional gowns - they still offer that "floating" full skirt, but cut to flatter the body. These gowns give an hourglass shape without sacrificing any of the full gown's romance.

Is A Mermaid Style Dress Right For You?
Mermaid style is ever popular. This silhouette is a lot of fun because it can really show off a curvy figure. It follows the body's curves, and then flares out at or above the knee, providing a roomy, airy swish, depending on your fabric choice. If you wish to de-emphasize your hips, this may not be the best style.

Style And Versatility For The Well-Toned Figure
The sheath works best on thin, well-toned figures. If you want a more traditional look from this contemporary shape, the addition of a detachable train can give it the appearance of a ballgown. You don't need to be tall but if you are petite make sure that the gown is in proportion to your figure. Too low a waistline could make your legs appear short.

BB Bridal
5164A Moorpark Avenue
San Jose, CA. 95129
408.996.1806