Journal

Wedding dress advice

Notes from the fitting room at Lichée Bridal, by Cloe Pan, stylist.

• Wedding dress silhouettes, explainedA-line, ball gown, mermaid, trumpet, sheath and column wedding dresses — what each silhouette looks like, who it flatters, and how to choose yours.
• Wedding dress fabrics: satin, tulle, lace, crepe and moreHow satin, mikado, crepe, tulle, organza, chiffon and lace look, feel and photograph — and which wedding dress fabric suits your season and venue.
• Wedding dress necklines: which one suits you?Sweetheart, V-neck, off-the-shoulder, strapless, halter, square, high neck and illusion necklines for wedding dresses — what each flatters and how to choose.
• When should you start wedding dress shopping?How far ahead to shop for a wedding dress — timelines for special orders, buying off the rack and renting, plus when alteration fittings begin.
• What to bring to your bridal appointmentA checklist for your first wedding dress appointment: undergarments, shoes, inspiration photos, budget and who to bring — plus what to expect at the fitting.
• Choosing a wedding dress for your Bay Area venueWedding dress ideas for San Francisco City Hall, Napa and Sonoma vineyards, coastal ceremonies and South Bay estates — with tips for Bay Area weather.
• Do you need a second wedding dress?Why many brides change into a second look for the reception or tea ceremony, what to choose, and how renting makes two dresses affordable.
• Wedding dresses for petite bridesThe most flattering wedding dress silhouettes, necklines and details for petite brides — and the alterations that make any gown fit a smaller frame.
• How to choose a wedding dress for your body typeWhich wedding dress silhouettes flatter hourglass, pear, apple, athletic and petite figures — and why the right fit matters more than any rule.
• Bridal suits and separates: alternatives to a wedding gownBridal suits, wedding jumpsuits and two-piece separates — when to choose one, how to style it, and how to wear one for the ceremony or a second look.