Bridal Gowns in Syracuse

Ball Gown (a fitted bodice and a very full skirt)

• Full figure

• Pear shape

• Thin

Empire (a slim skirt with a waist right below the bust)

• Petite

• Thin

• Pear shape

Princess (a dress with vertical seams and a flared skirt)

• Hourglass

• Full figure

• Petite

Sheath (a very slim, form-fitting dress)

• Thin

• Petite

• Hourglass

Once you have figured out what silhouette you want (based on what would look best), you will want to decide on other parts of the dress as well. Not only will you want to make a list of styles you do like, you will also need to make a list of styles you don't like. For example- likes: empire waist, flared sleeves, sheer overlay; dislikes: big skirts, lots of beading, long trains. Your lists can be as long or as short as you want, but remember, the longer the "like" list, the harder to find the perfect dress and the shorter the dislikes list, the harder to narrow down the search.

As soon as you have your "do's and don'ts" list, look at resources online, or bridal magazines to find dresses that match your criteria. The more research you do before you go shopping, the better. Try to only focus on two or three of your likes when picking out dresses so that the people at the bridal salon have something to work with (instead of set criteria that are unwavering).

When you finally do go shopping, make sure you bring your sample pictures and a trusted friend with you. The best thing to do is call around to a couple stores and make appointments (if necessary) and make sure you look at lots of different dresses before making a final decision. The salespeople at the bridal salon may suggest different styles that may look good on you. Unless these styles are in your "dislikes" list, try them on- you never know what you may fall in love with.

Just as with most purchases, brides usually do not buy the first dress they try on. Most brides try on between 5 and 25 dresses before finding the one they really love. If you are not completely satisfied with the way a dress looks on you, keep looking- it is not worth the disappointment of not thinking you look fabulous on your wedding day.

With so much to do before, and during, a wedding in Syracuse- it's no wonder brides choose to have bridesmaids to help them out. Bridesmaids are in charge of many different tasks (see Help) and can really lighten the load that you and your fiancé carry. However, there are many various things you need to consider when choosing bridesmaids, or any other attendants.

It is really important that you include everyone you absolutely want to include. There's an old rule of 1 bridesmaid for every 50 guests, but in this modern day anything goes. You can have as many or as few bridesmaids as you want. However, make sure you keep your bridesmaids to only those nearest and dearest- having 10 bridesmaids at an intimate gathering is a little excessive.

Every bride is curious about the role of siblings in the bridal party. Many choose to have sisters (and sister-in-laws) as bridesmaids and brothers (and brother-in-laws) as groomsmen. However, we are in a different day and age, so- anything goes. You can choose to not have siblings as attendants (for example: if you have 5 siblings, it may make your party a little too big). Or, you can choose to have siblings on the right side- meaning bride's brothers as bridesmen and groom's sisters as groomswomen. The same principle can apply to best friends of the opposite sex.

Of course, there is always the issue of what the bridesmaids pay for. They are expected to pay for their own attire (unless you have it in your budget). They should also pay for their travel expenses if they are from out of town. The bride can offer to pay for a few things, such as matching jewelry, hair and make-up, etc. Whatever you choose to pay for is totally up to you. Just remember, the more you pitch in for, the more your bridesmaids are happy and willing to help you.

It is customary to give your bridesmaids gifts to thank them for the effort they put into your wedding. These are especially important if you decided not to contribute to any of their expenses. Gifts tend to set your relationship back on the right track after all of the stress you all went through for the wedding. On average, these gifts cost between $25-50. You can either choose to give them all the same gift, maybe a personalized jewelry box or picture frame, or you can give them each a gift that suits their individual personality.

Bridesmaids are very important and no matter what you do- make sure they know that you appreciate them. Even if you are giving them a long list of to-dos along with just a hug, at least they'll know you are grateful for their help.