Articles posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

Wedding Dresses

Bridal Fashion Expert – Wedding Gown Fabrics that fit Your Body

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

Photography by Nine Photography

Question:
How do I go about choosing wedding dress material that’s right for my body?

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:
When choosing a bridal gown there are several fabric and material options available to you.

Classic fabrics include: satin, mikado, chiffon, charmeuse, organza, taffeta and tulle. They differ in so many ways. And, with the addition of Swarovski beading, lace trims, feathers, beaded bands and floral appliqués, today’s most fashion-forward wedding gowns come in a variety of styles to fit any body type.

When trying on gowns it is important to try varying fabrics. You can get a feel for the weight, quality, and structure of the garment. See how the fabric “moves.” This will also help you to narrow your search and focus on the fabrics that you are comfortable in. With this many choices, how does a bride choose what is right for them?

If you are choosing a silk fabric, please bear in mind that the fibers are natural and therefore imperfect. Silks have “flubs” – little lines that are often mistaken for pulls. If this is going to drive you crazy then you should consider a silk blend (mixed with synthetic, like polyester). This is a way to not only bring your cost down, but also eliminate the majority of “imperfections” in the fabric.

If you are fuller figured, or you simply want a more forgiving gown, try going with a heavier fabric like a silk satin, mikado, or lace. Stay away from slinky fabrics like silk charmeuse or chiffon that are often cut on a bias. These lighter fabrics tend to leave nothing to the imagination and can show every nook and cranny! Consider a dress that has elements of beading, ruching or lace at the waist. These treatments often cover creases created by a curvy figure and can create the illusion of a smaller waist and smoother midsection. A-line skirts of satin or taffeta are also very figure flattering. Be careful, though, sometimes going too full in a skirt can make you appear wider than you really are.

If you are looking to show off a slender frame, try silk or satin charmeuse. It is creamy and hugs the body. Styles like silk and satin trumpet gowns accentuate waistlines and hips by elongating body lines. This body type can also try a low drop-waist. It combines that sexy fitted look with the glamour and drama of a full skirt.

Remember, the fabric and details of your gown should embody you. You want your friends, family and, of course, your groom to be able to see you written all over the dress.

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Bridal Fashion Expert – How to Buy a Dress on a Diet

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

Photography by Kelly Moore Photography

Question:
“I plan on losing weight for the wedding. Should I still order a dress I like even though I do not know what size I will be for the wedding?”

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:
Let’s face it ladies – most of our life, we are trying to lose weight! When a bride comes in to fit and purchase a gown, I would say that nine out of ten brides claim they’re on some sort of weight loss plan. But only two of ten actually make their goal. That is completely fine. The stresses and demands of wedding planning don’t allow one too much time to focus on losing weight.

I suggest that if you are REALLY going to lose weight you have to be realistic. 10-15 lbs is about one size for most average size (10-16) brides. Be detailed in your diet and/or workout plan with your bridal fashion consultant. Remember sometimes working out can actually increase your back/bust measurements. Therefore, if you’re advised to order a particular size, you probably should.

I never recommend ordering more than one size smaller – even though you plan to lose the weight. Bridal gowns run much smaller than regular ready-to-wear clothing. If you are a size 8, you may need to order a 12 in a bridal gown – and that’s totally normal. Gowns are also more contoured than regular clothing and remember to leave room for a bra or bra cups under your gown.

It is a myth that bridal shops encourage brides to purchase gowns in a larger size to make more money on alterations. Good seamstresses are hard to find and they are very well paid. Most shops are lucky to break even with the alteration department at the end of the year. I can tell you honestly that we would rather see a dress fit perfectly on a bride, than one so large it has to be reconstructed.

When you find the dress of your dreams, go for it. Don’t wait to lose the weight before you order. It is easier to take a gown in a size then let it out a size. Letting out seams can damage the fabric of many gowns. It is very expensive to order fabric, lace or trims to remake a bodice that was ordered too small. Do know, that if you choose to wait out the purchase of your dream gown, you risk the gown becoming discontinued or having to deal with ‘rush order’ fees.

What’s the worst that could happen? You order your dress at your current size, you get to your goal weight, you look great and the gown has to be taken in! Hooray!

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Bridal Fashion Expert – Traveling With Your Wedding Gown

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

Photography by Stone Blue Productions Photography

Question:
I am having a destination wedding, what kind of dress works best for traveling? How can I care for it once I’m at my destination?”

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:
A lace sheath or lace a-line is the easiest to travel with. The lace never wrinkles and you can fold the gown neatly into a carry-on so you won’t have to check your gown with your luggage. If lace is not your style, you should consider a chiffon or charmeuse gown. Both are very lightweight, easy to pack and can easily be steamed once you arrive at your destination.

Traveling with an elaborate full ball gown is difficult unless you are willing to ship your gown to your destination. If this is the case, see if your bridal salon will pack the gown for you. For a fee, many salons will even ship and insure your gown. If you have any beaded detail on your gown you should wrap the beaded portion with a lightweight plastic, tissue paper or organza. This will cover the beaded portion during transit. It will prevent the beading to rub against and potentially damage the fabric on the gown.

BEFORE you arrive at your destination, arrange to have your gown re-steamed or pressed in the hotel or a nearby bridal salon. Advise them of the date you will be bringing them the gown as well as the fabric and style of the gown so they are prepared.

Call your airline in advance. Some airlines no longer allow you to bring a garment bag on the plane with you. Get the largest dimensions allowed for carry-ons and get a duffle bag or suitcase that conforms. I suggest having your gown, veil headpiece, etc. with you at all times.

Bon Voyage!

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Bridal Fashion Expert and Mother of the Groom Attire

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

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Photography by f8studio

Question:
I am the mother of the groom and I’m unsure of what color to wear. The bride’s mother is wearing black, so am I supposed to also wear black. I have a beautiful suit jacket in Nectarine with black dressy pants. Which would be appropriate?

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:

As the mother of the groom it is very important for you to look your absolute best. As a guest of honor you will be filmed and photographed all day and have an amazing moment dancing with your son at the reception.

Although I have not seen your nectarine jacket and black pants, I believe you should be less conservative and more dressy for your son’s wedding. Wear a gown or dress. Find something that still stays true to your personality but is nothing like what you would “normally” wear. You don’t have to choose glitz but it should be an outfit that is more special than what you would wear as a regular guest.

The mother of the bride chose her color first – etiquette dictates that is correct. She chose black. That’s means every color imaginable is available. I would go with a solid. If she is in black then maybe you want to consider a deep color like navy, burgundy, chocolate or pewter. If a dark color is not your style, then I would suggest a gold, champagne or silver. These tones blend with most color palates and are very stylish this season. If you want to be safe, make sure this does not clash with the bridesmaid dresses and that the bride likes the color. You might also want to consider black as well. It looks great on most people and is always elegant and never out of style. Again check with the bride if that’s okay with her and her mother. Although you don’t have to get the bride’s okay; it is the best and most respectful thing to do. It will avoid any potential hurt feelings or “color confrontation.”

If you love the suit – wear it to the rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. I know many mother of the grooms feel like they need to take a back seat to the mother of the bride, but they shouldn’t. You are equally important and should standout! If it weren’t for you, there would be no groom!

Congratulations and good luck!

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Fashion Expert with Dresses for the Mature Bride

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara

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Photography by Darius Ramazani of Corbis Images

Question:
What are some dress options for the older woman?

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:
The average age of first-time brides is older than generations before. We are also seeing a growth in the second wedding for brides ages 60 and older. Therefore, designers can no longer design only for the younger bride! For most mature brides, the white billowy princess dress with a long train is not usually the way to go. There are some very stylish gowns, suits and dresses that are more age appropriate.

Some recommendations for the mature bride:

If you are going to choose a bridal gown in the traditional sense, order the gown without the long train and the hassle of a bustle. The extra weight can make for an uncomfortable party.

Don’t go to a regular department store. You are very likely to have one of your guests walk in with the same outfit as you if you go that route.

Eveningwear companies like Montage, Stephen Yearick, Rina DiMontella are making fabulous gowns that have 3/4 sleeves, portrait collars, or matching bolero jackets. They are not matronly or “fuddy-duddy.” They are sleek, stylish and come in amazing colors. Depending on the venue, you can do a ruched silk ball gown, lace gown, or a beaded sheath. Many of today’s hottest mature celebrities wear looks like these for award shows like the Emmy’s.

Some popular colors for brides 60 and over are: light gray, soft pink, ivory, champagne, beige, steel blue, soft yellow or a deep off-white.

Bridal gown designers are making “destination gowns”. They are lighter in weight, usually eliminate a train and are available in an array of lengths. I have seen some beautiful silk satin two-piece looks. One in particular was a boat neck tank top and tea-length skirt. The bride wore it with a cactus green sash that matched the flowers and table setting. She looked incredible. Alencon lace is also a very classic and timeless material. I have seen some mature brides in great tailored lace dresses with collared jackets to match. Shawls and Jackets are always options as well for the bride that wants a bit more coverage.

No matter what your age, your wedding is your red carpet event! You should feel beautiful and special. I highly recommend going to see a better bridal salon that has a full eveningwear department. Have a consultant work directly with you. Styles in the evening departments are no longer just matronly looks for the grandma or mother of the bride. They are unusual high style gowns and suits. Buyers are now, more than ever, considering the more mature bride with the merchandise they bring in.

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What Should You Know Before Your Gown Fitting?

Posted by RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara
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Question:

What are the proper questions I should be asking my Bridal Consultant during my gown fitting?

Bridal Fashion Expert, RoseLynn Micari-Fiumara’s Answer:

Brides looking for the perfect gown should ask some important questions that many brides don’t think about until it is time to have fittings. Don’t wait until it is too late!! Ask about the fabric:
Will it wrinkle immediately? All fabrics wrinkle but some are wrinkled before you get out of the limo!

Ask about the fit and your body:
What style is best for my body? Don’t be afraid to try on what the consultant suggests even if it is not your idea of the perfect gown at first glance. Many times an experienced consultant can show you what will look best on your body. Brides get ideas about what looks pretty in the magazines and on the wedding websites, but those gowns are often modeled by women with a less than attainable body type. Yes, there are real life brides like that too, but most of us look like normal people of varying shape, heights, skin tones and sizes. The pictures always look great in the ads. The most important thing is to find the gown that makes you look your absolute best! You want to accentuate your best features and disguise the areas that are your least favorite!

Ask about the bustle:
The bustle is how the train of the gown gets picked up so the gown is easier to dance in and walk with. An experienced consultant should be able to show you (depending on style) the appropriate bustles for that gown. From these choices, make a note or take a picture of how you want it to look. This way you can remember which bustle you liked and show the fitter. Some brides have no idea what the bustle will look like until it is too late! Remember that you are bustled most of your reception, so you need to like what it does for you and your gown.

Ask about what veil or accessories you will be wearing:
Find out what will match or complement your overall look. You don’t want to look overdone so make sure you are choosing accessories that enhance your gown. Ask about special accessory trunk shows and events. You can get special pricing and make a fun evening out of it!

Ask what trends are hot:
Make sure you know what the trends are. Then you can decide if you want to go with a passing trend, avoid a fad and go for a classic look, or incorporate a bit of both.

Ask about appropriate style for your venue and your date:
Are you having a black-tie wedding on a Saturday night or are you having an afternoon vineyard ceremony? Tell your consultant how many guests, where you are having the wedding, and the vision for your theme. All of these factors should be reflected in your gown choice.

Ask about delivery:
Each designer has a different turnaround time for their gowns to be manufactured. Make sure you ask your consultant for the average delivery time. Things may vary, but it is important that you have an estimated time of arrival.

Ask about the alteration fees and bustling fees:
Some salons set an alteration maximum that will be charged for the seamstresses work the on the gown. Most also charge a fee for the bustling of the train. Some charge a flat rate, no matter what it needed. I have even heard some salons are now charging for storage and pressing. All of these fees should be disclosed and on your contract. Make sure you have everything in writing. Don’t assume anything is included and don’t assume you can have your fittings any day you want. Check in advance the fitting schedule and times the seamstresses are available. Ask questions so you know what to expect, and can budget and schedule appointments accordingly.

The bridal gown shopping part of your wedding can be stressful for some brides. Knowing the right questions to ask your consultant should help you get the information you need and allow for a happy and enjoyable experience! Let the quest begin! Good luck!

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