© Wendy Jonas Couture Designs 2020
Wendy Jonas... Bridal wear
expert on the fashion and beauty
Q & A page Your Wedding
magazine (Herts and Beds)
February
2010 -12
Some of your
questions
answered...
Q: I’ve recently gone on a very successful pre-wedding
diet and have managed to drop down to a size 10. I’m
not used to dressing for my new frame, and I’m on
the lookout for a wedding dress that will show off my
new figure. Are there any styles that will really flatter
my new shape?
Wendy says: Congratulations on your new shape.
There are lots of styles you can wear to show off your
new figure. Fishtail dresses are very sexy styles that
are fitted and then flare out from the knee of the
skirt. You could wear a panelled slinky dress, “red
carpet” style or a backless dress. Medieval style
dresses are very flattering on a smaller figure. Or the
traditional fitted corset bodice accentuates a tiny
waist...like Kate Middleton's dress! You don't need to
have a very revealing dress to show off your smaller
size. Just don't go for a huge dress with masses of
fabric.
Q: I'm a classic pear shape with large hips and small
bust. Can you tell me what style of dress will flatter
my figure, rather than make me look wider than I am?
Wendy says: Most
Brides-to-be don't
realise that
dresses with large
netted skirts will
actually hide your
hips and not
exaggerate them.
Don't be afraid to
choose a dress
with a large skirt!
A traditional
“Princess” style
wedding dress
with a fitted
corset bodice and
full skirt is perfect
for your shape.
Choose a corset
bodice that has a “V” shaped hem rather than straight
across your hips. This will divide the width of your
hips and lengthen your body. Embellishment detail on
the bodice will bring attention to your bust rather
than your hips.You could even add bust cups if you
feel your bust is too small (but don't go too large as
your bust will look false!) A 50's style dress with a full
net skirt is a great style to disguise your hips.
Q: I'm not very traditional and when it comes to
planning my wedding day I want to make it as unique
as possible. I really don't want to go for a typical big,
white dress and was hoping to find something a little
bit different. Have you got any suggestions?
Wendy says: It is
your wedding and
you can wear
exactly what you
want. Look around
at any dresses you
like from
boutiques /
vintage shops /
internet / red
carpet celebrities
dresses, not
necessarily
wedding dress
shops. Think
about the style of clothes you feel comfortable in...do
you want a strapless dress; do you want your arms
covered; what about a trouser suit? You could pick
your favourite colour and steer away from the
traditional white/ivory altogether. Perhaps choose a
theme or an era...50's glamour or a 70's hippy theme?
Think about you and your Groom and interests you
have together. Is he a biker? You could wear white
leather!!! The choices are endless. Decide what you
want and have it made if you can't find it. I tend to
make bridal-wear for brides exactly like you, who want
a personal touch and want to steer away from the
traditional wedding. Have fun!
Q: I'm a size 6 and 5 ft and generally have to have
clothes tailored to fit me. For my wedding day I
wanted to wear a gorgeous, sparkly princess-style
gown but every one I try on seems to just swamp me,
and I'm concerned that even if I have a dress in this
style customised I might end up looking like I'm
playing dressup. Are there
any other styles that
would suit my body better
or should I just order the
gown I want and keep my
fingers crossed?
Wendy says: You should
go for the style of gown
you want! Just keep the
fabric simple, in silk and
the sparkly embellishment
dainty... small beads and
diamonds rather than large stones (to suit your dainty
frame.) A fishtail style would look good on your size or
follow these guidelines...Keep your dress fairly fitted
around the top instead of having ruffles and fuss!
Don't go for the Katie Price tulle skirt but choose a
full silk skirt, that is panelled at the hips and not
gathered. You can have a train as this will elongate
your body, but not too long that you look swamped.
Keep your sparkly embellishment to your bodice and
hem of skirt/ train only. Wear a tiara to add more
subtle sparkle. You don't need to go for masses of
fabric and over accessorise the embellishment to look
like a princess and sparkle!