What’s the best wedding dress for me?

Wear a wedding dress that suits your body shape

• With so many dress choices out there the task is indeed a daunting affair. Don’t be fazed by what seems like hundreds of different dress styles and avoid advice from hard selling shop assistants (some benefit from substantial commissions).
• Everyone is individual so remember, what might look fabulous on somebody else may not necessarily suit your body shape or proportions.
• Take a friend along who has a similar build and frame to you, when you pick out a dress get her to try it on for you as well. It’s always easier to see what you like and dislike on somebody else.
   

Focus on enhancing your best bit

• The secret to looking great whatever size you are is to enhance the bits you like about your body.
• For example, if you have well toned arms, beautiful shoulders and neck then don’t just go for a typical strapless style; draw attention to this area by choosing a dress with an unusual neckline or a halter neck style for instance.
• Accessories can also draw attention to the parts of your body you feel most proud of.

It’s not about what you wear but how you wear it

• You ARE gorgeous so just you remember that – YOU are the one getting married after all!
• We’ve all heard of the saying ‘fake it until you make it’. Outer confidence is easily improved – it’s all about looking the part. Wearing your wedding dress practice walking around in front of a mirror, the idea is to feel confident wearing it so it’s a chance to perfect and assess your posture.
• YOU are the lucky one getting married so wear your biggest smile ever – you will instantly look and feel more confident without even knowing it!

Face your wedding party with confidence

• Shop around for a fabulous make-up artist and once found ask for a referral before you commit.
• Ensure your make-up enhances your natural features whilst still making YOU look recognisable afterwards.
• After the trial session with your make-up artist, ask him or her to take a photo of your make-up so you can see what it looks like in photographs, and tweak it if necessary.

Feel confident underneath it all

• Never underestimate the power of sexy underwear, there’s nothing like wearing beautiful lingerie to make you feel like a million dollars.
• Book yourself into a spa for a blissful pampering session to relax your senses. Stress can build up in the run up to the wedding itself so it’s a great chance to treat yourself to a bit of me time and reflect on the remaining planning. If budget is tight why not organise a DIY pampering session at home by yourself with a selection of your favourite products.
• (if required). As you will want it to be absolutely right getting it done a week or so before the wedding is recommended, this will ensure it still looks freshly cut but leave long enough that there is time to fix it if there is an unexpected mishap.

Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you'll be having close-up photos taken. Even a relatively nice complexion can benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and lots of water. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses daily will help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous.

It's hard to be beautiful when you're stressing out too much. Start out by dealing with the people who stress you out, then practice these great relaxation techniques:

Deep Breathing - Lie down on the floor in a quiet place and close your eyes. Inhale deeply through your nose, letting air flow into your stomach area. Picture your body filling with peace as you inhale and the stress flowing out of you as you exhale deeply. Let your mind clear, as you focus on your body filling with air. Repeat until your breathing is slow and relaxed.

Stretching - Take time to stretch, breathing deeply as you do so. Yoga is a great way to stretch, de-stress, and clear your mind as well as help build strength, energy, and relieve tension while you're at it. You might also want to talk to your doctor about good nutrition and exercise routines too.

Watch what you eat - When you’re stressed, avoid caffeine, chocolate and alcohol – these foods are easy to reach for, but they will only increase your stress levels. Again, drink lots of water and try to eat more vegetables, which will help keep your system clear.

Have time to think - If you need to think clearly go for a ten-minute walk outside and avoid thinking about anything wedding related. Instead focus on the view/surrounding area and how nice it feels to be outside. You’ll come back in far more able to deal with what’s going on.

Don't forget to give yourself a break and pat yourself on the back every day. Remember the few small things that you did well each day and got organised. Whether it's booking your make-up artist, short listing your florists or writing out the wedding invites, a lot of good can be achieved in one day - and it's something to be proud of.

Wising you sall the happiness in the world, enjoy one of the best days of your life.

Chantelle x