When designer Monique Lhuillier was looking for a dress to wear for her wedding, she had trouble finding one to fit her tiny frame.
"When you're small like I am," she explains, "a big, elaborate gown can sometimes look as if it's wearing you, rather than the other way around."
Now, of course, Lhuillier designs her own line of bridal gowns with the petite bride in mind - lots of shoulder-baring A-line styles, pleated skirts, and bodices designed with inserts. "The less fabric there is, the more you'll see of the bride," she explains. "If there's too much material and beading, the bride will look overwhelmed."
Placing an insert (or "crumb catcher") at the bustline will also help give the illusion of a lengthier frame. "The insert draws the eye up," Lhuillier explains, "making the bride look up to three inches taller."
Another trick, says Lhuillier, is exposing your shoulders and arms. "Strapless gowns and high, off-the-shoulder styles will make your torso look longer," she says. "And if you're wearing a full skirt, your bare skin will balance out all the material."
Though Lhuillier says every bride should choose the gown that best reflects her personality, she recommends the following three silhouettes for diminutive brides:
The Close-Fitting Sheath Hard for many women to pull off, the sheath is perfect for the petite bride. The slim shape follows the natural lines of the body, giving the illusion of length.
The A-line Gown: The A-line is fitted through the torso, with a skirt that falls in a slightly flared triangular shape. The silhouette elongates short waists, adding the illusion of length. If you like the fullness of a ball gown, opt for an A-line gown with a bustle to fill out the back.
The Princess Line: Princess is similar to A-line, but the fit is achieved with vertical seams that run from the middle of the shoulders down to the hem in one straight line, elongating everything.
TAKING THE TRAIN: If you've always dreamt of wearing a train on your wedding day, try pairing a six-inch sweep version with one of the above shapes. Long, chapel-length trains can look overpowering on a petite bride.
GOING UP:Now is not the time to break out the four-inch heels to add height, either. By the end of the ceremony, your feet will be killing you. Consider wearing your hair up, instead, which elongates the neck, adding length. For an even more statuesque style, top off your upswept tresses with a sparkling tiara. You'll look -- and feel -- like a princess.
DESIGNING WOMEN: In addition to Monique Lhuillier, designers like Carolina Herrera, Manale, Erisa Katsura, Yumi Katsura, and Wearkstatt all create small-size gowns (staring at size zero or two), while companies like Eden Bridals, Priscilla of Boston, and Venus all offer complete petite collections. Check out gowns from each of these companies at The Knot Wedding Gown Search. -- Hollee Actman Becker
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