When selecting your wedding dress, don't forget to order your bridal lingerie, including either a slip or petticoat.
If you are selecting a Sheath-style dress, then you should select a slip. If you are selecting a Mermaid-style dress, then you should select a mermaid-style petticoat.
For A-Line and Ballgown-style dresses you have a lot of options when it comes to selecting the right petticoat. It is important to select the right style for your perfect look, and for ultimate comfort. Here, we provide you with some helpful hints:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PETTICOAT
There are a variety of petticoat styles that are available to brides and their bridesmaids - everything from traditional crinoline to adjustable hoopskirts. So how do you know which option is best for your dress?
The first step is understanding the differernce between the two basic types:
- CRINOLINE: is made with layers of bridal tulle. This style can range from subtle fullness to extra full.
- HOOPSKIRT: is typically made with soft cotton fabric and uses wire hoops embedded into the fabric to create a circular fullness.
THE RIGHT LOOK
The first question when considering your petticoat is to select the look you want. It is important to note that most wedding dresses can have a variety of looks depending on the petticoat that is used. Typically, more narrow, less full petticoats give a more traditional look to a dress, while the very-full and extra-full styles can make almost any ballgown or A-line dress look Cinerella-esque.
CRINOLINE vs. HOOPSKIRT
Crinoline petticoats are ideal for creating a fullness with peaks and valleys. The important thing to remember about crinoline petticoats is that they inevitably touch your legs. And while JSB crinolines are made with anti-scratch materials, the more full your crinoline is, the more likely that you may become quite warm throughout the day.
If you prefer a medium to full look for your dress and you are concerned about overheating, then perhaps a hoopskirt would be the best option. However, if you are hoping to achieve that extreme princess fullness with your dress, then your best choice will be an extra full crinoline.
FIGHTING THE HEAT
A secret to keeping cool even while wearing a crinoline: purchase a narrow hoop skirt and wear it under your crinoline. It will give you a little more lift in your dress and give you the added comfort of keeping the excess tulle away from your legs.
Another helpful hint - have a small personal-sized fan set up underneath your head table at your reception. This will provide an excellent personal reprive on your most special day.
