Chantelle Znideric is an award winning celebrity stylist, personal shopper and fashion writer with a monthly fashion column and regularly contributions to the national press with fashion features, interviews, style advice, expert quotes and fashion tips. Chantelle will show you that it doesn't have to cost the earth to look a million dollars.
Find a wedding dress that suits your body shapeThe most exciting and of course the most important item on your shopping list before your special day is finding your perfect wedding dress. With so much choice out there the task is indeed a daunting affair so don’t be fazed by all the different styles and never become dazed by what the shop assistants tell you.
The secret to feeling confident in your wedding dress is about understanding and appreciating what body shape you have before you begin. Everyone is different so remember, what might look fabulous on somebody else may not necessarily suit you.
If your are unsure about what body shape you are then 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 your favourite bits
We all have favourite bits about our bodies that we like more than others so it’s essential that you focus on accentuating these body parts, even if they happen to be in places that no one else can see!
For example, if you have well toned arms, beautiful shoulders and neck then don’t just go for the typical A-Line style of dress; why not expose this area for everyone to see by choosing a dress with spaghetti straps or even one that has a halter neckline.
It’s not about what you wear but how you wear it
You ARE gorgeous and just remember that, also YOU are the one getting married! Your partner thinks you are beautiful in every way so if you have doubts about how you feel in your wedding dress then take a second to think about all the favourite times you’ve shared and remember all the funny things you’ve done together.
It’s a good idea to practice walking around in your wedding dress in front of a mirror, the idea is to feel confident wearing it and it’s a chance to assess your posture. It’s time to hold your head up high and look in the mirror one last time; YOU are the lucky one getting married so wear the biggest smile you have ever seen. You will instantly look and feel confident without even knowing it!
Face your wedding party with confidence
Make-up plays a big part to your overall wedding look. It’s advisable to shop around for a make-up artist and it’s a good idea to ask for a referral before you commit as I’ve heard horrendous stories of brides looking too made and caked up … It’s not a good look in general and especially not on your wedding day.
Ideally you want the make-up to enhance your natural features, you still need to look like YOU afterwards. After your trial session with your make-up artist, ask her to take a photo of your make-up after you have had it applied so you can see what it looks like in pictures. If there is anything you would like tweaked before your special day then you can show your make-up artist whereabouts on your photo.
Feel confident underneath it all
It’s not just about what you wear on the outside on your wedding day but it’s as important what you wear underneath your dress. Never underestimate the power of sexy underwear, there’s nothing like wearing beautiful lingerie to make you feel like a million dollars. When you hit the shops you’ll be spoiled for choice, there’s heaps of gorgeous bridal lingerie out there so spend time trying on different pieces and seeing how it makes you feel.
You’ve decided on your bridal lingerie so why not have a quiet moment by yourself, lie on your bed in just your lingerie and think about how sexy it makes you feel – love your body for what it is. The truth is if you can’t accept your body for what it is you’ll never be truly happy with who you are or how you look