A study on preferred accessories and standard measurements for constructing female wedding gowns

Abstract

This paper applied a descriptive survey research approach to explore the preferences of female undergraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, on coloured wedding gowns. A simple random sample of 100 respondents was taken out of a target population of 2,171 students. The sampling was done using a validated structured questionnaire that was administered to the subjects who were subject-matter experts. The questionnaires were filled in and submitted as a whole with a response rate of 100%. A quantitative analysis was used that utilized descriptive percentages to answer the research questions and mean values to summarize average body measurements. The findings showed that beads (60 %) and stones (56 %) were the most popular accessories in designing gowns, whereas flowers (46 %) and bow-tie (10 %) were relatively not popular with the respondents and therefore they thought beads and stones were more preferred due to their beauty, functionality and affordability. The research also found that the body measurements used in making the gown differed among three size groups (small, medium, large), where bust, waist, and hip and sleeve measurements were proportionately related to size. These results highlight the importance of having accurate anthropometric data to guarantee correct fit as well as improve the overall look of the garment. The research came to a conclusion that responsible choice of accessories and proper body measurements are key factors in creating well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing wedding dresses. These insights are recommended to designers to help them improve the quality and customer satisfaction of their products.