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Finding the perfect wedding dress
Your wedding day is the one day, more than any other, when you want to look just right. Many brides-to-be dream of their wedding dress for years, but when you come to actually pick one, the sheer volume of wedding dresses to choose from can be overwhelming.
Our guide to choosing the perfect wedding dress will help make sure you look your best on the day, whether you know exactly the type of wedding dress you want or are open to ideas.
Style
You can get every imaginable style of wedding dress these days, from a traditional white gown to a 50s-style pastel cocktail bridal gown. Non-traditional wedding dresses are increasingly common these days and brides have more freedom to choose a bridal gown which matches the style of their wedding and their personality and tastes.
Even if you are having a registry office wedding, there’s also no reason why you can’t wear the traditional white wedding dress. If you are having a particular theme or style for your wedding, it can make a real impact to have a bridal gown which goes with it.
Remember, you don’t even have to wear a wedding dress! Bridal gowns are the most popular choice, but if it’s really not you, you should feel free to opt for a well-tailored trouser suit or perhaps a skirt with a corset and jacket. You should feel comfortable and like yourself on your wedding day, and your wedding outfit should help you to do this, so if you wouldn’t normally be seen dead in a dress, don’t feel obliged to get a wedding dress.
Colour
Although the traditional wedding dress is white, things are much more open these days. White is not flattering to all complexions and your bridal gown should make you look your most radiant.
Ivory or cream is a popular, more flattering wedding dress option. Champagne and pastel colours are a popular choice too, for a modern wedding gown. Have the confidence to wear the colour you think suits you, not what you think you should wear.
Fit
Go for a fit that is both flattering and practical. Do factor in some time and money for alterations too, in case you need them to make your wedding dress a perfect fit. When you try bridal dresses on, check that you can sit, turn and lift your arms comfortably in it-there’ll no doubt be lots of hugging on the day!
If you have trouble with finding clothes which fit well in general, it can be a worthwhile option to commission a dressmaker to make you a wedding dress to your exact measurements.
Tips on wedding dress buying
Start looking for a wedding dress about six to nine months before your wedding. This leaves time for making the dress up or alterations. If you start looking too early you may risk changing your mind about the style of your bridal gown.
Although you may have an idea of your dream wedding dress, keep an open mind. Trying on a range of bridal dresses will either confirm your dream dress or open your eyes to a world of possibilities you never would have previously considered.
Take a close friend or family member with you to give you a second opinion on wedding dresses. However, don’t be swayed on your final decision. It’s your wedding dress and it’s really important that you feel comfortable and confident in it.
If you can’t find the one wedding dress that jumps out at you, consider contacting a local dressmaker and having one made. If you have ideas from magazines, take in pictures of bridal gowns that you like. The advantage of a custom-made dress is that it should fit you perfectly and you can choose everything down to the last detail.