Your Wedding Dress
princess bride | The sheer range of beautiful wedding dress
styles and fabrics will amaze and delight you. It’s a good idea
to start searching for your dress at least eight months before
your wedding, and if you are having a gown made, a minimum of 10
months is advisable. The last thing you will need closer to the
date is the additional stress of not being able to find the
dress of your dreams. That said, don’t overdo the process so
that you’re less than excited by your gown on the day.
Also, be aware that if you commence a pre-wedding health
regime, your figure may change somewhat and this will effect the
final fitting of your wedding gown. You are best to decide your
fitness strategy, determine realistic goals and inform your
couturier of any possible changes to your weight and/or shape.
begin at the beginning | Before you call into the first
bridal boutique on your list, it’s a good idea to consider some
factors that will help you with the dress selection process. For
example, what time does the ceremony start? Is it a day or
evening wedding? Will it be winter or summer? Are you going to
opt for a formal or informal event? And what about the location?
If it's a garden or beach wedding, you may decide that a long,
flowing gown is just too impractical.
If you have chosen a particular theme for the day – perhaps
modern, traditional, Medieval, Gothic, Scottish, Victorian or
Romantic – your gown should reflect that theme. You will also
need to keep your body shape in mind. You may love the style of
a dress only to find that it doesn’t enhance your own natural
beauty. Your final choice should flatter your figure as well as
make you feel and look utterly enchanting.
once in a lifetime | Your wedding gown is a once in a
lifetime purchase, and ideally you should be able to follow your
heart when it comes to its selection. If you're not willing to
make concessions and have decided that only your dream dress
will do, a made-to-measure couture gown will cost at least
$2,500 to $3,000, and may be far more, depending on the detail
included. However, if budget is a consideration, a wonderful
range of off-the-rack dresses is available. Without alterations
and accessories, such a gown will usually begin around $1,500.
Choosing your wedding dress should be exciting. You may know
exactly what you want, or you may need inspiration. Either way,
by taking the time to pore through
The Bride’s Diary, search the Internet, look through friends’
wedding albums, and visit bridal boutiques you will find the
perfect dress for your perfect day.
enlisting help | Making a decision on your gown can be
daunting, so enlisting the support of your mum, a bridesmaid or
a close friend is always wise. This person should understand
your style, be aware of your wedding’s theme, and know you well
enough to be honest. Ideally, your companion should be with you
as you try on all the gowns so that they can offer an informed
and objective opinion. And while it is helpful to have the
opinion of a trusted relative or friend, it is important that
you follow your own heart when the final decision is to be made.
If this poses a problem, take a camera with you and ask the
sales consultants to photograph you in each gown you try.
shapes and cuts | You will probably know what dress styles
suit you. If you are not sure, you need to be completely honest
with yourself, and encourage your shopping companion to be
equally honest as you try gowns on. A good rule of thumb is to
stay with what you know flatters you. And keep your age in mind.
Some gowns can make you look older than your years, while some
are too young.
Also, think comfort! You should ensure your dress allows you
to sit down comfortably and raise your arms to dance. Feeling
constricted by a dress will not add to your enjoyment of the
day.
Remember, you are looking for a dress that will maximise your
assets while minimising your flaws. Here are some simple
guidelines to help you select the right dress for your figure:
shorter brides | If you are short and would like to create
the impression of height, select a dress with vertical lines
that will elongate your figure. High waistlines work well, but
avoid heavy fabrics and fussy styles, and keep a sense of
proportion when it comes to the detailing of your dress and your
accessories.
full figured brides | Avoid pleating and gathers as they add
too much bulk. A puffy, glossy dress with lots of frills will
not flatter your body type. Instead, opt for lightweight matte
fabrics and keep the style simple. Deep necklines, long sleeves,
empire waists and a full, softly falling skirt can be
wonderfully slimming. Also, consider investing in some body
shaping underwear, which will help to create a flattering
silhouette.
upper arms | If you are concerned about exposing your upper
arms, choose a gown with sleeves. They can be elbow,
three-quarter or full length and in any fabric you want:
organza, lace, silk, georgette, and so on. Alternatively, select
a dress and jacket combination. There are any number of stunning
gowns that come complete with classically elegant jackets, often
in a flattering bolero style.
pear shaped | Wedding gowns can be very kind to pear shaped
bodies. You can create the illusion of a slim waist with a deep
v-shaped basque and a full skirt. Low necklines, a princess line
and a decorated bodice also create a flattering look. Avoid
detailing or trim around your waist and hemline.
the petite bride | If you are petite, you should avoid heavy
detail and billowing dresses. Empire lines and soft, flowing
A-line skirts will help add height. You can probably wear any
neckline. Strapless or halter will be flattering, and why not
show off your tiny waist with a dress that tucks in at all the
right places?
tall and slender | If you are tall and slender, a full skirt
will create the illusion of curves. Avoid gowns with vertical
lines, or those that tend towards the dainty. Instead, consider
sophisticated, sweeping styles that make a statement: a boat
neck or sashed waist would be perfect for you.
large bust | Well-endowed brides look fantastic in a halter
neck or off the shoulder dress. V-necked or scooped necklines
are very flattering, but a high neckline or waistline, or an
elaborately detailed bodice should be avoided. To create
balance, choose a dress with a bodice in a soft fabric and a
heavier fabric for the skirt. Keep detailing below the
waistline.
small bust | Smaller chested women should consider pleats or
elaborate detailing on their bodice as it creates a fuller
appearance. A dress with a fitted (but not too tight) bodice
featuring a high neck, a scooped back and a full skirt will look
wonderful. Avoid necklaces and open necklines as they tend to
draw attention to your upper body.
beautiful you | If you have incredible shoulders and an
exquisite décolletage, don’t hesitate! Show them off in a
strapless gown. You will look fabulous.
Ultimately, we all need to accept our individual body shapes,
because every woman is truly and uniquely beautiful.
Take your time and find the dress that accentuates all of
your good points perfectly. You will look and feel like a
princess.
dress lengths | Full-length gowns are perfect for evening or
formal weddings and are usually worn with a cathedral or chapel
length veil. Day weddings tend to be less formal, with shorter
gowns, suits, or dresses combined with an appropriate headpiece.
Shorter wedding dresses are fantastic if you have the legs to
match. However, it’s important to consider the events of the
day. If you plan on being lifted or will be sitting at an open
table, modesty may call for a longer hemline.
If you are being married at a registry office, you can wear
whatever you would like, from a traditional white gown to a
smart suit and hat. A bouquet of flowers will add an elegant and
colourful touch.
serenely sensible | Never fall into the trap of selecting a
dress that is far too small for you thinking you will lose the
extra weight before your wedding. This is unrealistic and you
will be in a terrible bind if you haven't achieved your weight
loss goals.
A sensible approach is always best. However, because of all
the excitement and rushing around, busy brides-to-be often do
loose some weight. So arrange to have your final dress fitting a
week or two before your wedding.
a rainbow of colours | Although modern brides are becoming
adventurous with colour, white remains the popular choice.
However, white is never simply white. It comes in many different
tones, and taking the time to find the right tone for you will
bring your complexion to life. You will look radiant.
When selecting your fabric colours, always be sure to see
them in natural lighting. Consider accenting your gown with
pastel or even richly toned embroidery. You may want to team
this with lace or crystal beading. Then pick up the colour of
your trim in your bouquet and accessories, and the look will be
simply sensational.
dreamiest dresses | Bridal retailers carry a superb range of
off-the-rack designer gowns from a variety of fashion houses.
You will be amazed by the choice and the quality. Wear
appropriate lingerie - usually a strapless bra and a slip – when
trying on gowns. This will give you a much better idea of how
you will look in the dress. And if you know what heels you’ll be
wearing, take along a similar pair.
Do seek the advice of bridal boutique sales consultants. They
have helped countless brides choose gowns to suit their
colouring and figure, so take advantage of their experience. And
allow yourself plenty of time to work systematically through the
range of styles until you arrive at the right style and fit.
couture gowns | If you can’t find exactly what you want
off-the-rack, you could always have a dress designed and made
for you by a bridal couturier. Couturiers take great pride in
creating gowns of high quality and great beauty. They are
experts, so listen to their advice, but always make them aware
of your own ideas. You may have found some photographs of gowns
you like in magazines. If so, take them with you.
Having a dress designed and made by a couturier is never a
speedy process. Many designers are booked out well in advance,
so as soon as you have set the date for your wedding, begin your
search for your couturier.
Once the process of designing and making your gown has begun,
work graciously with your couturier, and make sure you attend
all your fittings so that your dress is completed in plenty of
time.
practicalities | Whether you are buying from a bridal
boutique or a couturier, you will be asked for a deposit on your
gown. You can then finalise the payment in regular installments.
Be sure to get a written quote, or a Terms of Agreement
document that states the colour, size and style of your dress,
as well as the agreed delivery date.
Understandably, some gown retailers will not make any
adjustments to your dress until you have paid for it in full.
hiring | Hiring a gown can save you significant sums of
money. Many companies specialise in this service. The variety of
gowns is usually excellent and you can personalise your hire
gown with accessories. When trying on hire gowns, check the fit
of key areas such as waist, sleeves, bust and length. Also
ensure that all fasteners work properly and that no buttons,
ornamental or otherwise, are missing.
If you do decide on the hire option, keep in mind that
dresses can be booked out months in advance. To avoid being
disappointed, be quick to ensure you secure the dress you want.
pre-loved delights | Pre-loved gowns are a cost-effective and
simple alternative. Some bridal stores specialise in pre-loved
gowns and the variety of gowns available is steadily growing.
Opting for this approach may well give you the opportunity to
purchase a magnificent dress at a greatly reduced price.
www.bridesdiary.com.au | We invite you to continually visit
our fabulous interactive website at www.bridesdiary.com.au where
you can enjoy continually updated reviews of the latest couture
bridal fashion designers throughout Australia.
natural beauty | Sumptuous hand painting, embroidery, lace,
pearls, crystals or sequins all add an exquisite finishing touch
to a superbly crafted bridal gown. There are so many options
that it is well worth investigating the embellishments that you
like the best. The gown you select is a big decision so allow
yourself plenty of time to make this once-in-a-lifetime
purchase. However, no matter how stunning your gown, it is your
natural beauty that will bring it to life on your wedding day.
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