Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress: A Guide

how to know what kind of wedding dress you want

Choosing a wedding dress can be an overwhelming task, but there are several ways to narrow down your options and find the perfect dress. It's important to consider your body type, the parts of your body you want to accentuate, and your overall aesthetic. The formality and theme of your wedding, as well as the location and weather, will also play a role in determining the right dress. To get started, try taking a wedding dress style quiz or creating a mood board of wedding attire that inspires you. Don't forget to consider your budget and keep in mind that there will be additional expenses beyond the cost of the dress itself, such as tailoring and accessories. With these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding a dress that reflects your personality and makes you feel confident on your special day.

Characteristics Values
Body type Enhance certain parts of the body, such as collarbones or back
Overall aesthetic Laid-back, garden-themed, or formal
Venue and theme The dress should not clash with the venue and theme
Weather The weather on the wedding day will influence the dress
Personality The bride's personality should shine through the dress
Budget The budget should include expenses such as tailoring and accessories
Heirloom Consider incorporating a family heirloom into the wedding look
Fabric Silk for a minimalist look, beaded for sparkle, crepe for comfort and dancing

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Know your body type and what parts you want to accentuate

Knowing your body type and measurements is essential to finding a wedding dress that accentuates your best features and makes you feel confident and beautiful.

If you have an hourglass figure, with balanced proportions between the bust and hips and a smaller waist, you can emphasise your curves with a fitted bodice or a mermaid-style skirt. A-line dresses are also universally flattering for hourglass figures, providing a balanced silhouette. For brides with fuller chests, wider straps or sleeves can offer support, while a sweetheart or V-neckline will beautifully flatter your bust. A fitted gown will also accentuate your curves and mimic an hourglass shape.

For athletic body types, off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses will showcase your gorgeous arms. To enhance your shoulders, consider a gown with a halter neckline. If you want to highlight your strong personality, avoid light and flowy fabrics like chiffon and opt for heavier, more durable materials like satin.

If you have a pear-shaped figure with larger hips and a smaller top half, you may want to try on different styles to see what you feel comfortable and confident in. While some sources suggest A-line or ballgown styles to create a balanced silhouette, others recommend a fitted style to showcase your curves.

To determine your body type, have a friend or family member measure you, and compare these measurements with body type descriptions. Once you know your body type, you can start to narrow down your options and find the perfect dress to accentuate your unique figure.

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Consider the formality, location and weather of your wedding

When deciding on a wedding dress, it is important to consider the formality of your wedding, the location, and the weather.

First, consider the formality of your wedding. Is it a formal or casual event? This will help determine the type of dress you choose. For example, a formal wedding may call for a more traditional and elegant dress, while a casual wedding could allow for a more relaxed and playful dress style.

Next, think about the location of your wedding. Is it indoors or outdoors? A grand venue with a long aisle may require a dress with a long train that will make an impact as you walk down the aisle. On the other hand, an outdoor wedding in a garden or on a beach may call for a more flowy and relaxed dress style. Consider the venue and theme of your wedding to ensure your dress complements the overall aesthetic.

Finally, take into account the weather on your wedding day. If you're getting married in a hot and humid climate, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as silk or chiffon. You may also want a dress with a looser fit to keep you cool. For colder weather, consider a dress with long sleeves and a thicker fabric such as satin or crepe. Don't forget to consider the comfort of your dress, especially if you're getting married in extreme temperatures.

While choosing a wedding dress, it is essential to keep these factors in mind to ensure you find the perfect dress that fits your needs and the overall vision of your wedding day.

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Look at bridal magazines and Pinterest for inspiration

If you're trying to figure out what kind of wedding dress you want, looking at bridal magazines and Pinterest for inspiration is a great place to start. While most bridal magazines have gone virtual, you can still subscribe to magazines like Bridal Guide, The Knot, and Martha Stewart Weddings. These magazines often feature beautiful photos that can provide inspiration for your dream wedding dress. If you're looking for something more destination-focused, consider checking out Destination I Do magazine. For UK-based inspiration, Weddings & Honeymoons magazine is a popular choice. In addition to bridal magazines, Pinterest is an excellent resource for finding wedding dress inspiration. By creating a board specifically for wedding dresses, you can pin your favourite styles and themes to help narrow down your preferences. Whether you're browsing through bridal magazines or scrolling on Pinterest, the key is to look for dresses that speak to you and reflect your unique personality and style.

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Try on dresses—don't judge a dress by how it looks on a hanger

Trying on dresses is essential to finding the right wedding dress for you. Don't be deceived by how a dress looks on a hanger—some dresses have heavy details that make them sag when hung up, so don't dismiss a dress based on its appearance on the hanger. You won't know what a dress looks like until you try it on.

When trying on dresses, consider the parts of your body you want to accentuate. If you want to accentuate your back, try dresses with a low cut or open back. If you want to show off your collarbones, consider a strapless gown. Additionally, think about the formality of your wedding. A laid-back, garden-themed wedding may call for a different dress than a formal affair. Keep your venue and theme in mind to ensure your dress complements your overall wedding aesthetic.

Consider your body type and overall aesthetic preferences when trying on dresses. If you envision a minimalist look, a silk dress could be perfect. If you want to sparkle, consider beaded or sequined designs. The right fabric and style can flatter your silhouette and make you feel comfortable and confident on your big day.

While trying on dresses, bring any family heirlooms or accessories you plan to wear, such as your mother's veil or a favourite piece of jewellery. This will help you ensure that your chosen gown works well with your desired accessories. It's also important to consider your budget when trying on dresses. Keep in mind that there may be additional expenses beyond the dress itself, such as tailoring, accessories, and cleaning.

Remember, the right wedding dress will allow your personality to shine through. Don't be afraid to try on a variety of styles and step out of your comfort zone. Enjoy the process of discovering the perfect dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself!

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Incorporate family heirlooms, like your mother's veil, into your wedding look

Deciding on a wedding dress can be challenging, but incorporating family heirlooms, like your mother's veil, can be a great way to make your wedding dress unique and meaningful. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Wear the veil as it is

If your mother's veil is still in good condition and suits your style, you can choose to wear it as it is. This option is a straightforward way to pay tribute to your family and honour their legacy.

Refashion the veil

If you would like to wear your mother's veil but want to make it more contemporary, consider refashioning it. You can add modern touches, such as new lace or embellishments, to make it your own while still preserving its sentimental value.

Incorporate the veil into your wedding gown

Another option is to incorporate the veil into your wedding gown. You could use the lace from the veil to create intricate details on your dress, such as sleeves or a back panel. This approach allows you to wear a modern gown while still including a piece of your family's history.

Create a keepsake

If you want to preserve your mother's veil as it is, consider using a piece of the fabric to create a keepsake. For example, you could frame a small section of the veil, along with a photo of your mother on her wedding day, as a memento. Alternatively, you could use the fabric to wrap your wedding bouquet, carrying a piece of your family's legacy with you as you walk down the aisle.

Accessorise with family jewellery

In addition to veils, jewellery is another family heirloom that can be incorporated into your wedding look. Consider wearing a piece of jewellery passed down through generations, such as a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. If the piece is not in good condition, you could take a stone from it and put it in a new setting to wear as an accessory.

Remember, incorporating family heirlooms is a beautiful way to pay homage to your loved ones and add a unique, sentimental touch to your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions

It's important to choose a dress that reflects your personality and makes you feel like yourself. Consider creating a mood board with wedding attire inspiration from bridal magazines and Pinterest. You can also ask yourself whether there are certain parts of your body you want to accentuate. For example, if you want to accentuate your back, you could try dresses with a low cut or open back.

Aside from your body type and personal style, you should also consider the formality, location, and theme of your wedding. You don't want your dress to clash with the overall aesthetic of your wedding venue. You should also keep in mind that there will be additional expenses beyond the cost of the dress, such as tailoring, accessories, and cleaning.

Visiting a trunk show can get you a discount, and you may also be able to negotiate changes to the dress design with the designer. Sample sales at salons are another great way to find discounted designer gowns.

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