Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding dress is a highly personal decision, and it can be challenging to know if you've found the right one. It's important to keep an open mind and try on different styles, as you may end up falling for a completely different style than you had initially envisioned. The key is to find a dress that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and excited to marry your partner. It's also essential to consider the shape and silhouette of the dress, ensuring it flatters your body type and feels good to wear. Additionally, don't be afraid to order a dress online or make customisations to your gown to make it feel unique and special. After the wedding, you might consider repurposing your dress into a wearable garment or using the fabric to create sentimental household items.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a dress that feels like you
Choosing a wedding dress can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that the dress should be an extension of your style and make you feel like the best version of yourself. Here are some tips to help you choose a dress that feels like you:
Know Yourself and Your Style
Understand what you want and how you want to feel on your big day. Do you want to feel romantic, glamorous, edgy, or classic? Choose three words that describe your dream bridal style and lean into them when selecting boutiques and dresses to try on. Remember, your wedding dress should reflect your unique beauty, personality, and style.
Do Your Research
Spend time researching different bridal designers and styles. Look at real wedding pictures and past brides who have bought dresses from the designer to get a sense of their work. Also, research boutiques in your area that carry the designers or styles you like. Preview shops via social media and websites to find those that align with your style and budget.
Be Open-Minded
While it's important to have a clear vision, stay open-minded during the process. Try on a variety of styles, shapes, and fabrics, even if they're not exactly what you envisioned. You might be surprised by what you love. Be prepared to try on many different types of dresses, especially early on in your search.
Trust Your Instincts
Listen to your style instincts and please yourself. Don't be influenced by others' opinions or conform to what you think a wedding dress "should" look like. Choose a dress that suits your figure, wedding plans, and makes you feel amazing. It's your special day, and the dress should reflect your tastes and priorities.
Details Matter
Focus on the details that matter to you, such as neckline, fabric, sleeves, embellishments, and train. These details can transform a dress and make it unique to your style and vision. Remember to factor in alterations and accessories when budgeting for your dress to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Pick a silhouette that flatters your body
Picking a wedding dress silhouette that flatters your body is an important step in feeling confident and beautiful on your special day. The first step is to understand your body type and the various dress silhouettes available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right silhouette:
Understand your body type
The fashion world recognizes several body types, distinguished by where individuals carry their weight. The most common ones are Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, and Oval. Knowing your body type will help you choose a silhouette that accentuates your best features. For example, if you have a pear-shaped figure (wider hips and a smaller upper torso), you might want a gown that highlights your décolletage and balances your proportions.
Try different silhouettes
Bridal designer Krésha Bajaj recommends prioritizing comfort and the feeling that the gown evokes when choosing a silhouette. While your body type can guide your decision, it's not the only factor. Leon Vaz, co-founder of Karleo, suggests trying on different silhouettes, even those you might not typically choose, to find the most flattering option. The goal is to create balance and proportion in your look.
Choose a silhouette that complements your body
- Hourglass: This body type is characterized by a well-balanced bust and hips with a cinched waist. Most wedding dress styles will work, but a dress that highlights the waist is especially flattering. A trumpet or mermaid silhouette will accentuate your curves.
- Pear: For pear-shaped figures, A-line or ball gown silhouettes are recommended. A-line gowns create a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust and can make a petite bride look taller. Ball gowns with a fitted bodice draw attention upwards and define the waistline.
- Apple: Apple-shaped bodies carry weight around the midsection. Choose a dress that emphasizes the bust and creates a flow from the midsection down. An empire waist gently skims over the midsection, providing a lengthening effect.
- Rectangle: Straight figures have similar bust, waist, and hip measurements. To add curves and definition, consider a ballgown silhouette or a sheath dress with a sash or belt to highlight the waist.
- Inverted Triangle: These body types have broader shoulders and narrower hips. Look for a dress that adds fullness to the lower half, such as a ballgown silhouette.
- Oval: Ovals have a wider waist. Sheath silhouettes that skim the body or empire waistlines can help create the illusion of a risen waist.
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Start shopping early
Starting your wedding dress shopping early is a great way to ensure you love what you find. While it may be tempting to start looking as soon as you get engaged, it is recommended that you begin your search no earlier than 12 months before the wedding. This is because bridal trends tend to change with the seasons, and you don't want to risk buying your dress only to fall in love with newer designs later.
Starting early means you can take your time to research and gain inspiration. You can create a vision board on Pinterest of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics and the overall tone you are looking for. You can also research bridal salons, looking into their designer selection, price point and sample sizes. This will ensure you are prepared when it comes to trying on dresses and you can make the most of your appointments. It is recommended that you start with one to three dress appointments to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
You should also consider the venue and season when choosing your dress. For example, if you are getting married outside, you may want to choose a dress that works with the terrain and the weather. You should also consider your accessories, shoes and underwear, and bring these with you to your appointments so you can see the full effect.
Remember, it is normal not to find your dream dress on your first appointment, so give yourself plenty of time to shop around. Most dresses will take at least 5-6 months to come in, and longer if you are having customizations. You should also allow time for alterations, as it is rare that a dress will fit perfectly off the rack.
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Try on lots of styles
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, but it's important to keep an open mind and try on lots of styles to find the one that's right for you. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Do Your Research
Before you start trying on dresses, take some time to browse bridal boutiques, magazines, and Instagram for inspiration. Create a Pinterest board or a physical scrapbook of your favourite styles. Look for commonalities among the styles you've chosen—do you prefer embellished, lacy, or voluminous gowns? Do you like open backs or strapless necklines? Identifying these preferences will help you communicate your ideas to bridal stylists and narrow down the vast array of options available.
Be Open-Minded
When you begin trying on dresses, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try on a variety of styles. You might be surprised to find that a completely different style from what you had initially envisioned ends up being your dream dress. Not every dress will flatter your body type, but trying on different silhouettes will help you determine what works best for you. Keep in mind that the gown samples in stores may not be your exact size, so you may need to use your imagination to picture how the dress will look when tailored to your measurements.
Understand Different Silhouettes
Familiarise yourself with the various types of wedding dress silhouettes to determine which style flatters your body type and feels most comfortable. For example, a fit-and-flare style is both contemporary and traditional and works on many body types, while a sheath dress is best suited for tall brides. If you want to showcase your curves, a mermaid cut might be ideal, whereas a voluminous ball gown might be perfect if you're looking for a dramatic effect.
Plan Ahead
To accommodate alterations and customisations, it's recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress nine months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to try on different styles and make informed decisions. If you're ordering your dress online or having it custom-made, be sure to factor in shipping and production times.
Make It a Whole-Day Affair
Trying on wedding dresses can be time-consuming, so it's best to dedicate an entire day to the task. Clear your schedule and narrow down your entourage to two or three people whose opinions you value the most. This will allow you to take your time trying on different styles and ensure you have a pleasant and stress-free experience.
Remember, finding the perfect wedding dress is a process of discovery. Embrace the excitement of trying on different styles and trust your gut feeling when you find a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
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Customise your dress
Customising your wedding dress is a great way to make it unique to you and your personal style. You can work with a designer to personalise the style, cut, fabric and all the finer details.
If you're looking for a custom gown, it's best to start the process at least nine months before your wedding. The customisation process can take a few months, but some designers can create a gown from scratch in as little as three weeks.
There are many ways to customise your wedding dress. You could add a cape, jacket, or sleeves to your dress for a unique, two-in-one look. You could also add embellished, beaded, or pearl straps to a strapless dress for a dramatic, romantic touch.
If you want to feel a little sexier, consider adding illusion tulle to your gown. This fabric will blend seamlessly into a variety of skin tones. You can also add a hint of sparkle and shine with pearl beading.
You can also customise the neckline of your dress. Whether you prefer a deep V, a soft sweetheart neckline, or something in between, you can choose a style that accentuates your body shape and evokes the right vibe.
Finally, don't forget to accessorise! From chic buttons to shimmering metallic wraps, the right accessories can elevate your look and make it truly yours.
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Frequently asked questions
Finding a wedding dress you love can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, determine your bridal style by compiling a file of your favourite wedding dresses. Identify commonalities in the styles you like and be open to trying on different styles. Consider the shape of the dress, the silhouette that flatters your body, and the level of comfort. Work with a good stylist who can help bring your vision to life and choose the best quality dress you can afford.
If you don't want to retire your wedding dress after your wedding, you can repurpose it into something new. You can work with a tailor or seamstress to create a wearable garment, such as a mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe. Alternatively, you can turn it into household items or accessories, such as pillows, tablecloths, or napkins.
The most important factor in choosing a wedding dress is how it makes you feel. Do you feel comfortable and excited to marry your partner? Are you dreading taking it off? If you're comparing every other gown to one you've previously tried on, that's a good sign. Trust your gut and choose the dress that makes you happiest.
