George Boyle
Picking the perfect wedding dress can be a daunting task. It is important to consider your body type, the style of dress that suits your figure, and how you want to express your personality. The process involves trying on different silhouettes and styles, keeping an open mind, and giving yourself enough time to make a decision. You should also be mindful of your budget and whether the dress will require alterations. The right wedding dress will make you feel confident and comfortable while celebrating your individuality. It is also crucial to work collaboratively with your designer to bring your vision to life.
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What You'll Learn
- Do your research: browse Pinterest, real weddings, and designer websites to get inspired?
- Consider your body type: choose a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and comfortable
- Keep an open mind: try on different silhouettes and styles, and don't limit yourself to a specific look
- Collaborate with your designer: ensure your bespoke gown complements your wedding theme, venue, and personal style
- Set a budget: don't fall in love with a dress you can't afford; alterations and taxes can add to the cost
Do your research: browse Pinterest, real weddings, and designer websites to get inspired
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress, it is essential to do your research. Start by browsing Pinterest, creating a board to save all your favourite styles and looks. You can also browse real weddings online for inspiration, and get a sense of what might complement your body type, wedding theme, and personal taste.
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, with hundreds of the latest styles to browse and save. You can also create a private board to narrow down your favourite styles and look for similarities. For example, you might find that all the dresses you like are embellished, lacy, or voluminous, or that they all have open backs or strapless necklines.
Browsing real weddings can also help you to determine what styles you like and what will suit your wedding theme and venue. For instance, if you're having an outdoor wedding, a lightweight and flowy dress will suit the setting perfectly, whereas a structured and elaborate gown may be more appropriate for a formal indoor wedding.
Don't forget to also research designers and boutiques before you start visiting any shops. The look you want to create should match the designer's style. If you're after a boho look, for example, try to find designers who specialise in boho wedding dresses. It's also a good idea to make a list of your favourite designers, their collections, and their price ranges to help you focus your search and stay within your budget.
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Consider your body type: choose a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and comfortable
The first step to choosing a wedding dress that flatters your figure is understanding your body type. Every woman falls into one of the following categories: apple, hourglass, pear, or rectangle. Some women may also be a combination of more than one, but there is usually a dominant type.
The hourglass body type is characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a smaller waist. To accentuate your curves, opt for a dress that cinchs at the waist, such as a fitted bodice or a mermaid-style skirt. A-line dresses are also universally flattering for hourglass figures, as they emphasise curves while offering a balanced look from top to bottom.
If you have a pear-shaped body, you will have a smaller upper body and broader hips. To achieve a balanced look, look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows away from the body, gracefully skimming over the hips and accentuating the waist. A-line silhouettes are especially flattering for pear-shaped brides, as they emphasise the waist and gently skim over the hips.
For apple-shaped bodies, which carry most of their weight around the midsection, look for a dress that emphasises the bust and creates a flow from the midsection down. Empire waistlines, cinched just below the bust, with a flowing skirt, offer an elegant, elongated look.
If you have a rectangle-shaped body, your shoulders, waist, and hips are relatively the same width. To flatter this body type, look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares to add volume and definition, creating the illusion of a more defined waistline. Adding a belt or sash at the waist can also help to accentuate this area and add interest to a simple dress.
Remember, these classifications are just starting points, and each person is wonderfully distinctive. The most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Move around in the dress, sit down, and imagine wearing it for hours. If you feel radiant and beautiful, you've likely found "the one"!
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Keep an open mind: try on different silhouettes and styles, and don't limit yourself to a specific look
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress, it's important to keep an open mind and not limit yourself to a specific look. This is because what matters most is how you feel in the dress. Even if a gown ticks all the boxes in terms of style and design, the most important question to ask yourself is: do I feel confident and comfortable?
To find a dress that makes you feel incredible, it's a good idea to try on different silhouettes and styles. A silhouette that flatters your body and feels comfortable is key. For example, a fit-and-flare style is both contemporary and traditional and works for many body types, while a sheath dress is best suited to taller brides. If you're looking for a fairytale look, a ball gown with a dramatic, full skirt is a perfect choice. On the other hand, an A-line dress is universally flattering, with a cinched waist and voluminous skirt, and it works particularly well for pear-shaped figures. If you're drawn to a more casual, rustic, or nautical theme for your wedding, non-traditional lengths can add personality to your look. Midi dresses, for instance, are a charming and conservative option that works well for low-key ceremonies.
Before you start shopping, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different styles and silhouettes available, especially those that complement your body type and personality. However, it's also important to remain open-minded and try on a variety of options, even those you might not typically consider. By keeping an open mind, you increase your chances of finding a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
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Collaborate with your designer: ensure your bespoke gown complements your wedding theme, venue, and personal style
When it comes to picking the perfect wedding dress, creating a bespoke gown in collaboration with a designer is a popular choice. This process involves a few months of decision-making and designing, so it's important to find a designer whose style aligns with your own and who you get along with well.
Before meeting with your designer, it's worth doing some research. Look at different dress styles, necklines, and laces on Pinterest or real weddings on bridal directories. Consider the silhouette that will suit your body shape and the style that will complement your wedding theme and venue. Do you want a fairytale ball gown, a sleek sheath dress, or a figure-hugging mermaid/trumpet silhouette?
When you meet with your designer, be open and honest about your ideas and expectations. Share your chosen colour palette, wedding theme, floral arrangements, and venue details. Discuss any personal touches you want to add, such as hand-painted details or an extended train. Be prepared to try on different styles and silhouettes, even if they differ from your preferred style. The designer will work with you to create a gown that celebrates your individuality and makes you feel incredible.
Remember that creating a custom wedding dress is a time-intensive and often more expensive process than purchasing an off-the-rack gown. It's important to give yourself enough time, as some designers recommend six to eight months for the creation of a bespoke gown, including time for ideation, sourcing rare materials, and fittings.
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Set a budget: don't fall in love with a dress you can't afford; alterations and taxes can add to the cost
Setting a budget for your wedding dress is an important first step in the process of choosing the perfect one. It is easy to fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range, so it is crucial to be realistic and stick to your budget. Wedding dresses can be expensive, and alterations and taxes can add to the overall cost.
The cost of alterations depends on several factors, including the complexity of the work, the number of alterations, the fabric and style of the gown, and the rates of the seamstress or tailor. Basic alterations typically range from $150 to $800, but customisations and intricate details can increase the price to over $1000. For example, alterations for gowns made of silk or satin are more expensive due to the need for delicate hand stitching. Similarly, re-beading and lace dress alterations can also come with a higher price tag.
It is important to plan your alterations in advance, usually 4-5 months before the wedding, to avoid rush charges. You should also consider the timeline of alterations to ensure they are not done too early, as the dress might fit differently by the wedding day. Leaving a buffer of at least a week is recommended in case last-minute changes are needed.
When setting your budget, keep in mind that alterations are essential to ensure your dress fits you perfectly. You may also want to factor in additional costs such as taxes and shipping, which can vary depending on your location and the boutique's policies.
To summarise, setting a realistic budget for your wedding dress is crucial to avoid disappointment. Remember to include the cost of alterations, which can be significant, and plan ahead to ensure you have a buffer for any unexpected expenses. By doing so, you can confidently choose a dress that is both within your budget and makes you feel incredible.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by researching dress styles, necklines, and laces on Pinterest or by exploring 'real weddings' on bridal directories. You can also visit the websites of wedding gown suppliers for inspiration. When you have a basic idea of what you want, visit boutiques or designers that match your preferred style and budget.
Try on different silhouettes and styles, and keep an open mind. Move around in the dress, sit down, and imagine wearing it for hours. If you feel confident and comfortable, it’s likely the one. Remember, the right dress will celebrate your individuality and make you feel incredible.
Give yourself plenty of time. Many dresses are handmade and require at least six months to ensure they are fitted perfectly. Don't schedule your dress pickup at the boutique until a couple of months before the wedding.
