Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding dress is an exciting part of wedding planning, but with so many options, it can be challenging to know which dress is right for you. To find your dream wedding dress, you should consider your personal style, body type, budget, and the venue, season, and formality of your wedding. Online quizzes can help you identify your preferences and find your ideal dress silhouette, whether that be a traditional, boho, romantic, sexy, or minimalistic style. After finding your dream dress, be sure to schedule your first fitting two to three months before your wedding and your last fitting no later than two weeks before your wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feel | Amazing, comfortable, and confident |
| Coordination | Venue, season, and formality of the wedding |
| Style | Traditional, boho, romantic, sexy, or minimalistic |
| Silhouette | Column, A-line, princess, or mermaid |
| Fittings | First fitting 2-3 months before the wedding, last fitting no later than 2 weeks before |
| Customizations | Reworking the bodice or adding sleeves |
| Options | Jumpsuits, non-white, skirtless |
| Budget | Veil, headpiece, jewelry, shoes, undergarments, and alterations |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress style and comfort
Choosing a wedding dress is a highly personal decision, and there are many factors to consider. The dress should make you feel amazing, so you can be comfortable and confident. It should also suit the venue, season, and formality of the wedding.
There are many different wedding dress styles, silhouettes, and shapes to choose from. A-line dresses are universally flattering, with a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and flares out to form an 'A' shape. Empire silhouettes feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a long skirt that elongates the body. Drop-waist dresses have a longer bodice that elongates the torso, creating a balanced proportion for those with long legs. Trumpet and mermaid styles are great for showing off curves, with the trumpet silhouette offering greater freedom of movement. For a less formal setting, a dress with a shorter hemline may be preferred.
When it comes to comfort, it's important to consider the fit and ease of movement. A strapless dress, for example, should be properly fitted with a supportive structure like boning or a corset to hold it in place. A sleeveless dress provides greater ease of movement, which is ideal if you plan to dance the night away. High necklines are elegant and suitable for brides who want to show less skin, while V-shaped necklines create a flattering elongating effect. Ultimately, the perfect wedding dress is one that makes you feel special and comfortable on your big day.
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Budget and venue
When budgeting for your wedding dress, it's important to consider the overall cost of your wedding, including the venue, catering, and other expenses. According to a recent study, the average cost of a wedding is around $33,931, and this number continues to increase each year. The venue is typically the most expensive element, with estimates ranging from $15,000 to $42,000 depending on the type of location and the inclusions.
When it comes to your wedding dress budget, a good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget to your wedding attire, including the dress, alterations, and accessories. The average cost of a wedding dress is generally accepted to be between $1,500 and $2,500, but prices can vary widely depending on factors such as the designer, fabric, and level of detail. Simple gowns tend to be more affordable, while custom-made and designer dresses come with higher price tags.
If you're working with a tighter budget, there are several ways to save money on your wedding dress. Firstly, browse affordable options online at budget-friendly retailers or consider shopping at sample sales and trunk shows. Secondly, opt for a simple silhouette and accessorize with statement pieces like jewellery or a veil. Thirdly, be mindful of your budget when trying on dresses, and avoid the temptation of trying on dresses that are out of your price range. Finally, remember to factor in the cost of alterations, which can range from $400 to $800 or more, depending on the intricacy of the gown and the extent of the alterations.
Additionally, don't forget about the other costs associated with your wedding attire, such as undergarments, shoes, and post-wedding cleaning and preservation. These expenses can add up, so it's important to plan and budget accordingly.
By considering your overall wedding budget, comparing prices, and being mindful of additional costs, you can find the perfect wedding dress while staying within your financial means.
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Season and formality
The season and setting of your wedding are key factors in deciding what to wear. If you're marrying outdoors in the mountains in winter, your guests might appreciate the chance to wrap up warm in chic faux fur or wool. Lighter and brighter hues are good for spring and summer, while fall and winter lend themselves to jewel tones and deep neutrals.
The venue and time of day are also important. A beach wedding calls for cocktail attire, so a little black dress with wedge heels, for example, would be more appropriate than a beaded gown with stiletto heels. Daytime events are less dressy than evening ones. Tuxedos, for instance, are more suitable for a black-tie wedding at night than in the afternoon.
The level of formality of your wedding will influence your guests' attire. The most formal dress code is white tie, which is often reserved for state dinners, royal banquets, and very formal weddings. For women, this means a formal floor-length evening gown, and for men, a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear. Black-tie is a step down from white tie, indicating a formal evening event. Tuxedos are still typical, but without the tails. Black-tie optional is slightly less formal again, and a suit may be worn instead of a tuxedo. Semi-formal and casual weddings are more relaxed, with a greater variety of options.
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Accessories and customisations
When choosing accessories, consider the style of your dress, the season, the venue, and the formality of your wedding. For example, a simple veil can complement a timeless look, while a cape or a draped neck sash can add a touch of drama and rule-bending. If you want to showcase your personal style, bejewelled earrings or vintage gloves can be a great way to do so.
Necklaces, earrings, and other jewellery can also be used to accessorise your wedding dress. Consider the neckline of your dress when choosing jewellery. For example, a strapless dress may call for different jewellery than a V-neck dress. If your dress has more coverage, you might want to focus on hair accessories instead, as they will be more visible.
You can also customise your wedding dress with add-ons like detachable trains, veils, or jackets. These can help you adapt your dress to the season, venue, or theme of your wedding. For instance, a detachable tulle skirt can add volume and softness to a sleek silhouette, while a lace overlay can bring refined detail and a modern twist to a minimalist gown.
If you're unsure about how to accessorise or customise your wedding dress, you can seek advice from a stylist at a bridal salon or through a virtual styling service. They can provide guidance based on your specific dress and preferences to help you create your dream look.
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Fittings and appointments
The second fitting will also take about an hour and will usually be scheduled two to three weeks after the first fitting. During this appointment, your seamstress will evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. They will also start to create the bustle, which prevents your train from getting stepped on or torn during your reception.
The third and final fitting should be scheduled about one month to two weeks before the wedding day. At this appointment, the dress should fit exactly as you envisioned it, and any final adjustments can be made. This is the last chance to make alterations, so it is important to pay attention to every detail.
The number of fittings you will need may vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the style and size of the dress. Some sources suggest that two to three fittings are usually sufficient, while others recommend up to four fittings. It is important to start the alterations process early and to be patient as the process can take several weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to consider your personal style, the venue, the season, and the formality of your wedding. You should also think about what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
You can take a wedding dress quiz to help determine which style suits your body type and personal preferences. These quizzes consider your favourite silhouette, budget, and venue to recommend styles that might work for you.
It's recommended to have your first fitting two to three months before your wedding and your last fitting no later than two weeks before the wedding. The number of fittings you'll need depends on how much customization you require.
