Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are deeply personal, and the choice of dress often reflects the wearer's personality and style. While some brides opt for traditional white gowns, others might prefer non-traditional colours and silhouettes. The setting of the wedding can also influence the dress choice, with unconventional venues like a 15th-century village church or a garden complementing a unique dress. Budget is another consideration, with designer gowns often carrying hefty price tags. Some brides may choose to alter their wedding dresses for reuse, ensuring they get more wear out of a beloved garment. Ultimately, the wedding dress should make the wearer feel special, whether it's a princess-style ball gown or a modern, stylish mini dress.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress shopping tips
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, but with some planning and an open mind, you can find the perfect dress for your special day. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Know Your Style and Personality
Your wedding dress should reflect your unique style and personality. Don't feel pressured to conform to traditional white gowns if that's not your style. Be adventurous and choose a dress that makes your heart sing, whether it's a non-traditional colour, a short hemline, or a unique design.
Consider the Wedding Venue and Theme
The wedding venue and theme can influence your dress choice. For example, a 15th-century village church or a country garden wedding might inspire a dress that complements the bucolic setting. On the other hand, a modern, urban wedding could call for a more contemporary or unconventional dress style.
Do Your Research
The world of wedding dress shopping has its own language, from fit-and-flare silhouettes to crepe fabric and bateau necklines. Educate yourself on these terms and styles before stepping into a bridal salon. It will help you communicate your preferences and understand the options available.
Attend Trunk Shows and Sample Sales
Trunk shows offer an opportunity to meet the designer and discuss customisations, and you may even get a discount. Sample sales are another great way to find designer gowns at a fraction of the original price. Keep an eye out for these events to snag a deal, but be aware that sample sizes may be limited.
Bring Your Wedding Day Look Together
When trying on dresses, consider treating your appointment like a trial run for your wedding day look. Arrive with a similar hairstyle and makeup look to what you plan to have on your wedding day. This will help you better envision the complete ensemble and make a more informed decision about the dress.
Alterations Are Key
Whether you're buying off the rack or opting for a couture gown, alterations are crucial. A good tailor can transform a dress to perfectly flatter your figure. This is especially important if you're purchasing a non-traditional length or style, as you want to ensure it suits your body type and the overall vision for your wedding day ensemble.
Happy wedding dress shopping! Remember to stay true to yourself and have fun with the process of finding the perfect dress to celebrate your special day.
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The wedding venue
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the venue should align with the desired theme or style of the wedding. For example, a beach or garden wedding, as mentioned in one comment, would suit an outdoor venue with a natural backdrop. In contrast, a formal or black-tie wedding might require a more sophisticated indoor space, such as a ballroom or historic building.
The number of guests also plays a crucial role in venue selection. The chosen venue should comfortably accommodate the expected number of attendees, with room for dining, dancing, and any other planned activities. It is worth noting that some venues offer multiple spaces or the option to utilize both indoor and outdoor areas, providing flexibility and a unique experience for guests.
Location is another key consideration. Couples may opt for a venue that is conveniently located for the majority of their guests, reducing travel time and potentially offering accommodation options nearby. Alternatively, some couples choose a destination wedding, turning the celebration into a multi-day event in a scenic or exotic location, often combining the wedding and honeymoon experience.
The availability of amenities and services is also essential. Some venues provide all-inclusive packages, including catering, beverage services, decor, and even wedding planning assistance. Others may offer basic rental spaces, allowing couples to bring in external vendors and customize their wedding experience from scratch. It is worth inquiring about exclusive use of the venue to ensure privacy and a personalized experience.
Lastly, the cost of the venue is a significant factor. Wedding venues can vary widely in price, and it is important to set a budget and explore options that align with the couple's financial plans. Some venues offer payment plans or discounts for certain days of the week or times of the year, so it is beneficial to inquire about any available options.
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The dress's length
The length of a wedding dress is an important consideration. The standard floor-length gown is not the only option, and brides are increasingly opting for shorter dresses, including tea-length and even mini styles. These non-traditional lengths can add a playful or modern twist to your look, especially for a casual, rustic, or nautical wedding.
If you are considering a shorter dress, it is essential to think about your comfort and personal style. A shorter wedding dress can be a bold choice and may not be suitable for all venues or themes. For example, a mini dress may not be appropriate for a traditional Catholic Church wedding but could be perfect for an unconventional outdoor ceremony.
Additionally, your body type and proportions will play a role in determining the most flattering length. A shorter dress may highlight your legs, so consider if that is a feature you want to accentuate. You can also pair a shorter dress with tights if you feel it is too revealing.
Finally, keep in mind that you can always alter the length of your dress. Many bridal salons offer alterations, and you can discuss raising or lowering the hemline to achieve your desired look. This option allows you to customize your dress to your preferences and ensure you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.
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The dress's colour
The colour of a wedding dress is an important consideration. While white is the traditional colour for a wedding dress, it is not the only option. Brides are increasingly choosing dresses that reflect their personal style and personality. If you want to wear a colour other than white, consider the venue and the overall theme of your wedding. For example, a non-traditional dress might be better suited to an unconventional wedding venue, such as a 15th-century village church or a country garden.
If you want to wear a white dress, there are still many options to choose from. You could opt for a simple, minimalist gown or a more ornate, heavily adorned dress. If you're buying off the rack, consider investing in a good tailor who can alter the dress to your specific measurements. This can be a more affordable option than a couture dress.
For a unique colour, consider a non-traditional length such as a tea-length or mini dress. These styles can add a modern, stylish, or playful touch to your look. The fabric of the dress will also affect the colour. For example, a heavier fabric like silk shantung or taffeta will hold its shape and smooth your figure, while unstructured silk or filmy chiffon can feel more restrictive.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, sample sales can offer designer gowns at a fraction of the original price. However, these sales usually feature sample sizes, so keep that in mind when shopping. Another way to save money is to consider the re-wearability of your dress. Some brides choose to alter their dresses after the wedding to create a more wearable outfit that they can enjoy for years to come.
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Re-wearing the wedding dress
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, but with rising concerns around sustainability and the wastefulness of the wedding industry, an increasing number of brides are opting for rewearable wedding dresses.
Some brides are choosing to rewear their wedding dresses without making any alterations. Fashion editor Rebecca Jane Hill, for example, wore a floral printed dress by contemporary designer Simone Rocha to her London wedding in 2021. She later re-styled the dress with trainers for a more casual look and wore it on the red carpet at the Fashion Awards. Artist Rose Electra Harris wore a red tulle Molly Goddard dress as her wedding dress and later paired it with an oversized knit for her birthday celebrations.
Other brides are choosing to alter their wedding dresses before rewearing them. One bride dyed her Gabriela Hearst slip dress a deep blue colour, while stylist Gemma Sort Chilvers turned her minimalist wedding dress baby pink. Another bride had her wedding dress tailored into a new evening dress, choosing a shade of midnight blue to disguise any marks. This bride also kept some off-cuts of the original white fabric to make hair scarves and scrunchies.
If you don't want to alter your wedding dress, there are still ways to give it a second life. You could get it framed as a sentimental reminder of your wedding day, or you could donate it to a charity such as Brides Across America, which gives wedding dresses to military brides in need. Alternatively, you could sell your dress and use the money for a good cause.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to remember that choosing a wedding dress is very personal. It should reflect your style and personality. If you have the chance, try the dress on with your hair and makeup done as you plan to have them on your wedding day. If you love it, you'll know.
The setting of your wedding venue can influence the style of your dress. For example, a short, non-traditional dress may be better suited to an unconventional venue. You should also consider the fabric of your dress. A heavier, more structured material will hold its shape and smooth your figure, whereas unstructured silk or chiffon may feel more restrictive.
Wedding dresses can be very expensive, so it's worth shopping around. Visiting a trunk show can lead to a discount, and you may be able to discuss changes to the dress with the designer. Sample sales are another great way to find a bargain, but bear in mind that these sales are usually stocked with sample sizes.
