If you’re in the early stage of planning your wedding, you’ll likely be making your way through your checklist of essentials, which might include finding your ideal venue, sending out invitations and hiring your vendors.
Of all the tasks on your to-do list, one that you might be looking forward to the most is finding the perfect wedding dress. Whether you have dreamt of walking down the aisle since you were a young child, or are only giving thought to this matter now, every bride wants to look her best on her big day, so finding the right outfit is key.
In this article, we have outlined some important elements to consider when shopping for your wedding dress that will make the process faster and more enjoyable, and will ultimately help you purchase the perfect dress for you.
Get Inspired
A great place to start is by gathering ideas of different wedding dress styles to get a sense of which ones you are most drawn to. There are many sources from which you can glean inspiration, ranging from social media channels and bridal magazines to simply window shopping at bridal boutiques. Wedding dress apps are also a helpful tool for allowing you to visualize how you would look in a variety of different wedding dress styles.
Dress for Your Figure
Wedding dresses come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, with each one offering something special. From boho to ballgown, fishtail to fairytale, the wide array of dresses available is ever-expanding and new trends are continually developing.
However, at times the options can appear endless and there is the risk of choosing a dress simply because it looks great on the model or on your favorite celebrity. To achieve an effect that most compliments your physique it is important to know which silhouettes work best for your body type.
From triangle and pear, hourglass to oval, different body shapes work well with different types of clothing. Before you have your first fitting it is useful to know your measurements and understand your body proportions to help narrow your search, making the experience easier and more efficient.
Whether you have your heart set on a classic, off-the-shoulder gown or prefer the statuesque style of a mermaid wedding dress, knowing your body type can help you achieve the most flattering look for your figure.
Consider the Season
Both practically and aesthetically, it is advisable to choose a dress that matches the month in which you are getting married. Before you make a purchase give thought to the time of year your ceremony will take place and select a style and fabric that will work well with the season.
For example, if you are planning a summer wedding it is best to pick a lighter, airy fabric that will allow you to stay cool and comfortable in the heat such as chiffon, tulle, silk, organza or dotted swiss.
The warmer months also provide the perfect opportunity to wear something strapless or backless, such as one of these low back wedding dresses by Jovani. A wedding dress with a slit adds a sexy modern twist to your outfit and also allows for ease of movement and a breezy feel during a hot day. Summer is also a great month for wearing short wedding dresses allowing you to showcase your legs and wedding shoes.
Opt for warmer and heavier fabrics in the winter months such as velvet, brocade, mikado and satin, or consider a two-layered dress made of lace or silk with a thick underlay beneath it. Winter is perfect for wearing high-neck gowns to create an elegant bridal look and the colder months also offer the chance to add a touch of regalness to your outfit by draping a cascading bridal cape over your shoulders. Some other fabrics that will work well throughout the year include taffeta, dupioni, shantung, polyester, jersey and illusion.
Match Your Venue
As well as the season, it’s important to give thought to the venue where you will be getting married. To create a cohesive and well-balanced look to the day, consider how your wedding dress will blend in with your surroundings. Below are some examples of popular wedding venues and the types of dresses which would work well there:
- Hotel Ballroom: With its high ceilings, ornate décor and sparkling chandeliers, a ballroom setting offers the ideal opportunity to dress up to the max and is ideal for a luxurious wedding that reflects your style. A classic ball gown is perfect for such a venue as it exudes elegance and sophistication and embodies the grandeur of such a formal affair.
- Religious Ceremony: If you are getting married within the walls of somewhere religious, it’s advisable to refrain from wearing an outfit that leaves little to the imagination. However, aside from meeting the standards of modesty required by your chosen venue, a religious setting allows you to dress demurely and with elegance and sophistication. Rather than plunging necklines and backless or strapless dresses, opt for a design that balances style and tradition such as a high neckline or a gown with a floor-length silhouette.
- Garden Party: An outdoor wedding tends to be a more relaxed affair with guests wearing cocktail dresses, chinos and other semi-formal attire. To fit in with the more laid-back yet elegant atmosphere of the event, it’s advisable to wear something that allows you to move about easily and mingle with your guests such as a maxi dress or blouse and skirt combo.
- Beach Wedding: A beach wedding dress should feel light and easy to wear and capture the essence of the environment with its loose, free-flowing fabrics. An ideal beach bride look can include high-low hemlines, midi-length dresses and shorter skirts as well as styles such as cami and boho wedding dresses.
Dressing to match the venue can not only enhance your appearance on the day but can also help you feel more comfortable in your surroundings.
By following the suggestions in this article you can begin eliminating certain types of dresses from your quest and focus on those that will meet your criteria, thereby making the hunt for the perfect wedding dress that much easier, faster and more enjoyable.
