In the right wedding dress you’ll look chic, elegant and vibrant full of the day’s joys. But with so many wedding dresses to choose from it can be a daunting task to find one that’s perfect for you. This guide will help you find the wedding dress of your dreams so it doesn’t become your nightmare.
Research
Start by researching wedding dresses on-line to see what styles are available and what appeals to you. If you’re planning your wedding well in advance, consider future trends coming into fashion.
What will be the trend next year?
Strapless dresses were fashionable for several years but are currently out of vogue. 2010 sees shoulder straps back in as 50s styles make a come back along with birdcage veils. Fifties style dresses are perfect for summer weddings with shorter skirts that are light and airy.
Most of the bridal magazines have websites and these make the perfect place to start your research.
What colour will your dress be?
A chic wedding dress will make you Cinderella at the ball
White dresses have become traditional since Queen Victoria started the trend wearing a white lace dress when she married Prince Albert, click here to find out what is a traditional wedding. The white wedding dress symbolizes purity of your heart and childhood innocence.
Brides today are becoming more adventurous and its acceptable to wear another colour. For example yellow was predicted to be fashionable in 2010.
What will be next year’s fashion?
Style of wedding dress
Stylish wedding dress with elegant shoulder strap
As you know there are literally dozens of styles when it comes to wedding dresses. However when you take away all the thrills you’ll find these all share a few fundamental shapes. It’s important to consider your body shape when deciding which dress shape to go for.
Ball gowns have full skirts coming down to the ground. Ball gowns generally suit most body shapes except if you’re very petite or short and the skirt becomes overwhelming.
A-lines usually have a bodice with a skirt that flares gently out from your waist to form an ‘A’ shape. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns so will usually suit everybody. These are also great if you want to hide lower body flaws.
Sheaths only flatter you if you’re slim with a balanced figure. If you’re not totally happy with your figure, sheaths are best avoided otherwise your wedding dress could become your worst nightmare.
Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below your bust line. These can be a wonderful choice for more causal weddings or perhaps if you’re going somewhere warm for a destination wedding. They’re usually made with light flowing fabrics making them cool and comfortable. Empire waist gowns also make an excellent choice for pregnant brides due to the extra room and comfort factor. They don’t draw as much attention to your tummy as a lower waist line will.
Price
Price is the overriding factor that will determine your final choice in wedding dress.
If money is no object a wedding designer will design your perfect wedding dress. The colour of the fabrics will suit your skin tones and you’ll positively glow. The size and cut will be tailored to make you look chic, elegant in the most complimenting way possible.
Below £2,500 you’ll be looking at fine quality dresses coming off the shelf. These will be superb quality dresses using the finest materials produced at the highest standards. Choosing a dress style that suits you will ensure the dress will be an almost perfect fit. You should expect alterations to be made for free.
Below £500 you’ll find a great range of off the peg dresses. Their quality will vary immensely. However with knowledge gained from your research, you’ll be able to find the best bargains to suit you. Try your dress on for size. Dress sizes may vary significantly – even within one dress size. You may negotiate a good deal on alterations but expect additional charges for this service.
Hire your wedding dress
Ball gown elegantly flows outwards from the waist down.
You’ve looked at the cheap off the peg dresses but nothing really grabs you.
Consider hiring a high quality dress instead. Many bridal ware shops run a hiring service. You can wear your dream dress at a small fraction of the cost of buying it!
You’ll only wear your dress for one day so hiring makes good sense especially if you’re on a tight budget. Think what you could do with all the money you save.
And if you planning to Trash The Dress after your wedding; why not buy an old one from a charity shop? Chances are, it’s only been worn once before!
Click here to find out more about Trash The Dress
What did you choose for your wedding dress?
Let us know in the comments below.
top how to choose your wedding dress
PS The images featured here were taken for Izziah Iziaih Brides
Pat Bloomfield is your photographer / artist. Years of experience and craftsmanship goes into every portrait he creates for you.
Imke Bloomfield is your make-up artist. A keen make-up practitioner trained by professional artists; she has a great flare for creating beautiful make-up especially for you.
