Before you choose your dress you need to know yourself first. When choosing a wedding gown you should stay true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you are not!
Whether you know exactly what you are looking for, or if you're beginning your search with little more than a general idea, there are several things you should consider before purchasing your gown.
1. Body shape
Be honest about your shape. If you are thinking of losing weight for your big day then get this first out of the way before choosing your dress. Don't buy the dress before you know what weight you will be on the day. You always lose weight in different parts of the body. This may end in tears and add additional stress to your planning period. Knowing your body shape is crucial when choosing the silhouette and fabric for your wedding dress. So, keep in mind: "the dress should be made according to your current measurements. No matter your intentions to diet, don't order the dress in a smaller size; it's much easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
2. Personal Colouring
Know your hair colour when going out to choose your dress. There are so many whites out there and it is crucial for your look that the white you choose does not overpower you, drains you or make you look dated. When changing your hair colour after your purchase of the dress even if you are just adding highlights or low lights it will affect as well your choices for your personal white.
3. Personality
Don't try to be someone else- the wedding dress needs to be an extension of your personality. The wedding dress is a very emotional day and it is crucial that you feel comfortable in your dress e.g. if you are a classic type don't try to go bohemian or all romantic. Knowing your style personality is important when choosing fabrics, styles and accessories; because this is what it all pulls it together.
4. Location
Depending where the wedding is UK or abroad, or is it a country or city wedding will be as well important factors to integrate when choosing fabrics and silhouettes for your wedding gown. It has to fit altogether, so everything can work together and look and feel complete.
5. Season
Is it a winter or summer wedding? Every season has their own characteristics and it important to choose the right fabric and accessories to go with it.
6. Budget
When buying your dress don't forget to save some money at least 1/3 of your budget for other accessories e.g. veil, headpiece, shoes, underwear. So, don't spend it all on the dress.
7. The Silhouette
The shape of your skirt will have a strong influence on the whole look of your outfit on the day. The silhouette can range from a traditional full-skirted ball gown shape to a more modern sleek column dress. Whatever you choose should make you feel gorgeous but should also be comfortable.
8. Sleeves
In choosing sleeves you need to consider the shape of your arms? And how are they in proportion to your bust or waistline? Is it better long, ¾ , short, non or a dropped sleeves line? And how does it this fit in the overall theme, veil, and headpiece and train together?
9. Necklines
What the kind of neckline you want as this will draw attention to your upper body. Your bust, face, neck and shoulders can all be accentuated or downplayed by the shape of the top part of the dress?
10. Trains
You may also want to think about a train for your dress. Trains come in varying lengths and styles and you want to think how it fits for your body shape.
11. Veils and other headdresses
Once you have chosen your outfit you may want to think about the accessories that you want to wear on the day. These are likely to include some kind of headdress so you need to decide if you want to wear a veil, tiara, jewellery or flowers in your hair. In order to decide on those you need to keep in mind your face shape, neckline, wedding dress style, location and what type of fabric it should be made of, so it goes with your wedding gown.
a. Veils
Veils come in different types and lengths and may have one, two or more layers. They can have a simple stitched edge or have a ribbon or other edging material around them; some are covered with scattered crystals, sequins or beads so you are likely to find something that suits the style of your outfit.
The back of the veil can be long enough to reach the elbows, hips, the floor, or all the way to the end of your train!
It is your choice whether or not to wear the blusher covering the face, some brides prefer the fuller look of multiple layers but don't like the idea of covering up, others like the idea that the blusher can obscure the occasional lip-wobble or happy tear as the bride walks up the aisle.
b. Tiaras
They come in a variety of colours and shapes, from small ones designed to sit just in front of the veil, to large and colourful crowns. They may be covered with crystals, beads or feathers, or whatever most suits the style of your dress. Other versions of this look can be achieved using decorated combs or pins, or you may prefer to have your hairdresser weave in some flowers. If you do choose flowers then talk to your florist about the best types to use, they will be out of water for a long time on the day so it is best to choose something fairly robust that won't start to wilt after an hour or two.
There are lots of facts to consider and the choices are big and it is easy to get it wrong, because you fall in love with picture that is not you. Therefore it is important to know what suits your body shape, scale, proportion, face shape and neckline when choosing your wedding gown.
After you've made a decision a first fitting, with one, two, or more fittings to follow. Try on the dress again after the final fitting to make to make sure it's perfect. It takes four to six months to have a dress made and fitted, so begin shopping eight to twelve months in advance.
If you need help or advice, please get in touch with to book a one to one consultation, or a personal bridal shopping trip in London or abroad or why not trying out our bridal online consultations.
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