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bride

Choosing and co-ordinating the dress for the entire wedding party is one of the most fun and exciting aspects of planning the wedding. It can also be a time consuming and expensive task.

Photo: Brock Photograhy

Every bride wants to look like a princess on her wedding day. Whether a traditional princess, or a thoroughly modern rule-breaking princess, we know you will look radiantly beautiful on your special day. Most brides-to-be have a general idea of what style of wedding dress they prefer but you should do a little research to ensure it is practical. Firstly you should consider the style of the wedding, both for the ceremony and the reception plus the time of year you are getting married. Equally important is to know what style of gown suits you.

You need to consider which colour best suits your skin tone and hair colour, which style will suit your figure and even your actual hairstyle. Remember that different styles of gowns suit different women. The trick is to determine which one is right for you. Following are some guidelines on choosing your wedding gown. With the extensive range available, your bridal gown professional should be able to help you choose a style that accentuates your best features, and minimises (or hides altogether!) those you wish to conceal. For your own peace of mind, it is wise to take a trusted friend or family member with you when choosing a gown for their opinion.

The traditional ‘Cinderella’ style of wedding gown, is always considered a classic. However many of today's gowns are cut on simpler, classic lines, with more subtle use of lace, beading, and other trimmings. A separate bodice and skirt is also a popular choice. It suits most figures, allows flexibility in choice, and also allows the possibility of the top being worn again with a less formal skirt. Traditionally, a white dress was worn by the bride as a symbol of purity and even today, white is still the most popular wedding gown colour. However, when we say ‘white’, we don’t necessarily mean stark white. White can also mean soft white, ivory, or cream. Subtle shade differences can better complement your skin tone and colouring and enhance your natural beauty.

Photo: Xsight Photography and Video
 
Hair and skin types Complexion Gown Colour
dark hair fair or olive white
blonde hair fair or olive soft white
honey blonde peaches & cream ivory
red hair fair cream

If you want to add some colour to your look, consider using coloured embroidery, beading or ribbons, or maybe a coloured underskirt. More brides are throwing tradition to the wind and taking their vows in pale pinks and golds, stunning reds and blues, and even black. Another option is a theme using different shades of the one colour. Whatever colour you choose, it should suit the style of your wedding, and it should suit you!

The length of the wedding dress is a matter of choice, but the traditional full-length style with a train and a veil remains most popular for formal church weddings. Shorter dresses, often without a train or veil, are popular for less formal garden and beach weddings. Older brides, or those being married a second time, may choose a more tailored outfit, perhaps a suit. Your bridal gown professionals will help you choose an appropriate style.

Bridal gowns can be bought off the rack, individually designed and specially made or hired. Buying pre-loved gowns is also becoming more accepted. They have usually only been worn once - making their highly discounted price an attractive option when budget is a concern. When you start shopping for a gown, remember to wear appropriate underwear; most gowns won’t look their best with a wide-strapped, supportive sports bra underneath! Many women find a strapless bra and slip the most practical underwear for bridal shopping; if you don’t wear them, at least take them with you. It is also sensible to wear appropriate height shoes.

You should make your final decision on the style of gown you’d like at least six months before the day. If your gown is being made, delays in obtaining a particular fabric or motif are possible. A complete service from a wedding gown professional can include the purchase of the gown (whether handcrafted, off-the-rack, or hired), plus all alterations. This is a distinct bonus if you are on a weight-loss/weight-gain program. If you decide on a handcrafted, specially designed gown, ensure you shop around for a reputable designer with whom you feel comfortable, and who you feel you can trust.

 

Photo: Pixel Creations
  Your designer will take your measurements at the time you order the dress, and the main fitting is likely to be arranged about one month before the big day. The final fitting should be checked at least one week before the wedding.
Choosing the fabric is one of the most important decisions in the overall design of your gown. The fabric, along with the cut, can determine the entire look of your gown. From beautiful chamois silks, delustred satins and silk organzas to handmade guipure lace and chiffon georgettes you will find there are literally hundreds of fabrics you can choose for your gown. Again, the trick is finding the one that will best suit the style of your wedding, and best suit you. The actual feel and texture of the fabric can also affect the overall look. Remember heavy fabrics are best suited to tall, slim women, as they tend to add bulk.

The most popular fabrics are the soft, floating fabrics such as silks, satins and chiffons. Combining and layering different fabrics and laces can look stunning. If you or a friend are making your gown, it can be a great idea to talk to a professional fabric consultant. They can advise you on how different fabrics ‘sit’, which will best suit the design of your gown, and which will best suit you. They can also update you on the latest trends, and advise you on how to care and store your fabric before it becomes a gown!  Finally, don’t forget to properly clean and store your gown after the wedding.

Whatever happens, you need to be ready at least one hour before your photographer and videographer arrive. All other professionals, including your hair stylist and make-up artist should also have left one hour beforehand to ensure you get a break and make the most of it. It is the first time you see yourself in the mirror with your hair and make-up on, your beautiful dress and accessories and to finish it all off, your flowers. Collect your thoughts and appreciate the image you have dreamt about and now created, so you are confident and glow with radiance as you step out the door for this wonderful experience of your life.

 
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