Simple steps to finding your perfect wedding dress

Looking your best on your wedding day is essential to ensuring that your day is successful. As a bride, we want to ensure that we experience not only the best day possible, but that we also look our best. Our wedding dress is considered the prized and most valued commodity to our wedding. Whilst weddings are not primarily about the bride, many of us highly regard the bride to be the 'highlight' of the wedding. As a result, we encounter the pressure and stress of ensuring that we shine on the day.

Often when we commence our wedding preparations, the very first thing we attempt to organise is our wedding dress. This alone can be an extremely difficult task. With an abundance of dresses to choose from, we can often become overwhelmed by the variety available. So, whilst it is a case of trying on the dress and experimenting a little, there are a few simple tips available that can take the edge off this taxing task. As a general rule, the dress you choose should reflect your personality whilst complimenting your figure. The following should also be considered:

Quality and Workmanship

Check the workmanship of the dress and ensure that it is of good quality. You don't want the dress falling apart on the day; Sourcing designer dresses from overseas may seem customary, but Australian designers also provide elegant and stunning dresses.

Finding the right dress for your figure

Make the best of your figure and chose a dress that compliments your shape. Full-figured brides should select a dress that skims the body as opposed to hugging it. If you're pear-shaped, then choose an A-line dress to hide the hips and thighs. Thin and tall brides should select a dress that accentuates the feminine curves, as opposed to looking thin and straight.

Getting an honest opinion

Ensure that you bring someone with you who will provide you with an honest opinion. Your best friend, maid of honour, mother or anyone else that has known you for a long time will be the best person to offer that constructive advice.

Budget, Budget, Budget!

Remember that your dress will only be worn once, so if you're on a tight budget, then don't overlook the possibility of hiring your dress. You will probably find that you will be able to have that gorgeous dress you dreamt of without the price tag attached. Many websites advertise pre-loved wedding dresses for you to purchase. You may also want to have a look at this option.

Skin Tone and tanning

The shade of your wedding dress should accentuate your skin tone, and not make you look washed out. If you plan on tanning for the wedding day, bear in mind that the tone of your skin could alter the colour of the dress. Tanning can also remove the eye away from the dress and your groom as the tan becomes extremely noticeable in photos. So if you want to be seen on your wedding day, ensure that you don't go overboard with the fake tan.

Accessories and the Comfort factor

Accessories are great, but a good rule of thumb is the fancier the dress, the simpler the jewellery should be. If you are wearing large and dramatic earings, then forget the necklace. Instead, try a bracelet. If you wish to wear a dramatic necklace, then opt for elegant but less dramatic earings. Bracelets are not recommended if wearing earings and a necklace. Consider the length of the dress. Envisage the type of shoes you will wear on the day and determine whether or not you will require dress alterations.

You don't want to be falling on the day. If you want minimum fuss on the day, take into account the amount of time it will take you to get into your dress. Dresses with zips are great; you can jump in and get zipped up with minimal fuss. If you don't mind preparation time, then you might like the look of the lace up back. Whilst wearing a veil used to be traditionally part of the wedding attire, today it is strictly optional. If your dress is flamboyant, then you might like to keep it simple and not wear a veil. If you would like to formalise the dress a little, then the veil would be great. Wearing gloves may look stunning and accentuate the dress further (Cinderalla look), but consider the difficulties you will have when exchanging rings.

Often you find that your wedding ring will not fit over the glove. Handbags should be small and should match your wedding dress. Ensure that you arrange for someone to hold your handbag during the critical times on your day. You don't want to be managing a bouquet whilst holding a handbag. Your certainly don't want to have your handbag in your hand during the wedding photos as it will make your look 'cluttered'.

Great Hair compliments the dress

If your dress is simple and elegant, then you might want to have your hair in a dramatic up hair style. Alternatively, if your dress is extremely flamboyant, then consider a simple hairstyle. You don't want to look overdone.

Departing Attire

If you want to change into another outfit when leaving your reception, ensure that your outfit compliments your wedding dress. You want to be remembered as the beautiful and stunning bride, so don't leave your guest with a last bad impression. Wear an outfit that is elegant yet comfortable. This is vital especially if you are travelling straight to your honeymoon venue.
By: Vanessa Taylor


see also my other post on wedding guestbook, white wedding and wedding invitation