You’ve found your partner-for-life, and now it’s time to find the wedding dress to say I do. How do you find the perfect wedding dress? Will it flatter your body and complete your fairytale celebration?
Finding the ideal bridal attire can be challenging. Not only do you have other things on your plate, but now there’s a new lingo you must decode — A-line and column, organza and taffeta, train length and dropped waistline, appliques, and more. With just a glance, your wedding dress should speak volumes about your style, personality, and unique spirit. It should also exude confidence and show you the most authentic version of yourself.
Read on to discover factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding dress.
How to find the perfect wedding dress
Set a budget
Money can be uncomfortable for most people, but having a budget is essential to know what you can and can’t afford. It can be heartbreaking to fall in love with a dress only to find it’s out of your range or to buy one that dents your wedding budget, ruining other wedding plans.
Your dress is a vital part of the wedding, so settle on the percentage of the wedding budget it should take. Remember to also factor in accessories like shoes, jewelry, veil, alterations, steaming and pressing services, and cleaning services after the wedding.
Consider your wedding theme
Have you settled for a classic, Bohemian, casual garden, or modern theme? Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors? Your wedding could be in a church, beach, theater, or garden, so choose a dress that resonates with its theme and location. For example, a ball gown with a long train may be perfect for a religious or theater setting but impractical for a beach wedding.
Have an open mind
You may have dreamt of your perfect wedding dress since you were five, but go shopping with an open mind. You may be surprised that what looks fantastic in a picture or hanger may not be very flattering for your body. On the other hand, a dress that you weren’t drawn to may become “the one.”
Consider your body type
Humans are diverse, meaning we come in numerous beautiful body shapes. Therefore, you’ll need to choose your dress accordingly.
For example, experts recommend maxi or midi dresses with sleeves for triangle-figured women (narrow shoulders and wide hips). Those with an inverted triangle shape (broad shoulders and narrow hips) look great in a V-neckline, open back, or mermaid silhouette. Tight dresses may accentuate the curves of an hourglass figure, but oval-shaped women should avoid these dresses. Instead, find a dress with an asymmetric bottom, empire waistline, or open shoulder area.
When shopping, wear a dress you feel most comfortable in, and the consultant will immediately know your type of wedding dress. Also, remember to consider your height.
Shop with your trusted friends
Shopping alone can be overwhelming, so bring along someone whose judgment and taste you trust and who will be honest with you. However, only bring along part of the crew because most bridal shops only allow a limited number of shoppers, plus too many opinions may confuse you more.
Pick your fabric
There are many fabrics to choose from, such as mikado, silk, crepe, and lace. The wedding fabric you choose determines how you feel throughout the day. Factors to consider when picking the fabric include your body shape and skin tone, overall theme and wedding setting, the season, and your reaction to certain materials — you don’t want to be itchy all day long.
Chiffon, organza, tulle, or silk are the best fabrics for summer, while denser fabrics like taffeta, damask, or velvet fit the winter vibes. For fall or spring, you can use a combination of fabrics, such as crepe satin, chiffon, or taffeta, which may add the oomph to your dress. The bottom line is to pick a fabric that fits the weather to avoid embarrassing natural reactions like sweating profusely or shaking like a leaf throughout the day.
Pick your silhouette
Like the fabric, the wedding silhouette you choose should complement your body type, your preferred style, the location, and the overall theme of your wedding. For example, mermaid silhouettes accentuate the curves, while a sheath silhouette may be perfect for tall, slender brides. On the other hand, ball gowns bring a voluminous drama, but they may be too much for petite women, while the empire silhouette has a higher waistline that may make you appear taller.
Consider details and alterations
The details you use to decorate your wedding dress should appeal to you and match your overall style. However, if you add beads, appliqués, embroidery, or lace, consider the practicality because you don’t have to be weighed down by your dress.
Also, remember that almost every wedding dress will need some alterations, so schedule them early. A slight alteration, such as adjusting the hemline or adding straps, can dramatically change how your dress feels and looks.
Start early, but not too early
You don’t want to do last-minute shopping because settling for any dress is easy. However, if you start too early, you may get bored with your pick, or it may not be trendy when the time comes (it’s advisable to avoid trendy wedding themes and dresses).
Take pictures
You may find it difficult to know how a dress looks on you when shopping due to excitement or differing opinions. But a picture may give you the benefit of an afterthought and help you see how you’ll look on your wedding day.
Knowing you’ve picked the right wedding dress
You’ll know you’ve picked “The Dress” if you can’t stop thinking about your wedding day, don’t want to take it off, and it’s always on your mind. You should feel comfortable in your wedding dress and accessories, so don’t settle for any dress you are unsure about (even if everyone else loves it) or one you must alter almost every aspect of.
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