Whether newly engaged or knee-deep in wedding planning, picking the perfect wedding gown is one of the most exciting and challenging tasks.
A wedding gown isn't just an outfit; it symbolises your style, personality, and dreams for your big day.
Finding "the one" can be overwhelming, with many beautiful options. Here’s a detailed guide on what to consider when shopping for your wedding dress—from venue type and body shape to budget and seasonal styles.
Let's get straight to the point
Picking the perfect wedding dress is an exciting journey! Consider factors like season, venue, and personal style to find a gown that suits your day and vision.
Summer weddings create dairy fabrics like chiffon, while satin or velvet is ideal for winter. Match your gown to the venue—formal for a ballroom or relaxed for a beach.
Embrace your body shape with flattering styles: mermaid for hourglass, A-line for pear, or empire waist for apple. Set a realistic budget, explore traditional and modern styles, and prioritise comfort.
With expert guidance and fittings, you'll find the gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your big day.
1. Think About The Season And Venue
Time Of Year
Consider the time of year your wedding will take place. The weather can affect not only your comfort but also the style and fabric of your dress. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like chiffon and organza are ideal for a summer wedding.
These fairy fabrics are comfortable for warmer months. For winter, look at dresses with thicker fabrics, such as satin or velvet, or consider dresses that can be paired with wraps or capes to keep warm.
Location And Setting
The location of your wedding plays a critical role in the type of gown you should consider. For example, a traditional place of worship might call for a more modest design, while a beach wedding might suit a flowing, lightweight gown without a long train.
It's essential to consider the dress's length and fabric for outdoor settings—whether on sand, grass, or cobblestones— Long trains can be stunning indoors but challenging on rough or muddy terrain.
Wedding Style And Theme
Your wedding style—whether a formal ballroom, rustic barn or intimate backyard—will guide your dress choice.
An elegant, structured gown may suit a formal event, while a relaxed boho style may feel more appropriate for a laid-back beach or garden setting. Consider how the dress fits with the overall vibe of your celebration.
2. Know Your Body Shape
Body Types And Flattering Styles
Every bride has a unique shape, and the right dress will highlight your best features. Here’s a guide to popular dress styles that suit different body types:
- Hourglass Shape: A fitted mermaid or trumpet silhouette accentuates curves beautifully.
- Pear Shape: An A-line dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt balances out wider hips.
- Apple Shape: An empire waist dress helps draw attention to the bust and elongate the torso.
- Athletic Shape: A sheath dress can add a feminine touch, while a ball gown can create curves.
- Petite: A high-waisted silhouette elongates the figure, while too much volume can be overwhelming.
3. Setting A Realistic Budget
Understanding Dress Costs
Wedding dresses come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end couture.
Factors like fabric choice, embellishments, and designer labels impact the cost. Detailed beadwork, lace overlays, and high-quality fabrics like silk add to the price and elevate the dress’s overall look.
Tips To Stay Within Budget
- Sample Sales: Many bridal boutiques hold sample sales, during which you can find designer dresses at a fraction of the original price.
- Simpler Designs: Choosing a dress with fewer embellishments and customisations can help decrease costs.
- Alterations: Set aside part of your budget for potential alterations. A well-fitted gown is key to looking polished, and minor adjustments can make a big difference.
4. Finding Your Style
Explore Different Sources Of Inspiration
If you’re unsure about your style, look for inspiration. Many brides use visual platforms like Pinterest to gather ideas and narrow their preferences.
Search for elements you love—lace sleeves, open backs, or unique necklines—and save these ideas to your board.
Consider consulting fashion bloggers, who often provide insight into current trends and offer practical examples of real brides’ styles.
For example, bloggers have popularised less traditional dresses that reflect modern elegance, such as minimalist gowns or unique silhouettes.
Traditional Vs. Non-Traditional Styles
Wedding fashion is more flexible than ever, with brides choosing from classic ball gowns, vintage-inspired lace dresses, and even colourful or short dresses. Traditional gowns remain timeless, featuring classic cuts like A-line and strapless ball gowns.
Non-traditional styles are becoming more popular, including two-piece sets, coloured gowns, and jumpsuits.
Your wedding dress should reflect your style, whether understated elegance, boho-chic, or a bold statement piece. Explore various options to find what resonates with your personality and makes you feel fabulous.
5. Prioritising Comfort And Practicality
Moving With Ease
On your wedding day, you’ll be doing more than standing and posing for photos—you’ll be walking, dancing, and greeting guests. Ensure your dress allows for comfortable movement.
Try sitting, bending, and even dancing while trying on gowns to make sure the dress is practical as well as beautiful.
Choosing The Right Fabric
Some fabrics are heavy and best suited to colder months, while others are lightweight and breathable. Silk and tulle are delicate and flowy, ideal for warmer weather, whereas heavier materials like satin and velvet are perfect for a winter wedding.
Natural fabrics like cotton and silk blends can be softer and more breathable.
Dress Structure And Support
A well-constructed gown offers the support you need without relying on additional undergarments. Consider if the dress has built-in support, such as boning or a corset back, especially if you want to go without a bra. However, if you need extra support, ask your consultant about dresses that accommodate undergarments.
6. Popular Trends In Wedding Dresses
Modern Styles In High Demand
Fashion-forward brides experiment with bold choices, incorporating non-traditional colours, unique textures, and custom details. Here are some popular trends for 2024:
- Minimalist Elegance: Clean lines, simple silhouettes, and understated elegance dominate modern bridal fashion.
- Statement Sleeves: Puff sleeves, bell sleeves, and off-the-shoulder designs add a touch of drama.
- Colour Accents: Subtle shades like blush, champagne, and soft blue are becoming popular alternatives to traditional white.
- Vintage-Inspired Lace: Romantic lace gowns with intricate detailing are a favourite for brides seeking a timeless look.
Traditional Styles That Remain Popular
Classic wedding dresses—such as A-line, mermaid, and ball gown styles—remain popular. These timeless cuts flatter various body types and are perfect for more formal ceremonies.
Traditional elements like lace detailing, sweetheart necklines, and long trains add a touch of sophistication and elegance that never goes out of style.
7. Expert Tips From Bridal Stylists
Work With A Bridal Consultant
Professional stylists can make a world of difference. They know the trends, understand body types, and can suggest styles you might have yet to consider. Bridal consultants will also help you navigate fittings, fabric choices, and adjustments, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of their expertise.
Visit Multiple Boutiques
Each boutique offers a unique selection, and visiting a few different shops can expand your options. Trying on various dresses can reveal surprising preferences and help you refine your vision.
8. Fitting And Tailoring: The Final Touch
Importance Of Tailoring
Fit is everything when it comes to wedding dresses. After selecting your gown, schedule multiple fittings to ensure it’s tailored to your shape. Common alterations include adjusting the hem, tightening the bodice, and adding or removing sleeves.
Bustles And Train Adjustments
If your gown has a long train, consider adding a bustle—a set of hidden hooks or loops that lets you lift the train for easy movement after the ceremony. A well-made bustle can keep you comfortable and prevent trips or snags during the reception.
9. Finalising Your Choice
Test For Comfort And Flexibility
Before finalising your choice, test the dress’s comfort by moving, sitting, and walking. The ideal gown should feel like an extension of you, allowing you to celebrate with ease.
Visualise Your Complete Look
Think about how the dress fits your accessories, hairstyle, and makeup. A simple dress can be elevated with statement jewellery, while an intricate gown may look best with understated accessories. Consider all elements as you finalise your gown.
Conclusion
Finding your wedding gown is an exciting journey that reflects your style, personality, and vision for your big day.
By considering key factors like season, venue, body shape, and budget, you can focus on finding a dress that truly resonates with you.
Embrace the process with an open mind, lean on bridal experts for guidance, and trust your instincts.
Most importantly, choose a gown that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable to enjoy every moment of your celebration. Here’s to finding “the one” that makes you shine!
FAQs About Weddings
Most brides try on between four and seven gowns, said DeMarco, and shouldn't try on more than 10, because it can lead to confusion. Often, a bride is trying on dress after dress because she's just not ready to end the shopping experience and make a real commitment.
Are you asking yourself the question, “When should I go wedding dress shopping?” Ideally, you should start the process about 10 to 12 months before your wedding date. The best time to purchase your wedding gown is at least 8 months before your wedding!
There's no rule that you have to bring along your future mother-in-law for wedding dress shopping and you should only consider it as an option if you can count on your fiancé's mom to be respectful, patient, supportive, and encouraging.
Yes, you can try on wedding dresses without committing to a purchase, but we don't recommend going into a bridal salon unless you're seriously looking for a gown. No one expects you to find your dream dress on the first try (but if you do, congrats!), which is why you may need to schedule more than one appointment.
Yes, it is super-tempting to venture into a bridal salon and start trying on dresses, especially if you know an engagement is in your future. However, we recommend holding off until after the proposal, and preferably, after you've set a date and venue.