The Dress. It’s one of the key features of your wedding day and so you want to get it right. Here’s our guide to making the right decisions when you’re wedding dress shopping.
Don’t take a load of friends wedding dress shopping
Don’t take a crowd of friends
If you’re tempted to take along a hen party’s worth of girlfriends with you when wedding dress shopping then our advice is DON’T. Instead take your mum, sister or best friend, at most three friends. You just want one or two trusted opinions. You also want people who will keep your wedding dress choice secret until the big day.
Make appointments at three bridal shops
We’d say go to a wedding boutique, a high street wedding dress shop and a department store. Each will have a variety of collections for you to try on so you can get to see how different dresses suit your body shape.
One of our stylists created this wedding at Swinton Park
Keep an open mind
Although you may have always dreamed of marrying in a strapless, fishtail gown with a cathedral veil, in reality another style of dress may suit you and your wedding day much better. Let the shop assistant look at your figure and then try on the dresses that are suggested to you – you may surprise yourself! The people who work in wedding dress shops know their collection of dresses and know what suits different shapes – they are experts so make the most of their skill.
What shape are you?
Most brides fall into one of the following categories.
Apple shape
If you’re an ‘apple’ shape then you’ll be curvy, with the majority of your weight around your middle. In this case go for a pleated bodice which will help to define your waist and opt for an A-line skirt which will balance out your figure below.
You could also investigate dresses which have a bodice which ties at the back, so it fits your figure snugly.
Pear shape
This shape means that you will have a small bust and larger hips, bottom and thighs. Celebrate your shape and show if off! You should look for a full skirt and a sweetheart neckline which draws the eye upwards. Pear-shapes often have good shoulders so show them off. Adding a belt detail is also a good idea to highlight a neat waist.
Hourglass
Reverse pear shape
Athletic
If you’re sporty and have a lean, athletic build then you may want to create some curves. You will look great in a form fitting dress that’s slinky and possibly belted. A cowl neck will disguise a small chest and spaghetti shoulder straps will look great on toned shoulders. A clinging column skirt will show off long, slim legs.
A bridal group at an Ambience styled wedding
Other things to consider
If you’re wearing a strapless dress and are having a traditional church ceremony, you may want a little lace shrug to cover your shoulders. You can then take this off for the reception and dancing later (which effectively gives you two dress looks in one).
If you’re going to wear a wedding veil, the best time to try one on is in the shop when you try on your wedding dress. Different veil lengths go with different styles of dress – again keep an open mind. A short finger-tip veil may be much more your style than a Kate-Middleton cathedral length trailing veil.
Think about your hair too. Take a photograph of the neckline of your wedding dress and discuss it with your hairstylist who will suggest some different hairdos for your big day. You might want a full up do, a messy up do or you may want to leave your hair long and flowing.
Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning for your big day – so don’t overstress about it. Take the advice given to you in the shop, keep an open mind and be yourself – that’s the key to success!