Congratulations! Your wedding day has been set, the reception hall has been booked and the bridal party has been chosen. The next thing on your list? Finding the perfect dress. But how do you choose amongst literally hundreds of styles of dresses? A-line, asymmetrical, empire, v-neck, strapless and spaghetti are just the tip of the iceberg. To help ease your decision-making along the way, Weddingbells sought out gown shopping advice from renowned wedding designer Adele Wechsler (adelewechsler.com). Known for her beautiful destination wedding gowns, and with years of fashion experience behind her, Wechsler gave us her top ten tips on how to find the gown of your dreams.
- Start by doing some research to find a style direction. Select designers who are distinctive and who reflect a sensibility that you relate to. There is an overwhelming amount of choice—so try and stay focused on the mood and look you’re after.
- On your shopping exploration days, don’t cram too many stores into one trip. You want to avoid “gown burnout” and feeling that you have to make a decision just to be done with the process. You’re making one of your most important wedding day purchases—and you don’t want to regret it!
- Know your budget. Minimize stress by knowing how much you want to spend. Select designers and retailers within your budget so you don’t fall in love with a gown that is out of reach (although you could always eliminate a few floral bouquets, a few desserts off the dessert table. Or chop a few guests off the list!).
- The location, venue, season and time of day are key considerations. The bride’s gown sets the mood and tone for the wedding and should be appropriate to the setting. An exotic location calls for a gown that is light and airy, and a sleek silhouette may be more suitable. But gentle sweeps, short light trains, or detachable trains? Fabrics such as organza, chiffons, charmeuse, silk taffeta, Chantilly lace? A ballroom location, however, calls for a more formal gown that has volume or presence. Heavier duchess satins, mikado, lace, beading and more elaborate finishes will be important features to look for.
- The gown should reflect YOUR personality. Your wedding day is about you, and not about the gown. Your guests should see you. If the only comments you hear when trying on a gown are about the clothing, and not about how beautiful you look, then it isn’t the piece for you.
- Colour is very important. White isn’t just white; it has many variations and tones—from unnatural bleached whites to softer silk whites, through to ivory and champagne. Of course, colours such as blush and platinum are also options. Select a shade that enhances your skin tone and brings out your “glow”.
- Pay attention to fabric choice. In the same way that different shades suit different people, so it is for different textures. Some brides look better with the “brightness” that comes from high sheen satin fabrics. Others need the “softness” that matte textures provide.
- Select a silhouette that flatters your figure. Don’t overwhelm yourself in fabric. This is not the gown’s day, after all, and less may be more.
- Remember that this is your day. Select your gown to reflect your taste and what you are about. Be careful not to take too many well-intentioned friends and family members on your shopping days. Instead of facilitating the process, they can cause confusion and indecision, and may ultimately steer you away from making the right, instinctive choice. Limit your advisors to one or two people you love and trust.
- Comfort. To look truly radiant, you have to feel wonderful. Inspect how well the gown is made and finished, and be sure that you feel right wearing it. Be conscious of the weight of the gown and how comfortable your body feels against the cloth and finish.
