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New Bridal Gowns - Finding your perfect gown

The search is on, with the object of your obsession a truly stunning wedding gown. Whether you’re buying off-the-rack or going the
made-to-measure route, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to help you
choose your dream dress.

Choosing a dress that highlights your best body parts is a must. Think of an outfit that earns you lots of compliments – do friends hush when you wear a strapless dress that
reveals your shoulders and neck? Or a plunging neckline which shows off
your cleavage? Maybe it’s an A-line skirt that skims over your thighs
and gives you a great silhouette?

If you’re still having trouble, indulge in your own dress-up party in front of a full-length mirror to suss out different lengths, flatter your
body shape. Drawing attention to you favorite body parts is a great way
to give you some serious confidence in you gown. And a girl with
confidence always shines.

Dress to your theme

You want your dress to complement the feel of your day. So, if you’re planning to get married on the beach, a full ball gown with a 15 foot
beaded train might look a little out of place.

A formal wedding with a large, ornate church can handle heavily detailed structured gowns of tulle or dupion, with dramatic trains and veils.

Whereas beach weddings lend themselves to slinky, softer gowns with floaty fabrics, such as chiffon or silk georgette, in a simple and elegant design.

Likewise, a classic dress with detailing in lace or beading is perfect for a garden ceremony. Shrugs or shawls can be added if the weather turns
chilly. For a formal black-tie affair, anything from a ball gown to a
glamorous or detailed sheath will look amazing.

Cocktail party? The sky’s the limit: sexy, short numbers, coloured knee-length dresses, sequin sheaths, you name it!

Try picturing yourself in the dress at the venue. If it makes your heart flutter, it’s probably a good fit; if your face screws up, it’s probably not…

Which fabric?

Choosing the right fabric is very important, since it gives your dress texture and shape, as well as dictating how it will flow around your body.

Ball gowns are usually structured, so need a heavier, stiffer fabric to give the full shape. Dupion silks, duchess satins or taffeta are perfect for
this, and are a great choice for bigger or bustier brides wanting more
support. If you’re after a softer look, go for organza or tulle.

For slinky dresses, double-sided satin or soft silk satin are perfect, as they flow with your body as you move. If you’re self-conscious about
your hips, add extra fabric so it drapes in this area, and avoid dresses
cut on the bias.

Slinky fabrics, such as satin, are not very forgiving. A slightly stiffer fabric, such as Thai silk, is fabulous for disguising these areas.

Think about detailing, too. Beading not only adds beautiful detail to a dress, but also adds weight, which can pull fabrics down to create a slinky silhouette.

All in the details

Detailing can be added to draw attention to (or away from) certain areas. Whether it be a brooch securing a sash around your waist or pretty beading
around the neckline, it can add the finishing touch to your dress and
make you shine.

One area not to overlook is the back of your dress, since it’s on display as you walk down the aisle and stand at the alter. Covered buttons, bows, V-necks with scalloped lace or a corset
ribbon lace-up back, can all create a beautiful rear view.

Keep in mind that the cost of crystals, beads, sequins and any other detailing can alter the price of your dress significantly – especially if it’s
done by hand. If the dress you love is beyond your budget, ask if you
can have it made with less expensive fabric and beading. You can often
save thousands doing it this way.

When it comes to accessories, make sure they complement your dress, not compete with it. Choose either a gorgeous necklace or pair of stunning chandelier earrings - not both.

Remember, the weather is never a given. If you’re wearing a backless gown, it might be a good idea to have a shawl or beaded coat on hand in case the
temperature drops. Or if you’re in a heavy gown, take along a beautiful
parasol and fan in case the weather heats up.

When to start shopping

Give yourself at least six months to a year to find the perfect bridal gown especially if you’re having it custom-made. In case your tastes change, don’t buy or order it any sooner – especially if you’re planning on
losing weight or starting an exercise regime in the lead-up to the
wedding.

If you do plan to lose a lot of weight, tell your designer and call them each month to let them know your progress.

Know your budget

Not only do you need to pick which style of wedding dress you want, but you need to decide on a realistic budget.

Having a budget is really important, as you don’t want to be looking at dresses that are out of your price range. That said, however, you can
always ask if a certain style can be altered, using less expensive
material or less beading, to suit your budget. Some things are possible,
but not always.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to truly love your wedding dress. In fact, many brides decide the money would be better spent on a house deposit. But for others, who have always dreamed about
their big day forever and really want to feel like Cinderella, expense
is no object and having a dream dress that fits like a glove is
paramount. It’s a personal – and financial – decision.

Once you have a style chosen, get a feel for how much dresses cost from different designers or wedding boutiques. A few emails or phone calls will
usually get you the answer you’re looking for.

Remember to speak to dressmakers about the possibility of reducing the price of a dress by using different fabric and detailing.

Dresses bought off-the-rack are usually less expensive, but you may need to take into account alteration costs. Also, remember to factor in the price of a veil if you
plan to wear one.

Check your Color

White is not a color that suits every bride, but that doesn’t mean you can’t
fake it. There are many modern versions of “traditional white”, which
can be far more flattering.

Try lattes, antiques, creams, ivory, blush, icy blues and other shades of white against your skin and see what suits.

Most girls feel they should take their mum or future mother-in-law dress shopping, but if she has a certain idea of how you should look (or how she’d like you to look) on your wedding day, things can get a
little tricky.

Take someone you can trust to give you an honest opinion and who wants you to be happy on your wedding day.

There’s nothing worse than seeing a girl in a dress she feels uncomfortable wearing, with her Mom or friends bullying her to purchase it. If you
don’t feel comfortable in a gown, you’ll lack confidence on your wedding
day and it will show.

The bottom line is that you want to look and feel fabulous.

Another tip when dress shopping is to take along different types of underwear – a strapless and halter bra, as well as a G-string. Dresses always look better when you’re wearing the right
garments underneath.