When a bride walks down the aisle, all eyes will be focused on her. This is why it’s important to choose the right wedding dress. But with so many different styles available, how do you know which one to choose? Here are some simple tips to help you find the perfect dress for your big day.
Consider Alternatives to White
When you think of traditional wedding dresses, what’s the first color that comes to mind? It’s probably white — and you aren’t alone. Most people associate white with wedding dresses. But while there’s nothing wrong with wearing a white wedding dress, you should consider alternative colors as well. Cream, beige, blue, pink, red and even black are all great colors. Just remember to choose a color that matches your shoes, accessories and the wedding decor.
Choose the Right Fabric
Wedding dresses are designed in several different types of fabrics, some of which are heavy while others are lighter and more “breathable.” Assuming you’ve already selected a wedding date, you should choose a wedding dress in a fabric that’s appropriate for the season. Linen is an excellent choice for summer weddings, but you’ll want a heavier fabric like gazar, taffeta or brocade for winter weddings.
Don’t Buy Too Soon
I know you’re probably eager to begin shopping for your wedding dress, but you’ll want to wait a little while before buying the dress. If you buy it too soon, you may find another dress that you like even better later. And since you’ve already paid for the first dress, you probably don’t want to buy a second. So, when should you buy your wedding dress? According to the popular wedding website TheKnot, brides-to-be should buy their wedding dress 8 months prior to their wedding day.
Bring a Friend
It’s always a good idea to bring a friend when trying on wedding dresses. Whether it’s your maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or just a family member, don’t go shopping for a wedding dress alone. You’ll need someone else to provide an outside perspective, offering helpful advice on which dress looks best.
Have Your Dress Altered
Most wedding dresses will not fit perfectly right off the rack. So take your dress to either the boutique/store from which you purchased it, or a separate tailor, for a custom fitting 2-3 months before your wedding. In some cases, you may two or even three fittings. As long as you schedule them well in advance, though, you should have plenty of time.
Photo credit: Jeremy Reding