The wedding dress is arguably the most iconic symbol of the bride’s big day—the one outfit that will be immortalized in pictures adorning your walls, your phone, and probably a fair share of your Instagram feed. So it’s no wonder that choosing the right gown is a major undertaking that can take months to complete.
As a result, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind when shopping for your gown:
Narrow Your Options
To avoid overwhelming yourself with endless dresses, start by narrowing down your options by looking at silhouettes—like ball gown vs. mermaid, or A-line vs. sheath—that flatter your shape and fit well with the overall tone of your event. This will help you quickly narrow down your dress choices and make the process much more manageable.
Once you’ve found a silhouette that works for you, it’s time to start thinking about details. This is the perfect time to consider your favorite elements of design that are important to you, like an embroidered floral pattern or a scalloped edge. You can also use this time to experiment with different colors, textures, and embellishments to see which ones suit you best.
Fabric is another important factor to consider because it can affect how the dress fits and appears. For example, satin and silk tend to look a little more formal than lace or crepe, while chiffon and tulle can be lighter and cling more to the body.
Many modern brides are drawn to a combination of traditional and contemporary styles. A combination that is perfectly reflected in the 2023 wedding dress trends we’re seeing, which include cascading flowers and pastel hues. From the delicate blush of a bridal bouquet to the flowing tiers of a blush-colored tulle train, this is an exciting way to infuse your big day with some extra romance and whimsy.
In many cultures, weddings are a symbolic passage from the springtime world of virginal innocence into the adulthood of marriage and procreation. Historically, it’s been considered a shame for a woman to wear anything but white on her wedding day. In fact, until the middle of the nineteenth century, most women, including royalty, repurposed their old Sunday best dresses for their nuptials.
After months of waiting, the day has finally arrived. You get the call that your gown has been delivered to the salon and, depending on the dress’s sizing and your budget, you might have to pay the remainder of the balance at this point. You’ll then need to set up an appointment with a professional seamstress for your first round of alterations. It’s a good idea to choose a seamstress who specializes in wedding dresses and formal wear—they know how to work with delicate fabrics, and can make sure that your dress is ready for the big day. Then, once your dress is perfect, you can store it in a breathable, opaque garment bag somewhere it won’t be squished (like a spare closet at home or a friend’s house) until just before the wedding.