Whether bought, custom-made or passed down through the generations, every bride’s wedding dress is an important symbol of her special day. It represents the end of her independent life as an adult and her move into a new relationship with her spouse, as well as her transition to being a wife.
The perfect gown is a symbol of love and commitment that should be as beautiful and enduring as the relationship it represents. It’s a piece of art that will be cherished for a lifetime, making it worth the investment.
Despite the fact that modern women don’t necessarily follow Victorian ideas of marriage, white gowns remain the default choice for most brides. This tradition grew out of a combination of factors that included the association of white with purity and virginity, as well as the idea that a bride would rewear her gown as a symbol of her love for her new husband. By the mid-19th century, women’s magazines like Godey’s were proclaiming that “white is by far the best colour for bridal dresses.”
When choosing a wedding dress, it is important to consider what body shape you want to emphasise and what parts of your figure you’d like to hide. For example, if you’re pear-shaped (smaller on top, fuller on the bottom) then opting for a fit and flare silhouette is an excellent choice, as this will show off your stunning curves. However, if you’d like to cinch in your waist and draw attention away from your hips and lower tummy area then a ball gown silhouette will be better suited for you.
As for necklines, it’s a good idea to try as many styles as possible when shopping, from V-neck and scoop necks to strapless and sweetheart necklines, to find the one that flatters your shoulders, neck and décolletage. Similarly, try a variety of sleeves and hem lengths to see what works best for you.
Once you’ve found the dress of your dreams, the final step is to pick it up and store it until your big day. A breathable garment bag is ideal, so that it doesn’t get squished or snag the fabric of your dress, and you can keep it somewhere safe until you are ready to wear it again.
As a general rule, most brides should plan on purchasing their wedding dress 8-10 months before their wedding. This gives plenty of time for alterations, and ensures that you will receive your dress in time to wear on your big day. It is also a good time to book your seamstress if you haven’t done so already, as they will be booked up quickly in the lead up to the wedding season. Then, once your gown arrives, store it safely in a spare closet, or if you’re concerned about space, some salons can be arranged to store your dress for you until the day of the wedding.