Choosing your Wedding Gown and Accessories The Wedding Dress is an element of the wedding to be considered, just like the invitations, the cars, the venue, entertainment and photographer. However for most brides, the Wedding Dress is the part of the planning the fills her with the most excitement. How she will look and feel in her dress is something that occupies many a bride’s thoughts in the lead up to a wedding; it may have even been on her mind since before she met her groom! Generally brides do not need any encouragement to start thinking about the style of dress they would like to wear and many a newly engaged bride dives straight into bridal magazines and bridal shops to begin exploring the world of the wedding dress and this is a great idea. Collecting ideas of what you like before you start shopping will save you a lot of time, however when you do start trying dresses on, have some fun with it. Try on as many styles as you can initially as you may be surprised by what suits you. You may also find a gem of a gown that looked nothing on the rack, but is gorgeous on you. Start seriously shopping for your gown and accessories at least six months ahead of your Wedding Day and consider taking someone you trust along with you. Your Mum, best friend, bridesmaid or sister are usually the people who know you and your tastes best and they are the people who will feel most comfortable being honest with you. Your initial scanning of magazines and browsing of dress shops may have completely confused you, or alternatively given you some clear ideas about what you would like and you may feel that you know exactly what you are looking for. Whatever your feelings about your wedding dress, do be open to trying on something you might not have considered. Have fun with it and try on as many styles as you can initially. You may be surprised at what does suit you or by a gown that looked nothing on its hanger but is gorgeous on you. You Choose You have several options regarding your wedding dress; buying off the rack, wearing a custom-made or couture gown, or wearing a pre-loved dress (from a bridal hire shop or one which belonged to a family member or friend). Buying or Hiring Whether you are buying or hiring a dress you will need to give yourself time to find the right gown and to have it fitted. Its possible that the gown will need to be ordered for you and you definitely don’t want it arriving the day before your wedding. Most bridal shops and bridal hire shops offer an alteration service and will also press the gown for you. Giving yourself enough time to find your gown, have it fitted and prepared for you will ensure that your gown is everything your dreamed it would be, whether you hire or buy. Couture Gowns A couture gown is one that is made for you. This is not necessarily a cheaper option than buying a gown but it is a way of having a gown that is uniquely yours. It also gives you the opportunity to take a style you like and incorporate elements from other gowns to your taste. Selecting a dressmaker is the first step in having a gown made. Do your research and meet with them before making any decisions. This person is going to create something for you for one of the most important days of your life. Request to see examples of their work and seek references if possible. Even if you have a picture of a gown for your dressmaker to work from, do still try on different styles of gowns and one that matches the style you have chosen. You don’t want to be completely surprised when you try on your dress for the first time so make sure you feel comfortable that the style of the dress you have selected will suit your figure and taste. Accessories Shoes: Your shoes must be selected with your gown in mind and you will need them for the final fittings of your gown so that the gown is hemmed to the correct length. Importantly remember that you are going to have your shoes on for a very long time. They must be a good fit and as comfortable as possible! Lingerie: The most important point here is to try your lingerie on with your dress. You need lingerie that enhances your shape and adds support where needed. Of course you want something beautiful under your dress but your wedding day lingerie is about providing a good foundation for the dress. Your wedding night lingerie is another matter and this is where you can let your personality shine through. Buy with your groom in mind and have fun with it. Hosiery: If you are going to wear stockings, white, cream, ivory or flesh-coloured are best. It does depend on your dress however so make this selection once the dress has been decided. Jewelry: Your jewelry should enhance and compliment your dress. A simple dress may demand a stand-out piece whilst a more intricately decorated dress may only require a strand of pearls and diamond studs. Also consider whether you will wear a headpiece such as a tiara. As with your dress you should try on options (with your dress if possible) to decide what suits you and the style of dress you have chosen. Scent: This is a very personal choice. Perhaps you have a signature perfume and will wear this on your wedding day, or you may like to choose something new. A new scent can become a lovely reminder of your wedding day for years to come. If you do choose a new scent spend some time trying different scents on and when you think you have it, wear it alone for a day to be sure. Your wedding day is a long day and as scent can change throughout the day as it reacts with our own natural scent, you do want to make sure that it’s the right one for you.