Saying "yes to the dress"
Princess Diana’s had a 25-foot train, Kate Middleton’s was an Alexander McQueen lace dream. Solange Knowles defied all tradition and wore an epic cream jumpsuit, and Priyanka Chopra’s stunning red Lehenga required 110 embroiderers. ONE HUNDRED AND TEN!
One of the best parts of our job is seeing brides step out of the car absolutely glowing in their chosen dream dress - whether it’s a boho Grace Loves Lace masterpiece, a chic ivory co-ord or an extravagant, glittering custom-made ball gown.
When it comes to picking your outfit for your wedding day, the options are so endless that it can be really hard to know where to start! Some brides have been dreaming of their wedding dress their whole lives and others just want something comfy they can rock on the DF all night. No matter what you’re after, we have a couple of pointers to help you find the wedding ensemble of your dreams.
1. Decide on your theme
While there are no rules for planning a wedding, it’s good to have an idea of your overall theme or vibe, so you can design and plan around that. Some brides find their venue first, while others will decide on a dress and then coordinate their entire day off whatever vibe or style their perfect dress suits.
For instance, if you’re getting married on a beach, the last thing you want to be worrying about when you walk down the aisle is the amount of sand getting stuck in your heavy satin train, so beach brides tend to opt for lighter, more relaxed dresses. We adore We Are Mancini for this classic chic vibe (shown below). Plus, you have the option of separates so you can totally mix and match!
You also need to decide whether you’re a sucker for an outfit change – because there’s every chance you’ll be shopping for two outfits! Don’t be afraid to go for something short and fun to hit the dance floor, like this incredible Stone Cold Fox lace number that our girl Cydney Morris changed into during her reception.
2. Check out websites and pin ALL the dresses!
We are so lucky that we live in an era where you don’t have to leave your couch to be inspired. Pinterest is your best friend, you can find amazing images of brides from all over the world in cult favourite brands like Rue De Seine (shown below on the beautiful Amelia from Paper Hearts), Watters, and Pronovias.
And if your brain has had it with the endless options of bridal attire the internet has to offer, don’t neglect a few alternate sources of inspiration. Maybe it’s your mum or grandmother’s wedding album, or maybe there was a dress that Angelina Jolie graced a red carpet in that caught your attention - like this amazing silk MLM dress that our stunning Head Stylist Bhree wore.
How amazing is the fact that you can shop online for your wedding dress!? If the whole ‘trying on 5 dresses in 15 minutes’ thing makes you grimace, hop onto the worldwide web and dress shop from the comfort of your couch, with a wine in hand! Check out Prea James Bridal (shown below) and Made with Love for some great online browsing and to find who stocks your favourite styles.
3. Take your crew
When it does come time for you to head to the stores and try on some dresses, make sure you’ve got the right crew.
Some take their bridesmaids, or their mum or siblings, and some even take their fiancé! Remember, it’s your day. Surround yourself with people who make you feel like the most beautiful person in the world, even if you were wearing a bed sheet. Also remember to check in with the boutique that you’ve booked into – as some have guest limits. This is a good thing as sometimes having too many opinions from others means your own voice isn’t heard. Make sure you only take the people whose opinions you value – and don’t be pressured into inviting your fiancé’s Great-Aunt Susan just because she used to be a seamstress.
4. Play the field
Maybe you didn’t find your dress the first time. Maybe you found the appointment completely overwhelming. Maybe the price tags completely took your breath away – and not in a good way!
Luckily, there are so many talented designers and beautiful boutiques out there. Now that you’ve begun the search, really think about your likes and dislikes for the next trip and find a style or vibe that speaks to you before you book in another appointment.
We also recommend you don’t be afraid to try a style you wouldn’t normally wear! When it comes to wedding dresses, you might be surprised by what you like. Mix it up a little. If you like a skirt, you can alter the top. Our gorgeous bride did just that with her gown from Abbey Bridal (shown below).
If you’re looking for a dress that is not made anymore, or you’re looking to be a bit more sustainable in your shopping, check out Still White for an incredible range of second-hand dresses. You’ll find – funnily enough – that most of them have only been worn once!
5. Accessorise
Veils, shoes, and jackets – oh my!
Your wedding day is all about you, so feel free to express yourself and show off your style. You can make your wedding as elaborate or as simple as you want. If you’re after a more ‘classic bride’ look, go to town with a beautiful tulle veil. Or, if you want something funky, maybe try a birdcage or a hat, a la Emily Ratajkowski.
Looking at getting married in a colder climate, or just want to cover your shoulders for when the evening gets a bit chilly? Jackets come in handy here. We love Unreal Fur and the beautiful personalised denim jackets from One Day Bridal (shown below).
The other thing that is so special on your wedding day is the jewellery that you wear. Never underestimate the value of a sentimental piece, like an heirloom locket or an engagement ring passed down through generations. Or go bold with a statement piece, like stunning earrings from Amber Sceats or the incredible crowns from Kashiika (both shown below), because if there is ever a time to let the world know what a queen you are, it’s on your wedding day!
Good luck out there! Remember the day is yours, so make sure you enjoy the process. Have fun trying on and playing dress up for the day, ordering online, or sitting with your designer to talk about your dress vision. Whichever avenue you choose, we can say with certainty that the most beautiful bride is the one who is unapologetically herself, in whatever she wears.
