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Finding your perfect wedding dress
For some girls the perfect dress has long been
hanging in the mind's eye, while other girls don't have an idea at all.
Once the search starts, the best design for you will become apparent.
Marriage is a declaration of love and commitment.
But it's also a celebration of those things, and while the dress and
other plans should never overwhelm the reason you're doing it all in
the first place, you'll still want to shine when you join the party
of your life. Twenty first century brides vary so greatly in terms of
situation, age and approach to marriage, and all of these things - as
well as your shape, style and colouring - will influence the choice
of wedding gown.
DREAMING OF DRESSES
For some girls the perfect dress has been hanging in the mind's eye
- although hopefully not the wardrobe - long before the engagement even
takes place. The dream may be based on a dress seen in a magazine, or
just on styles you find flattering. Other girls don't have a dress in
mind at all. Think about whether you want to buy 'off-the-peg' (the
dress is then altered to fit), or if you would prefer a 'one-off' gown,
made especially for you by a bespoke designer. There is some middle
ground here; some boutiques will order an off-the-peg dress for you
with personalised features such as the addition of beading or concealment
of a split. Once the search starts, the best route for you will become
apparent. The 'dream dress' may not materialise in the shops and if
you can't be persuaded to look at alternative styles, or want to combine
various elements of designs you have seen, a dress designer could be
the best option. It's nevertheless advisable to remain open minded as
the style you've long adored may disappoint when you actually try it
on. The reverse is also true, experiment - it's surprising how many
brides fall in love with a design that has never entered their heads
before. You won't know until you try it on. Start looking for ideas
in magazines, at wedding shows and on web sites, then hit the shops,
where the advice of trained assistants is invaluable. However, don't
let staff overwhelm you, and choose shopping companions who will provide
honest advice. Shopping is a great way to involve your mum in the excitement,
but keep your instincts to the fore - it's your style and comfort that's
at stake. Keep in mind what you want to do in the dress, does it pose
limitations to your ability to walk, eat and (importantly for many brides)
dance, on the day? The wedding itself is the first occasion on which
you will wear the gown for any length of time. Ease and pleasure of
wear are vital and if you're fidgeting with loose straps and awkward
lengths all day, your preoccupation will come across in the photos for
years to come.
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