The wedding dress we imagined ourselves getting married in as little girls is probably a world away from the wedding dress we will actually choose as adults for our big day. Growing up, we come to the realization that our figures may not actually suit the big, puffy meringue creation of our childhood dreams and that we don't actually have squillions of dollars in the bank to pay for it either. So without that girlish invention of a dress to go by (or the naïve unlimited budget), most of us are at a loss to decide what to wear on our wedding day. If that's the case, this A-Z guide of wedding dresses should help you find your way again.
A - Accessories Do Have To Match Your Wedding Dress
Accessories should complement your dress and enhance the look that you are going for. If you're after elegant and understated, you can't go wrong with a simple strand of pearls. If the feel is romantic, team your wedding dress with antique jewelry.
B - Bridesmaid Dresses Don't Have To Match Your Wedding Dress
Although it's still done, matching dresses are somewhat outdated now. Brides often choose a contrasting colour to their wedding dress which is carried throughout the wedding as the colour theme. Why not dress your bridesmaids in different shades of this contrasting colour for a modern twist.
C - Check the Workmanship of Your Wedding Dress
Whether you hire, buy or make your wedding dress, you should always check the quality and workmanship. You don't want to have to deal burst seams, falling hems and loose beading on your wedding day.
D - Designer Wedding Dresses
We'd all love a Vera Wang original, but why source overseas for your wedding dress when we have amazing bridal couture on our very own doorstep. Look out for Australian designers like Mariana Hardwick and Alex Perry (who is commissioned regularly by celebrities to create their wedding gowns).
E - Ego in a Wedding Dress
Do you want your ego boosted or an honest opinion when trying on wedding dresses? Don't take all your gushing girlfriends with you when you shop for your gown. Choose one or two trusted people who will tell you truthfully whether the wedding dress suits you or not. That way, you'll get a genuine ego boost when you arrive at your wedding looking absolutely stunning.
F - Flattering Wedding Dress Styles
For the full-figured bride, choose simple lines that skim rather than hug the figure as they are more slimming. Pear-shaped brides should consider A-line wedding dresses as they tend to hide the hips and thighs. Tall, thin brides can pretty much get away with any style but should steer away from straight, tight dresses as they often produce a matchstick look rather than to accentuate the feminine curve.
G - Garters and Wedding Dresses
Love them or hate them, garters (and the removal of them by single male guests during the wedding reception) do feature often at weddings. As long as they don't spoil the line of your dress and are hidden from the eye until the time they are supposed to make their appearance, there's no harm in continuing this fun tradition.
H - Hiring Your Wedding Dress
If you're on a tight budget and not fussed whether you keep your dress or not, then hiring your wedding dress may be the best option. Hire companies such as Ferrari Formal and Bridal will provide advice on which styles will suit your figure and are able to supply matching accessories too. They can also outfit the entire wedding party to take the headache out of coordinating the wedding attire at a fraction of what it would cost to purchase it all new.
I - Ivory Wedding Dresses
Ivory is a gorgeous colour for wedding dresses. It's light enough to enable you to have a white wedding yet dark enough so as not to offend anyone if you're not quite virginal enough to wear pure white.
J - Jewellery and Your Wedding Dress
They say diamonds are a girl's best friend but too many of them won't do you any favors. A good rule of thumb is: the fussier the wedding dress, the simpler your jewellery should be. Don't make the mistake of looking garish on your wedding day.
K - Keeping Tradition with Your Wedding Dress
It's considered bad luck in Western Cultures for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding. This tradition began in England and has spread throughout the world but nowadays has more to do with surprising your beloved than pandering to superstition.
L - Length of Your Wedding Dress
A bride's love affair with floor-length gowns will never die but it may not always be an appropriate choice. On a sweltering summer day you may wish you had opted for something shorter and cooler. Likewise, the effect of a long wedding dress will be ruined if you find you can't walk without tripping over it.
M - Money on Your Wedding Dress
In many cultures money is pinned on a bride's wedding dress. It's traditional to place money upon the dress of a Polish, Cuban or Greek bride in exchange for a dance.
N - Nip, Tuck and Your Wedding Dress
As strange as it may sound, a trend has emerged recently where brides opt for an inexpensive, off-the-rack wedding dress and spend the thousands they have saved on plastic surgery instead. The reasoning behind this is that the cosmetic surgery they have undergone will enhance their appearance more positively than any dress ever could!
O - Out Of Your Wedding Dress
After the reception, many brides change out of their wedding dress into a 'going-away outfit' - usually a light coloured suit or a simple shift dress. Some brides change for comfort, others change as a symbol of closure to the wedding.
P - Preserving Your Wedding Dress
After the wedding, wedding dresses should be professionally cleaned, wrapped in acid free tissue and stored in a dust free, acid reduced box to prevent mildew and yellowing. Make sure the box is then placed in a cool, dry storage area that is away from direct sunlight.
Q - Queenly Wedding Dresses
As the undisputed queen of the day, you may want your wedding dress to reflect your status. Sweeping wedding gowns with long trains, gloves and tiaras are popular with royal brides.
R - Red Wedding Dresses
Red is considered to be a very lucky colour in the Chinese culture so brides often wear red wedding dresses (cheongsams). If white doesn't appeal, why not do the same and spice up your wedding day.
S - Something Old, Something New... Your Wedding Dress
For your something old, why not wear a wedding dress that has been passed down from a relative. It adds a touch of tradition to the wedding and will please your family too.
T - Tans with Wedding Dresses
Tans look great with wedding dresses - especially if your gown is strapless, sleeveless or backless. Opt for a spray-on tan instead of the real thing just to avoid sunburn or peeling skin.
U - Underneath Your Wedding Dress
What's underneath the dress is important too. If you're wearing a strapless gown, you may need some extra bust support. If you want an hourglass figure, a corset may help, but if you're just feeling a little cheeky, wedding lingerie specialists justweddings.net.au can whip you up some cute briefs with 'bride', 'just married' or your new name written across the backside.
V - To Veil or Not To Veil
The general rule is: the more formal the wedding and wedding dress, the longer the veil. If you do decide to wear a veil, you'll need a headpiece to finish it off - a tiara, flowers, a circlet or a jeweled comb.
W - When To Start Looking For A Wedding Dress
Begin your search for the perfect dress six to nine months before the wedding. It can take between three to six months for a wedding dress order to come in or for a dress to be made. You also need to factor in the time it takes to make alterations.
X - Xtra Advice about Your Wedding Dress
Make sure that you are comfortable in your wedding dress. With all eyes on you during the ceremony and reception, you don't want to be constantly caught pulling, tugging, smoothing and readjusting your dress.
Y - You and Your Wedding Dress
You should love the look and the feel of your wedding dress. Don't choose your outfit based on the latest trends because it won't reflect your personality and taste.
Z - Zipping Your Wedding Dress
It sounds simple enough but you'll be surprised just how many brides and bridesmaids have neglected to take the appropriate amount of care when zipping up their wedding dress. Most wedding dresses are made of delicate fabrics and snags can cause serious damage to the gown.
aouthor: Marsha Tang
