Style

You know what works on you when it comes to style, you know what suites you and you know what doesn't, so stay with what you know, if there is something bothering you about a certain style, then carry on shopping girl!

Think about where your wedding will be held and what time of the year it is. Is it a formal venue or a country style venue? A formal venue might inspire an equally formal dress for the occasion, whereas an outdoor garden wedding would certainly call for a different approach.

Colour

Your standard colours include white, ivory or cream. But there is no reason why you can’t think out of the box. There is no right or wrong colour, ok black might be pushing it, but pale pinks, baby blues - or even deep purples would look stunning! Remember it’s a celebration of love. The happiness of you and your fiancé is all that matters. Remember to stick to what looks good on you and you can’t go wrong.

Comfort

Constantly shifting and readjusting yourself as the corset digs further into your ribcage or the lining rubs your skin raw, is not how you would like to remember your wedding day.

Consider the amount of time you will be spending in the dress and whether you will be comfortable for the duration. Remember you will be kneeling, dancing , walking, posing and all the while keeping a gloriously radiant smile on your face.

Comfort is key here, if you must have the dress, but you know that the comfort value of an Iron Maiden pales by comparison, then perhaps you should consider getting a second outfit to wear for the reception.

Body Shape

Consider your body shape and what dress style best enhances your natural features

• Hour Glass shape would look fabulous in Sheath, ball gown or A-line
• Pear Shape would look best in an Empire, A-line or ball gown
• The Apple shape’s curvy and feminine figure would be best suited to a Tea length, empire or A-line
• Petite shape, proportion is the key so Tea length, empire or A-line would definitely work.
• Slim Athletic’s thin, toned frame can benefit from a little pomp and frill and would best suite an Empire, sheath or ball gown.

Cost and Quality

Always set a budget before you venture out to to look for a wedding dress. Shop around and try find the best style for you that also falls within the budget.

Prices can vary from one shop to the next, so be open minded and patient, you never know, you might be able find a similar design elsewhere at half the price.

Look out for sales or specials. If you have no qualms about buying a second hand dress or even renting, then you might just find a dress of extremely high quality for far less money than its original value. If you are renting, then yes at the end of the day, you will not get to keep the dress, but you will have fantastic memories and beautiful photos to reminisce about.

Have a talented seamstress recreate that designer look you want at a fraction of the cost. You would also have more of say in the design and overall quality. Make sure to always get references from the dressmaker to insure the best possible outcome.

General points to consider