Your Wedding Dress
Dress Like a Princess for Your Wedding Day
Your engagement has been announced and you chosen a date – now it’s time to choose your gown. And yes, it is a gown. A wonderful gown and you will be a princess on the most special day of your life.
I know you've dreamt about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl, and now the big day is approaching. More time and thought is put into choosing your dress than anything else! (except, of course, your choice of a husband and your (Brisbane based) celebrant).
Your first decision is what type of impact do you want to make
Romantic
Traditional
Practical simplicity
Modern
Conservative
Funky
Fun
Ask yourself what will make your heart sing … and his heart flutter!
- You may decide to have a themed wedding and wear a costume, perhaps medieval, or celtic or honour your heritage with a folk costume from the homeland of your ancestors. As your celebrant about ceremonies that can reflect those themes such as a Hand fasting ceremony.
- Begin with the web – that will help you to sort through styles and help you decide which ones will suit you best.
- Stay away from fads ... timeless elegance is the key- don't fall in love with a style, choose a style to suit you.!
- Consider if white is perhaps not your colour (not everyone looks wonderful in white), don't be afraid to choose a beautiful colour. You may even decide to go with a bright colour or a deep colour – it’s your day and your dress. Tell your celebrant what colour you are wearing so she does not wear the same colour!
- Go to the largest bridal store in your area ...wear your best, most enhancing undergarments because you want the best shape under that gorgeous dress. Make sure you have a lot of time and then try EVERYTHING on! It's amazing how the dress you just didn't think of is often the one that looks best on you. Take photographs of every possible dress. Keep going 'till you've exhausted the supply of dresses and the saleswoman … then take a deep breath and walk out. (This is the hard part because you'll be so tempted to snatch up the dress that appeals the most – on the day - but this shouldn't be a spur of the moment purchase).
- Once you know the basic style that suits you, you can search the net, the bride magazines and wedding shows comparing prices, fabrics and subtle design changes that may look even better.
- Think about choosing a wedding dress that you can wear to a formal event later on.
- Beware of the strapless dress – unless your dress is fitted PERECTLY do you really want to spend the day doing the ‘hitch?” If you are fortunate to have a generous bosom then you do not want to spend your day worrying about ‘falling out’ of your dress.
- Think about alternatives – does your mother or grandmother still have her wedding dress – could you wear it?
- Think about the fabric – will it stand your sitting in the limousine on the way to and from the ceremony, sitting to sign your marriage certificates and still look beautiful for the bridal waltz?
- Consider the location and the weather at that time of year – will it be cold – you could stay warm with a fake fur wrap or jacket!
- Will it be hot – do you really want a big skirt around your legs?
- If you are planning your ceremony to be on the beach – sandals for the girls will be easier – actually it would be a good idea for the guys as well. Ask your celebrant about beach wedding and how they can differ from other locations.
- Although blushing brides once wore conservative gowns, you no longer have to conform to this tradition.
- The most looked-upon women at any wedding are the bride and her maid of honor. As the bride, you can be adventurous or conservative – it’s whatever you are the most comfortable with.
- Retro wedding dresses are dresses made before the 1980s, and they can often be found at thrift stores.
- Brides still wear something borrowed and something blue.
- Start your search six to nine months ahead. Special orders can take four to six months, plus time for alterations.
- Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.
- Choose a style appropriate for the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can be also be pastels, a floor-brushing (ballerina) length, with a short veil and no train. At a less-formal or second wedding, the bride may choose a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil or a ‘fascinator’ may be a perfect final touch.
- The neckline of your gown should suit your shape. One of the most flattering is the ‘sweetheart neckline.’ Enhance your figure with a dress that suits you. Take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape--princess, ball gown, sheath and empire waist--to see which flatters you most. Check that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days.
- Shop at bridal boutiques or department stores for a wide array of styles. Try on a few designer gowns first so you recognize the quality, then choose a dress based on your budget.
- Set a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for $250 and up. Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.
- Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number, price, color and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your dress isn't ready by a specified date.
- Make sure to get in writing every condition of the sale – for example, how many alterations are included, can the gown be delivered etc
- Most of all do all the girly things in the days before your wedding – have a massage, manicure and pedicure and – on your big day - after your make-up artist and hairdresser have finished and you slip on the perfect gown you will be a princess – so enjoy every minute of your wedding day.
Janice Crawford is a Brisbane Celebrant with vast experience having performed hundreds of marriage ceremonies in and around Brisbane. To find out more about Marriage Celebrant Services, please contact Janice Crawford via this website.