Let’s face it, the most anticipated question at a wedding is “what will the bride be wearing?” Above all you want your dress to stay true to who you are, flatter your figure, and make you feel ultra special. The abundant styles, colours and fabrics available ensure every bride, and bridesmaid, will feel just that - special!

 

No matter what style, shape or look you’re going for there are a huge range of dresses to choose from.

You may be one of the lucky few who discovers ‘the one’ in the very first bridal store you into, or it may take a couple of months of searching.

While the sheer amount of dresses out there means you have a great deal to choose from, it also means it’s easy to become overwhelmed, so here are a few tips to help you on your quest for the perfect dress.

 

WHERE TO BEGIN

Before you even start your search for the perfect gown it’s a good idea to work out how much you can afford to spend on it. This allows you to shop with confidence and know exactly which gowns are a reality for you.

Make appointments at all the bridal salons you would like to visit and when you get there make sure you try on lots of different dresses - you might be surprised at what shapes and styles suit you. Bridal salons are very happy to make an occasion of your dress hunting, with plenty of room for family and bridesmaids. It can be fun to make a day of it with you bridal party, stopping for lunch along the way.

 

STAY TRUE TO YOUR SYLE

You dress should not only suit you and flatter you figure, but it’s important to choose a dress that reflects your style.

If you’re a fairly casual and laid-back gal, chances are you’re not going to want to dive head first into an overly glam, glitzy and meringue-skirted concoction topped with a glittery veil and tiara.

On the other hand, if you’ve always considered yourself fashion forward-thinking, a plainer gown might not do you justice.

When selecting a dress, choose one that suits your personality and stays true to your style – don’t be swayed into buying something if it’s just not you. It’s your day and you need to be comfortable wearing your gown from dawn till dusk.

 

WHAT SHAPE SUITS YOU BEST?

We've outlined the most popular dress design shapes to help you decide which would be the most flattering for you.

 

 

Dress Shapes (From left to right).

 

PRINCESS

An old favourite for a reason. This 'princess' style dress is so flattering, with its dreamy full skirt, and tight bodice. It's a shape which works best for those who want to draw attention to their upper bodies, while making a dramatic statement. We defy you not to feel like the most romantic princess for a day in this design.

EMPIRE LINE

If you ever imagined marrying Mr Darcy, then this is the dress for you. Romantic, ultra feminine and soft, a seam sits directly below the bust line, allowing the skirt to fall from this point. The perfect way to enhance a knock-out bust while hiding a multitude of sins. Muffin tops be gone!

A-LINE

A versatile style, this popular type of dress tends to be kind to most body shapes. With a fitted bodice which falls into an A-shaped skirt from the top of the waist, this dress will work especially well with beads, bows, brooches or sashes.

SLIMLINE

You're a sensual minx - why not choose a dress which reflects this? This dress will look fabulous with statement head pieces but beware: choose the wrong lingerie and you could be in VPL (visible panty line) territory... avoid at all costs.

FISHTAIL

We all know mermaids are cool, right? So why not base your wedding dress on their shape? Not for the shrinking violet bride, you'll be making a statement in this dress, drawing appreciative looks to those hips, curves and sashaying tush. Definitely the gown that will make a big 'splash'.

 

© The West Australian

More wedding inspiration at The West Australian Wedding Guide.