Are you getting ready for your big day? This is so exciting! You have so much to think about and plan.
One thing that you need to consider is your fashion. What are you going to wear to your wedding? How will you dress your bridesmaids?
We’re here to offer a few quick tips that can help you make your decision. Read on to learn more.
1. White Dresses: Traditional, but Not Necessary
When it comes to brides in the west (after all, brides in other parts of the world wear different colors on their wedding days), white dresses are the go-to. White symbolizes purity.
While white dresses are traditional, beautiful, and often the easiest to find, they’re not necessary. It’s becoming more and more common for brides to choose different dresses (especially if they have non-traditional weddings or they’ve been married more than once).
Off-white dresses in cream or champagne are often close enough to white that they won’t draw extra attention, even from more traditional family members. That said, you can also wear any color you like. Traditions are important, but it’s your big day, and your dress is expensive. Make sure you love it.
2. Find Ways to Save Money
Speaking of a dress being expensive, if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways you can save money on what may be one of the most costly parts of your big day.
You don’t have to buy a brand-new dress. There are plenty of stylish used wedding dresses available from former brides who decided not to keep their dresses as heirlooms. Used dresses in good condition are just as great as new dresses and they’re more affordable, even if you opt for designer brands.
You can check thrift stores for used dresses, but you’ll likely be more limited. Antique stores may have wedding dresses as well, but they’ll likely require careful tailoring unless you’re lucky enough to find your ideal size.
You can also look for wedding dress sample sales. New dresses from previous seasons will be sold for up to 75% off. If you plan on getting married during “wedding season” you may not be able to use this advice, but you can expect sample sales during non-busy parts of the year.
3. Don’t Forget the Functionality
When you buy a beautiful dress, consider whether or not it’s really going to suit your wedding.
Are you having a beautiful beach or backyard wedding? A dress that drags on the ground may get dirty unless you have a path to walk on, and it will be difficult to walk around without tripping.
You may love the look of a skin-tight and slinky dress, but if it’s hard for you to move around in, you probably won’t be able to enjoy your wedding. Don’t place form over function.
It’s a good idea to have a second dress for the reception if you plan on dancing. A simple party dress that looks similar to your wedding dress is a great option.
4. All about Bridesmaids
Let’s talk about bridesmaids for a moment. Most brides are in control of what their bridesmaids wear. They may or may not spend their own money on the dresses.
If you’re not spending the money, consider letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses within reason. Perhaps give them a color scheme and one specific dress shop to order from, but let them choose what they want to wear (with your approval).
This way, bridesmaids can choose dresses that suit their bodies and personalities while still matching.
If you are choosing specific dresses, try to get opinions from the bridesmaids before committing. You want your bridal party to feel comfortable!
5. Envision Your Dream Dress (But Stay Open)
Before you go to the dress shop, envision your dream dress. Consider using a site like Pinterest to gather examples of dresses you love so the employees at the shop can help you find a perfect match. Showing up empty-handed will make it more difficult to find a good dress.
With that in mind, try to stay open to what the employee brings you. They may take the “vibe” of the examples you brought in and bring you something that looks different but feels the same.
6. Prepare to Tailor
You are almost definitely going to have to get your dress tailored. Don’t worry about something being the wrong size in the store. You want to buy a size that’s close enough to your real size that you can try it on.
Don’t buy a dress that’s far too small. If you plan on losing weight before the wedding, there’s no guarantee. A dress that’s the correct size can be tailored smaller far easier than a small dress can be tailored larger.
7. Give Yourself Time
Speaking of tailoring, remember that you’re going to need plenty of time before the wedding after you purchase your dress. In most cases, the dress isn’t ready to wear right away. In a lot of high-end dress shops, you don’t even get to take a dress home with you because you only get to try on the store model.
Dresses that are custom-made or that need serious tailoring need plenty of time. Buy your dress several months in advance.
On that note, don’t shop more than a year in advance if you like being on-trend. Remember that dress trends change, so if you buy too far ahead of time, you may be out of style by the time your big day arrives.
8. It’s Your Decision
At the end of the day, you’re the only one who gets to choose your wedding dress. Don’t let anyone pressure you out of a dress you love or into a dress you hate.
If you want to look like a princess in a ballgown for your wedding, do it. If you prefer something small, short, and sporty, that’s okay too. The only opinion that matters is your own.
Keep These Fashion Tips in Mind for Your Wedding
Are you excited to pick your wedding dress? Keep these fashion tips in mind! You’ll find a wedding dress (and bridesmaid dresses) that you’ll love to see in photos for decades to come. This is your big day, so make it special.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What is your dream wedding like? Why? What dress type do you like? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!