Image via Angie & Joel’s Wedding At Bells Killcare
Hi Girls
As a fashion designer (now focusing primarily on bridal gowns), I see many good-looking girls who come to see me for their dream wedding dress. I have been noticing brides are actually having a hard time finding their dream dress. They gradually get very confused, which makes shopping harder for them. One minute they like soft and flowing and the other minute they like structure and volume.
I would suggest going through the websites of 5 or 6 designers before you visit the boutiques. This way, you get a feel of their quality and style. If the designer’s style suites you, make an appointment and go to see the gowns, feel the fabrics, and the quality and ask questions.
Decide if you want to purchase a gown off the rack or have it designed. There are pros and cons to both. Here are my tips on choosing a wedding dress.
Buying off the rack – what you see is what you get. It typically involves alteration and this is the hidden cost for you. Bear this is mind if you have a budget for your gown. Also off the rack is a more commercial look as you can find it in different shops and web sites, but if you love what you see then it’s easier for you to pick the gown and much quicker.
Couture designer gown – this is when the gown is designed just for you. You can have any colour, shape and detailing and there are no hidden alteration costs. It can however be more expensive than buying off the rack but it is a one off and more personalised gown for you to match to your wedding. It uses higher quality fabrics and looks more high end. I would suggest you see the reviews of the designer who will make your gown to ensure this extra investment is well spent as when you start the process it is too late to back out halfway. As your designer will work with you it is much easier to create that “dream dress” using their experience and your vision.
So after you find what sort of look and style you are after, try some gowns on in each shop to see which suits your look. I would suggest you do not try on too many dresses in each shop, just try to narrow it down a couple of dresses. Make sure you write the names or style number of each dress, then after you check all the shops you have visited pick 4 or 5 gowns in your list.
In a couple of weeks when you have had time to reflect, schedule another appointment in each store all in one day to go and try on all the gowns. If this does not help and again you are stuck as you love them all, JUST LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND YOUR FEELINGS. Which one makes you feel the BEST about yourself, which one is more YOU, which one brings out more your PERSONALITY, which one is more COMFORTABLE, which one is gives you an amazing feeling…
You are the only one who knows what you feel when you put each gown on.
On a last note, you may have read our earlier post on the dangers of listening to too many people during this choice. We still advise you pick one or two close advisors that can help shortlist, or it will get more confusing.
I hope I have helped you on the path to finding your dream gown.
Ms Gingham says: More great advice from the professional!
About Fara Almasi – Fara Couture Wedding Dresses Perth: Fara Almasi is a couture Perth bridal gown designer with over 20 years experience. Not only does she design and alter wedding gowns she also creates stunning bridesmaids, mother of the bride and evening gowns.
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