The wedding dress is more than a piece of clothing; it’s the iconic symbol of your special day, preserved in every photo. From giggling with your besties to gracefully walking down the aisle, your wedding gown will hold a precious place in your memories.
That’s why the process of choosing your wedding dress is so important – it’s a chance to get creative and express yourself, whether you want to look classic and timeless or daring and contemporary. The right dress will make you feel like the most amazing version of yourself and capture the hearts of your husband and guests.
While the idea of a white wedding dress became de rigueur around the middle of the nineteenth century, brides have always worn other colours to mark the occasion. In fact, before that time, women often got married in dresses they already owned or purchased new, reusable ones in darker colours that wouldn’t stain (something blue was also traditional to signify purity).
Nowadays, brides have much more choice when it comes to style and colour. With access to international trends through television, magazines and most recently the internet, wedding dress options have broadened. Runway designers, such as Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, have been pushing the boundaries of bridal fashion, adding textured fabrics and colour to the mix. Celebrities, who tend to be the most on-trend when it comes to new fashion, have also popularized alternatives to the classic white gown. Gwen Stefani, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon have all worn pink gowns on their big days.
Even the most modern wedding dresses can be brought back to tradition with the addition of embellishments and details such as beads, embroidery, lace appliques and fringe trim. These add a touch of glamour and individuality to any style while accentuating the bride’s natural features.
Another option is to add a train or detachable train. Usually fastened with hooks or buttons, these allow the bride to shorten her dress during the reception, eliminating the need for a bustle. Detachable trains are a great option for brides who want to keep their dress for sentimental reasons or simply don’t have the time to deal with a bustle.
For the bride who wants something truly unique and personalised, made-to-order wedding dresses may be the way to go. Designers such as Jackson Wiederhoeft spend up to a year and a half – including initial appointments, fittings, alterations and advising – constructing the perfect gown for each bride. While it is an investment, many say that it is well worth it as they love the intimate relationship they build with their clients during the process. It’s a rare opportunity to collaborate with a bride on such a special project and create a one-of-a-kind dress.