Gowns 101

Contrary to popular belief, finding your perfect gown does not involve divine intervention; it simply involves getting waist-deep in tulle, hoops and varying shades of white. With our guide you’ll be wearing your dream gown in no time!

Shop early

You can’t be too organised when it comes to your gown. Your dress should be one of the first things you arrange, it’s a good idea to have it chosen eight to ten months prior to W day.
When you arrive at the dress shop for your appointment, make sure you are wearing a strapless bra and some nude colour underpants. You will also need to bring an open mind and try as many different styles on as you can… yes even those that make you shudder – most dresses look different when on a three-dimensional figure.
Take a good and honest friend with you so that if you are looking like a giant marshmallow you will know. The sales woman doesn’t know your taste and her taste might just be marshmallow-orientated.
Don’t kid yourself into thinking that, like a soul-mate, there is only one dress for you – there may be many out there that are perfect. You need to be clear about what style suits you, which materials you like and don’t like, the general style you’re after, set a budget and most importantly be patient and keep a good sense of humour.

Shopping options

Couture

• Couturiers are dress specialists who have a collection of original gowns.
• They are the pricey option, but in return you receive a handmade unique gown that fits like a glove.
• Generally they need at least eight months.
• They dress designer will set up about five fittings so you can see the gown at every stage.

Boutiques

• You will try on a range of sample dresses to give you an idea of your style.
• Usually they are reasonably priced.
• They can work off shorter time schedules – as a rule you need to order six months prior to your wedding day.
• Once your dress arrives it will need altering, which is an additional cost to the dress price – so before you set your heart on one, ask about the cost of alterations.
• You will need about three fittings once the gown arrives.

Other options

• Department stores are great if you have limited time or budget. They may not have 'wedding dresses' as such, but you may find yourself a stunning white dress... who would know?
• The Internet – Online auctions and stores provide another way to purchase a gown. It is usually cheaper but comes with some risks. Remember you are buying from an image that doesn't clearly show details such as colour, embellishments and fabric. Try on styles that are similar so you will know if it is likely to suit you. If you buy online, you dress will almost always need alterations so find a good dress maker.

Materials

Try on many different types of fabrics, there is a wide variety and as each fabric falls differently, so it will look different on each body shape.

Which shape suits you

The best approach with gowns is to try on every style – from ballgown to fishtail. Also listen to the dress designer, she deals with different body shapes every day and can probably point you in the best direction. The perfect shape will hide the parts you are paranoid about and flaunt your best assets.

Which white?

Stark white – original chalky white looks best on people with a dark complexion but should be avoided by anyone too fair.
Off-white – also described as ‘silk’, ‘diamond’ or ‘natural’ white, is a little bit softer than stark white and suited to anyone with a yellow undertone.
Ivory – can go by names like eggshell and candlelight and has a yellow undertone for all fair-skinned women.
Champagne – sometimes called ‘rum’, has hints of pink, which make medium coloured skin with pink undertones glow.