Choosing a Wedding Dress

Choosing a wedding dress is a monumental moment in planning your special day. Whether you’ve been envisioning your bridal garment for years or hadn’t thought about your big day look until you booked your wedding venue, we’re here to help you discover the perfect wedding dress for you.

Saying “YES” to the dress should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, however, with so many elements to consider when planning a wedding, choosing a wedding dress can be an overwhelming task for many brides-to-be. From finding a dress shape that works for your body to who to bring dress shopping and how far in advance to start looking, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting but sometimes confusing time.

In this guide, we’ll go over the most important things to consider when buying a wedding dress such as style, material, seasonality and budget, explore different wedding dress styles and provide useful tips to help you when wedding dress shopping. Let’s get into it.

Factors to consider when choosing a wedding dress

Budget

Setting a budget is crucial before you start the search for wedding gowns, helping you narrow your options and avoid overspending. It’s important to consider all potential expenses including alterations and accessories as well as the gown itself. Prioritise what aspects of the dress are most important to you, whether it’s the designer or material and allocate your budget accordingly.

Season

The season of your wedding should influence your dress choice, ensuring comfort and practicality as well as style. For spring and summer weddings opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics and consider shorter sleeves or strapless designs to stay cool. For autumn and winter weddings consider dresses with long sleeves and heavier fabrics or accessorise with wraps or shawls for added comfort.

Material

The material of your wedding dress is also important when considering how to choose a wedding dress. Fabrics like silk and satin offer elegance and a smooth drape, while lace adds a romantic touch. Embellishments such as beads and embroidery can add character, but whatever you opt for, make sure you are comfortable.

Style

Your wedding dress style should reflect your personality and the overall theme of your wedding. Consider silhouettes and necklines, how they complement your figure and what styles you are comfortable wearing. Feeling comfortable and confident on your big day is the most important thing. Read more about types of wedding dresses below.

Types of wedding dresses

1. A-line

If you want a perfect balance between fitted and flowy, suitable for various body types and wedding themes, an A-line wedding dress is a great choice. This style of wedding dress is fitted at the bodice and gradually widens towards the hem.

2. Ball gown

For a dramatic bridal look, a ball gown features a fitted bodice and a full voluminous skirt. A ball gown will likely feature multiple layers of fabrics which add body and shape to the skirt, creating a fairytale-like silhouette.

3. Corseted dress

Corset wedding dresses incorporate a structured bodice, often with visible boning, to cinch the waist and provide support. If you want your wedding gown to hold you in and possibly enhance your shape, you can choose a dress with a corset.

4. Drop-waist dress

A drop-waist dress is a wedding dress style where the skirt begins below the natural waistline. Brides might select this style to elongate the torso.

5. Empire waist dress

An empire waist dress has a high waistline just below the bust, with the skirt flowing loosely from this point. This style is particularly associated with the Regency era and it is also a favourite style of pregnant brides or those who want to conceal the lower abdomen.

6. Halter neckline

This style of wedding dress is sleeveless with straps that go around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders bare. A halter neck dress can be an excellent choice for summer weddings or for brides who want to showcase their shoulders and arms but hide cleavage.

7. Fit and flare

A fit and flare bridal gown, also known as a fishtail wedding dress, is a dress that begins with a fitted silhouette through the waist and skirt, then gradually flares out towards the hem of the skirt. It’s a wonderful choice for brides who want a dramatic silhouette look.

8. Off-the-shoulder neckline

Brides who want to show off their shoulders and collarbone with a hint of sleeve can choose an off-the-shoulder wedding dress. Gowns with this style have straps that attach to the bodice to extend the neckline, and in some cases the straps can be removable.

9. Strapless neckline

A strapless dress is what it says on the tin – a dress without any straps. This wedding dress style relies on the bodice’s structure to stay in place, showcasing the shoulders and neckline. It’s a great choice for its versatility and works well with various accessories and hairstyles.

10. V-neck neckline

A V-neck dress forms a “V” shape at the front to create a peek of cleavage around the bustline. This plunging neckline can vary in depth and is known for elongating the neck and torso.

Buying a wedding dress

Below we’ve put together a list of our top tips on wedding dress shopping to make the process as seamless as possible and help you say yes to the dress!

• Start looking early – when it comes to how to choose a wedding dress, beginning your search well in advance, ideally 8 to 9 months before the wedding, gives you ample time to explore options, avoid rush decisions and allows for alterations without added stress.
• Schedule appointments at bridal boutiques – making scheduled appointments at bridal boutiques will ensure you receive dedicated assistance from experienced consultants who can guide you through the process.
• Try on a variety of wedding dress styles, shapes and fabrics – stepping out of your comfort zone and trying on dresses with different shapes, fabrics and embellishments can reveal unexpected favourites and help you discover what truly flatters your figure. Even if they’re not exactly what you envisioned, you may be pleasantly surprised.
• Take pictures of yourself in each wedding dress – capturing photos from multiple angles helps you remember how each dress looked and felt, making it easier to compare later.
• Bring along a trusted loved one or someone from your bridal party – having a supportive friend or family member who can offer constructive feedback provides valuable emotional support during what can be an overwhelming process.

Choosing a wedding dress is such an exciting process and a shopping experience you will remember forever. Keep in mind your own personal style, aesthetic and budget, and if you’ve already decided on a wedding theme, that will help too. Above all, remember that the perfect wedding dress is one that makes you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself on your special day. At Heather Glen Country House, we pride ourselves on creating tailor made intimate weddings where you have the entire country house and grounds to celebrate with your loved ones. If you’re considering saying ‘I do’ at our exclusive wedding venue, we would love you hear from you