Finding the perfect wedding gown is a dream come true, and whether you’re buying yours off the market or having it designed specifically for you, there are a couple of things to look for in a wedding dress, aside from it looking amazing.

While style is important, there are a number of elements to consider when choosing a gown that will greatly impact on how it looks on you. Here is what to keep in mind:

COMFORT

It is so important to ensure that you feel comfortable in your dress. You will be spending a fair amount of time in it and besides the wedding nerves, you don’t want to aggravate any stressful feelings by having a dress that is heavy, painful to wear or inconvenient on the dance floor.

For example, if you love the look of a corset but find its boning is affecting your ability to breathe, you need to have that refitted or simply opt to not have one.

SIZING

It is common for brides to order a dress in a smaller size to motivate them to lose some weight before the big day. We advise against this, as it can bring unnecessary stress and pressure. There is always room to pinch in some extra fabric at a later stage, but there is little you can do about a dress that is too small.

FABRIC

Choosing the right fabric can make all the difference – it can change the look, feel and cost of your dress. Be sure to know what fabric you want and why before deciding on your dress. Stay away from fabrics that won’t wash well, are too hot, see-through or will reveal any sweat stains.

You have to consider where you will be holding your wedding and the weather of the day. A velvet dress isn’t the best choice for a summer beach wedding, and a strapless chiffon number might leave you feeling frosty during an outdoor winter wedding in the mountains.

SEASONAL

Remember to keep the season in mind when picking your perfect gown. You may want to add sleeves if you’re having an autumn/winter wedding or opt for less fabric during a summer wedding. Whether your big day will be outdoors or not is also a factor to keep in mind when thinking about style, especially if you don’t want a low hem or long train to get dirty outside.

MOVE ON

Once you have settled on your gown, stop looking for other options. This will only cause unnecessary stress. If you’re ever feeling unsure, sneak a try-on (carefully, of course) or look at some snaps of you in the gown to remember why it’s perfect and why you love it.

Your dress should be one that captures your personality while emphasizing your best qualities, but it’s not all about the looks. Try to remember all of the smaller details about the dress that will make it perfect for you and your wedding.

Feature image: Unsplash