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Choosing the perfect wedding dress

A girl's wedding dress is probably the most important dress of her life. And a girl's wedding day is one of the most important days of her life. You are the centre of attention and you get to look like a princess!

Your wedding dress is often the fulfillment of a childhood fantasy - so go as big and over-the-top as you like! The groom and bridesmaids have to look good too (and not clash with your colours), but let's face it, nobody should give them a second glance while they're waiting for you to arrive: all the speculation is about you and your WEDDING DRESS!

The mood of the day is romance, so floaty fabrics like organza and chiffon add to the fairy-tale image you may be aiming for. On the other hand, some brides like to look svelte and sexy, and the slim-fitting, clinging look can also make you look like a queen. This type of dress doesn't have to be plain or severe - satin and lace can make it soft and feminine too.

The Colour

Forbes Creative's Wedding DressThe color of the wedding dress is a big part of your choice too. The traditional white wedding dress will always be a classic, and so too is ivory or cream for women who don't have the colouring to carry off all that white. Or you can break away from pale colours completely and go for shocking pink, burnt orange or red. You want to make a statement and your wedding dress is a big part of who you are and what you're saying.

Just as first-time brides don't have to get married in virginal white, if it's your second time around, you also have carte blanche to wear what you like. If you want a huge ice-white meringue because you're a romantic and believe white is the only colour for a wedding dress, or perhaps you didn't get the chance to wear one the first time, go for it.

Wedding Dress Style

FamilyThe only style limitation in choosing your dream wedding dress is your shape. It is very important to choose a style that flatters your figure. A big, full skirt may be quite dramatic but might make your waistline disappear. Be careful of strapless dresses if you are flat-chested. The best way to choose a style that suits YOU is to try on as many wedding dresses as you can well in advance.

Even if you plan to have your dress made by a designer or a dressmaker, go to bridal shops and try on some of your favourite styles. You may change your mind once you see yourself in a particular dress, or you might just be reassured that you're making the right decision. You could also find a ready-made wedding dress that's just perfect and save the time you would have spent on selecting fabric and dress fittings.

Make sure you have enough time and money

Back of DressChoosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding and you need to give yourself enough time to do it. Allow about three months if you're having a dress made - a rush and panic at the end will take most of the fun out of the process.

Don't worry if you lose weight between fittings: the dress can be adjusted. On the other hand, don't buy a smaller dress with the intention of losing weight; not much can be done if you don't!

When budgeting for your wedding dress, don't forget to include accessories like shoes, jewellery, underwear, a veil and perhaps a tiara. You don't have to spend thousands to look beautiful - you'll be glowing from love and sparkling with happiness, so you won't need hand-sewn crystals to shine.

Don't blow the wedding budget on the dress and have to exclude important guests from the reception; if the dress costs way more than you can afford, rather rethink your original idea and consult a dressmaker who can give you simpler options with the same effect.

Remember, planning the wedding is half the fun so enjoy it and act like a movie star when you're trying on all those magnificent wedding dresses you've been dreaming about for years!

Useful Web Sites

  • The Wedding Box is a national franchise - their bridal wear stores are in most of the major cities. - Click here

  • Bridal Wear (Johannesburg) - Click here
  • Celebration.co.za offers great selection of bridal magazines to help you find the dress of your dreams - Click here

SA designers who specialize in wedding gowns

Contact numbers for more wedding dress designers

  • By Alice (Port Elizabeth) 041- 3661875
  • Zinzi Couture (Cape Town) 021- 469 9400
  • Bougilais (Durban) 031-767 2773
  • Warren Morck (Durban) 031-563 2088

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Winning Marriage 2 | Winning Marriage 3 |

By Sasha Wyatt-Minter

 
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