Finding the Dress

A couple of months ago, a friend asked me for advice on how to shop for a wedding dress. The truth is my wedding dress was the first one I tried on. Ever. I literally walked into Bride and Co., picked a rack and there she was. A creamy sensation of tulle and feathers and gorgeousness. I can hear you all going...Kate? FEATHERS??? But you’ll see, it’s tasteful I promise. And really, very ME. I do believe there is a right way to shop for a dress. Whether you are buying off the rack, from Overseas or having one made.

I didn’t have a plan in mind for my dress; it almost fell out of the sky. I was so so so lucky.

 I am no expert, but from my experience and listening to other brides and reading many many blogs I have a bit of advice for all brides to be.

-          Start early, my dress had to be ordered from Overseas and took 3 months to come

-          Try dresses on first, even if you have one made. You will be so surprised at what looks good on. I had my heart set on a certain style from pictures and the Net, and actually my dress looked far better on. Nothing beats trying on a dress.

-          If you are trying on dresses from a designer, or an exclusive boutique always ask if they charge for trying on. No-one wants the nasty surprise at the end, it can cost upwards of R400 just to have a look!

-          I highly recommend Bride and Co. OK so I got my dress there, and obviously I’m a fan! But they don’t charge for fittings, and you get very good service with your own consultant. They also have a large selection of styles, colours and sizes.

-          Don’t get despondent if you try on 50 dresses and none are quite right. If you hate all of them, then you’re just high maintenance *wink*, there are always some elements you like. Keep track of these, especially if you have one made, as it can provide valuable insight into the Perfect One for you.

-          Don’t be afraid to do something different. Colours other than white can be gorgeous, and shorter dresses are also becoming quite fashionable. My dress is ivory and was far more flattering on my skin tone than white.

-          Lastly, don’t be afraid to go on your own, especially the first time. Sometimes having a bevy of aunties and friends, all with conflicting comments, can only confuse you. Having said that, I wish my Mom and girly family and friends could have shared in my dress experience. But that’s what happens when you live so far away.

I will not spoil the surprise about my dress, but here are some unusual wedding dresses that rocked my world: