How to find the perfect wedding dress

No, I don’t have a big announcement to make. I am still very happily unmarried to the love of my life and have been for 13 years. But as a style whisperer I know a thing or two about advising on the right dress. Believe me there are some monstrous dresses out there. And this is your day to shine. We can’t have anyone else looking prettier than you.

As you only buy this kind of dress two or three times in a lifetime (ha gotcha!) you can’t afford to miss a trick. But you’re not a wedding dress expert so it might be a tough call. I’ll give you a few tips to help you find the perfect piece. The kind that will giddy up your fiancé and bring tears to your mother-in-law’s eyes.

Shop alone

Or with a close friend that has a good shop-advice track record. Don’t bring your mother-in-law because of etiquette; her interests in the dress differ from yours. Don’t be distracted by opinions. I have bought the occasional mishap because I listened to my friends. Or came home to my boyfriend with something that did nothing for him, think hysterical stuff men don’t get.

forget about fashion

That wedding portrait has to stay up for a least five years (kidding again) and you want to have your children thinking ‘wow, you looked great’ when you show them that wedding picture. Forget the trends and go for something that makes you beautiful.

Skip strapless

Apart from the fact that only a few of us can get away with that look anyway, taking all those photos and video moments into account it’s just not practical. Al lot of portraits will be made close-up and if taken too close it will look like you were naked. With a veil stuck on the top of your head.

about the veil

This is a hard nut to crack. It fits in a setting where a virgin white bride is escorted down the aisle by her father and presented to her husband. My point? Don’t become a caricature on your day, with your veil and little bouquet.

don’t go boutique hopping

Of course you have to try on a lot of dresses. As many as you possibly can. But stay with one bridal boutique or you’ll go mad. Choose the store that feels right and sells your top three brands. Another tip: go shopping in the morning. The staff will be fresh and perky, not yet worn out by hysterical brides and their mother-in-law’s.

don’t let the size freak you out

Wedding dresses often come in large sizes. These dresses are much easier to take in than alter out. Don’t cry if your label size says 42 just be proud they had to take half of it in.

take pictures

A picture says more than a thousand words. So take photos of you in your dress. It has to look good on camera and certainly not make you look fat. Not every bridal boutique lets you take photos so call and ask if it’s permitted.

My final words on the subject: Good luck and make sure you look smashing.