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From a girlie point of view, one of the most delicious aspects of wedding planning must be the hunt for the perfect bridal gown. Begin mulling over the wedding dress issue early on. Remember, you’re going to see yourself in that dress in the photos and the video of the event for years to come!

Give yourself plenty of time in order to make sure that you get the wedding dress decision right. When all is said and done, how often do you get to dress up in all your finery and be the star of the show? Take your time and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the process.

The great wedding dress decision: Episode 1

Consider the type of dress you need

Before you make your first foray into the wedding dress question, it’s a really good idea to have the basic outline wedding plan established first. For tips and hints on how to go about this process, check out The key to successful wedding planning.

A large part of the wedding dress decision hangs on the overall style of wedding you have chosen.

Match the dress to the style of the wedding

Scale the dress to the size of the event. If you’re opting for a large society wedding in a fine London church followed by a reception in a smart London hotel on Park Lane, for example, an extravagant gown with full-length train, tiara and veil will fit the bill.

For an informal wedding in a small country house hotel, with only close family and friends invited, an elegant two-piece suit may well take preference over the ballgown look.

Settle on a dress you will enjoy wearing

Make sure you choose a dress style that you are comfortable with. You may have always dreamt of gliding down the aisle in a Princess Di-style ballroom confection of a dress. If so, adapt that image to fit your wedding plans.

On the other hand, the idea of exaggerated wedding finery may make you shrink into a corner and want to disappear in a puff of smoke. If that is the case, choose a simple but flattering dress that looks great without the frills and furbelows.

It’s essential that you feel happy and at ease with your choice of dress. If you’re uncomfortable in what you are wearing, you can be quite sure that the way you feel will be noticeable in the photos and video that record the event!

Should your wedding dress be white?

We have Queen Victoria to blame for the white wedding dress. When Victoria married Albert in 1840, she chose a white dress rather than a silver one. Had she gone for the silver option, would we all now troop down the aisle in silver? I wonder.

However, since Victoria’s wedding up until recently, white (symbolising purity) has been the the conventional choice for bridal gowns. Before 1840, the bride would typically wear her best frock, and colour was a matter of personal choice.

In truth, few brides nowadays opt for pure white. Unless you have exactly the right skin-colour, pure white can be distinctly unflattering. Off-white, ivory or cream are easier to wear.

These days, anything goes

If the mood takes you, break with convention altogether. Many brides opt for rich reds or soft pinks, pale golds or pretty lilacs. If your skin-tone doesn’t suit the off-white palette, a softly-coloured alternative may well be the best option.

You could choose your favourite colour. Perhaps more to the point, you might decide to go for a scheme that enhances the skin-tone. Again, be really sure that you opt for a colour that you are really happy to wear on the day.

Wedding theme inspiration

Maybe you’re still searching for a wedding theme which will, in turn, influence the style of your wedding dress.

Take a look at Hop Till You Drop wedding music agency: how to include music in your wedding plan. There’s a wealth of musical styles to inform your wedding theme choice. From traditional Irish music through samba, salsa, swing jazz, classical, funk, pop and blues, there’s a plethora of interesting options to consider.

In summary, start the great wedding dress hunt as soon as your plans begin to crystallise. It’s not often you get the chance to buy such a fancy piece of finery for yourself. Take your time and consider all the options carefully. Most of all, however, relish being the centre of attention and make sure you enjoy each stage of choosing the ideal dress for your wedding.