THE ONE Finding The dress shopping made easy You said ‘yes’, the ring’s on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops straight away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking time to do your homework first can pay dividends and avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you, but also the whole style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and the venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment you’re planning. If outdoor fun and games or a bouncy castle are on your big-day agenda, a voluminous ball gown may not be the most practical choice. HANDY HINTS ♥ Decide when and where you want to get married before setting your heart on the kind of dress you want. The type of venue you choose, period or modern, city-chic hotel or rustic barn, can be a major influence if you’re looking to create a coordinated look. Think about the time of year too for colours to reflect the season, suitable fabrics for hot or cold weather, sleeves or no sleeves. ♥ Research online before hitting the shops to narrow down the options and avoid being overwhelmed. Create a moodboard of shapes and designs you like, the team at your chosen bridal boutique will love you for it as it’ll make their job a whole lot easier! ♥ Limit the number of people you take with you for your appointment, as too many opinions can be confusing. ♥ Keep an open mind; experienced bridal boutique staff are always happy to suggest a style. Even if it’s something you may never have even dreamed of before, have a try – you may be happily surprised! ♥ Aim to coincide your hair and make-up trial with your final appointment to get an idea of the overall look. ♥ Wear comfy neutral coloured underwear when trying on dresses and if you’re planning on walking down the aisle in killer heels, take them with you to get the full effect. ♥ Don’t worry if you don’t have that epiphany moment or shed a tear, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not the one! ♥ If a no-theme, no-rules, chilled celebration is your thing, that’s great too – find the dress you love and just do you! DRESS SHOPPING 67
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