Style of Wedding

Morning, afternoon or evening?

Formal or informal?

When and where will you marry?

Formal Daytime Wedding

Floor length gown, chapel or sweep train, fingertip veil or hat, gloves and medium-sized bouquet.

Formal Evening Wedding

Just the same as daytime except longer veil.

Semi-Formal Wedding

Floor length gown, chapel train, fingertip veil Small bouquet.

Informal Wedding

Street length gown or suit, no veil or train,  corsage or small bouquet.

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Choosing a Gown

When choosing a bridal gown it is a good idea to look at bridal magazines to compare the various styles and colours.

When ordering the gown, make sure you order the correct size.

You can have your gown tailored down to fit you exactly.

The gown should be ready at least six weeks before your wedding so you can select the appropriate accessories to complement it.

To save money you can always consider buying

a second-hand gown or renting one. This is a good

option if you don't have plans of preserving a gown.

However the options are more limited when renting a gown and usually they do not fit as well as a customised tailored gown.

Restore a family heirloom gown. Just change the veil and headpiece to personalise it.

You can buy the gown "off the rack" or watch for clearance sales.

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Dress Fabrics

Here are some suitable bridal fabrics for wedding gowns and a description for each.

Bridal Satin

This is a heavier-weight, shiny fabric that easily resists wrinkles, making it one of the most popular choices of bridal fabrics.

Brocade

It has a jacquard weave with an embossed effect and contrasting surfaces. A medium to heavy-weight bridal fabric, usually with a floral effect.

Charmeuse

This medium-weight fabric is also called Crepe Backed Satin and is reversible with a beautiful shine on one side and crepe on the other.

Chiffon

This sheer fabric is often used for overlays on wedding dresses, and sometimes used for veilings.

Faille

This is a soft-ribbed fabric with wider ribs than seen in grosgrain ribbon. It is a light-weight fabric with a slightly glossy sheen.

Georgette

A sheer crepe that is heavier than chiffon and with a durable surface.

Italian Satin

Another very popular bridal fabric, Italian Satin is a heavier-weight shiny fabric.

Organza

This sheer fabric is similar to chiffon but not as soft and flowing.

Sparkle Organza

Has is a beautiful, sheer fabric with sparkle threads woven into the organza.

Silk Satin

This thicker fabric is expensive but one of great quality. It is very durable, resists stains and isn't prone to wrinkling.

Silk Shantung

This light-weight fabric is rolled from double cocoons nested together, and has a slight slubby texture. This natural fabric can be bleached white, but you will find it mostly in natural, light cream or ivory colours. Some lower quality Silk Shantungs can wrinkle, so make sure you get a higher quality fabric.

Taffeta

Good for full gowns, has a crisp feel and comes in a shiny or matt finish.

Velvet

A fuzzy-like fabric which is a very luxurious, soft and elegant. Popular for winter weddings.

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The Bridal Gown

Bridal gowns come in a variety of styles and fabrics.

The gown is usually ordered at least six months before your wedding especially if custom made.

Different gown styles will help create a look just perfect for you.

For short and heavy figures

In order to look taller and slimmer avoid knit fabrics. Princess or A-line styles are perfect. Chiffon is the best fabric because it produces a floating effect and camouflages weight.

For short and thin figures

A natural waist or shirtwaist style with bouffant skirt will make you taller and gives you rounded figure. The best fabric choices are chiffon, velvet, lace and schiffli net.

For tall and heavy figures

The best styles to create a slimming figure are princess or A-line style. Satin, chiffon and lace fabrics are recommended.

For tall and thin figures

Tiers or flounces will help reduce the impression of height. Natural waist or dropped waist with full skirt are ideal choices. The best fabrics to use are satin and lace.

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Bouquets

The bouquet is one of the most beautiful and important elements of the bride's attire.

It should be carried low enough so that the intricate details of the gown are visible.

The traditional bouquet is made of white flowers, but there are many designs, sizes, scents and colours to choose from.

If you would like a colourful bouquet choose roses, freesias, tulips, stock and gerberas.

Fragrant bouquets use flowers such as gardenias, magnolias, freesias and wisteria.

The flowers should compliment your gown, colour, season, attendants attire and the formality of the wedding.

If you are petite it is better to carry a smaller bouquet.

A long cascading bouquet complements a fairly simple gown, a tall or larger bride.

To save money, select flowers which are in bloom and plentiful at the time of wedding.

Whatever flowers you choose, the final arrangement should be made well in advance to ensure the availability of the flowers.

If you use delicate flowers that will not withstand hours of heat or lack of water, make sure your florist uses a holder to keep them fresh.

Avoid, out-of-season flowers. If you do have a favourite flower that is out of season or costly, consider using a silk substitute for that one flower.

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Gloves

Gloves come in various styles and length. They add an elegant touch to either short-sleeved, three quarter length or sleeveless gowns.

Depending on the length of your sleeves, select gloves that reach either just above or below your elbow, halfway between your wrist and elbow, or only to your wrist.

Shoes

Tight shoes can make you miserable and ruin your day.

Select a pair of comfortable shoes that complements your gown and don't forget to break them in at least a week before your wedding day.

Stockings and Garter

It is customary for the bride to wear a garter just above the knee on her wedding day. The groom takes the garter off his bride's leg after the bouquet-tossing ceremony.

Stockings should be selected with care especially if the groom is removing the garter from your leg at the reception.

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Headpiece or Veil

The headpiece is the part of the bride's outfit to which the veil is attached. The headpiece should complement but not overshadow your gown.

Veils come in different styles and lengths. Select a length that complements the length of your train. Consider the total look you want to achieve with your gown, headpiece, veil and hairstyle.

Various headpieces

Headband, Banana Clip, Bow, Juliet Cap, Mantilla, Pillbox, Pouf, Snood, Tiara, Garden hat.

Options for Veils

Flyaway, Ballet, Fingertip, Chapel length, Blusher, Bird Cage and Cathedral length.

Jewellery

You need to decide which jewellery to wear on your wedding day; earrings, necklace, bracelet and rings.

However, Brides look best with just a few pieces of jewellery, perhaps a string

of pearls and earrings.

Your choice of jewellery should complement, not draw attention away from your lovely gown.

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