Here comes the bride!

All eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle. You want to look and feel truly radiant. Your choice of wedding gown goes a long way to achieving this.
Contemporary brides are fortunate because these days almost anything goes and you are not necessarily bound by tradition. 
However regardless of style, it is a major wedding expense so great care should be taken in selecting your dream gown.

It should be one of the first things you do as the gown is the centrepiece. Basically everything is built around it. It will set the style and level of formality for both the ceremony and reception.
Most brides first shop for the gown and then choose the coordinating headpiece, accessories, shoes, hose and jewellery.

We’ve all heard horror stories of brides who have been ‘ripped off’ in one way or another by wedding dress suppliers. It is vital that regardless of if you’re purchasing from a bridal studio, off-the-hook or having it dress made by a speciality designer or dressmaker you should insist on seeing examples of their designs and work. Ideally it would be good to speak with some of their previous clients.

A good way to narrow down the search is to try on different silhouettes. This means the gowns overall shape and line. [Long and full, short and tapered etc] When you’ve settled on a flattering dress shape, determine the shade of white you require. Shades include ivory, ecru, beige, hospital white, or blush to the palest pink and peach. Of course you are by no means restricted to any colour or shade – it is all your choice!
The person who is credited as the bride who started the tradition of a white wedding dress was Queen Victoria in 1840. For its day it was relatively plain in compared to other monarchs of the day.

By the 20th Century the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress was well established, changing in style and shape to follow current fashions.
Cream and ivory was generally preferred until the 1930’s when pure white became popular. During the war dresses were suit like or shorter to save material. Many dresses were made from the silk parachutes of the time!

The whole wedding scene became far less formal in the 1970’s with plainer dresses, couple marrying outdoors and writing their own vows. In the 1980’s it changed again following Princess Di’s marriage with the long sleeves, fitted bodice and full skirt.
Have fun choosing your dress – remember it’s your day and your choice.