The Art of Bridal Selection

"Choosing the Perfect Dress"

The search for the perfect wedding dress can be an exciting yet challenging journey. Every bride-to-be should research the elements she must consider when choosing her gown.

This guide will highlight the most important factors to consider before saying yes to your dream wedding dress, such as cultural and personal preferences, social level, and physical attributes.

Cultural preferences

It is often thought that every wedding dress should be long and white with a veil. However, this is not always the case, as it largely depends on the religion and culture of the people getting married. 

While gowns of the Western cultures symbolize purity to the crimson, sarees at Indian weddings represent love and luck. Culture plays a key role in influencing the shape and fabric of the bridal attire. 

Wedding dresses are more than just garments; they tell past and present stories of generations and serve as tangible expressions of heritage and identity by choosing suitable fabrics, intricate ornamentation, and regional styles.

For instance, weddings in the GCC consist of two ceremonies: the henna ceremony and the main wedding. The henna ceremony occurs a few days before the wedding, during which the brides adorn themselves in vivid colors like red and green, complemented by extravagant gold jewelry. However, the wedding dress worn during the main ceremony is often white or off-white ingrained with delicate embroidery.

Source: https://atsaltstudio.com/melcha-and-henna-night-photo-shoot-in-dubai 

In the UAE, traditionally the ladies wear green, gold, red during Henna night. But today, some ladies opt for non-traditional look(garments) with variety of other colours like salmon, blue, etc…

The cultural influence of wedding dress not only reminds us of our values and heritage but also serves as a symbol of love and tradition, making each ceremony unique and memorable in its own way.

Personal preferences

Wedding dresses should reflect you. Each dress is unique to the bride who wears it and spectacularly complements her figure, and it should be able to tell her story, showcasing her elegance and style. Although you will be faced with different opinions when choosing your dress, the dress you choose should be the dress that will unleash your inner princess, the dress that you fall in love with, and the dress that you’ve always dreamed of.

Fashion seems different to different people; while you might prefer a voluminous wedding gown, other brides might like a more structured dress. Every bride can choose from a mermaid/fishtail dress to a halter neck dress to a sweetheart dress, and the list goes on…

However, many brides choose their dresses according to current trends. Fashion trends can greatly influence bridal choices, ensuring the dress not only reflects personal style but also feels contemporary and chic.

In recent years, minimalist gowns have surged in popularity; Meghan Markle’s Givenchy wedding dress has inspired the trend of clean lines, simple silhouettes, and understated elegance.

Another popular trend that has been modernized for today’s tastes is bold, statement sleeves, such as puff sleeves and off-the-shoulder designs. 

Today’s trending bridal dresses combine timeless elegance with contemporary fair; square necklines have made a stylish comeback, offering a vintage-inspired look. Colored gowns in soft blush and champagne have also been trending, adding a unique twist to the traditional white dress.

The budget also differs from bride to bride and should be considered before looking at or trying other dresses. When calculating the dress' budget, the bride should consider the extras, like alterations and accessories, and have it cleaned afterward. 

As the process of choosing a dress could be overwhelming, you might feel emotional at the time and won't be able to make the right choice; it would help to get your photo taken in each dress so you can look at them when with a clearer mind to make the final choice of what your heart desires.

Physical attributes

Every woman has unique physical characteristics, which play a significant role in choosing the perfect wedding dress. Body shape, height, and personal style preferences all influence which dress will look and feel the best. Understanding your body type can help you select a dress that accentuates your best features and ensures you feel confident and beautiful on your special day. Whether you have an hourglass figure, a pear shape, or a petite frame, a wedding dress out there will complement your look and make you shine.

The color of the wedding dress is as essential as the style and cut you choose. You may experience the frustration of thinking you have found your dream dress only to try it and find that something is not quite right; this could be because the dress you have laid your hands on does not fit your skin tone. So, you must look into different colors to decide which one complements your skin and figure. 

White dresses are a statement but don’t suit everyone. For those with fair skin tone, it would be best to avoid this option as it tends to show a washed-out appearance; ivory could be your best color. It is a beautiful shade with a creamy yellow undertone, creating a soft look. As for the champagne/off-white dresses, these are universally flattering; they complement both pale and dark skin tones. Most brides often opt for this option as it is flexible.

Social level

Social level is an essential factor to consider when choosing your wedding gown. For example, high society individuals often opt for international and renowned designers like Ellie Saab and Vera Wang, as the dress becomes a statement piece reflecting their style and social standing. 

Choosing a designer gown showcases personal taste and aligns with your social circle's prestige and expectations. Your wedding dress symbolizes status and elegance, making it an essential aspect of the overall wedding experience.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider your dress size in relation to the venue. If you're hosting an intimate ceremony at home, a big, voluminous wedding gown might feel overwhelming in a smaller space. Conversely, a small dress in a large ballroom could look out of proportion.  

Balancing your dress choice with the venue ensures that your overall look is harmonious and appropriate for the setting, further emphasizing your attention to detail and style.

You’ve found the perfect dress when:

After considering all the above elements, you can confidently choose the perfect dress. You'll know it's the one when you step into it, and it fits perfectly. This dress will make you feel confident as you imagine yourself walking down the aisle, surrounded by love and anticipation.

With the right dress, you are ready to embrace your wedding day with grace and charm, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.