Bride is seeking a perfect match
Finding a dress to live up to expectations is an emotional journey, says Fiona Laing
Shopping for a wedding dress is every bit as exciting as little girls dream it will be. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be dressed up like a princess and waited on hand and foot as a helpful assistant showcases a boutique’s collection.
Finding “the dress” can be an emotional moment for the bride as well as her “entourage” of bridesmaids and most of all her mother, so go armed with the tissues.
On the big day, all eyes will be on the bride as she walks down the aisle, so it is important that she not only looks her best but also feels beautiful.
Trying on dresses is part of the traditional build-up to a wedding for brides and is an important part of creating that dream look.
“That is the excitement of buying a wedding dress – you want to look completely different on your wedding day,” says Amy Clancy of
LA Bridalwear in Galashiels. Before you make your first bridal appointment it’s worth doing some research and thinking about the style you would like.
But not too much: “A lot of girls look too much on the internet,” says Clancy, who adds that there is no substitute for trying on the real thing.
At LA Bridalwear you have the whole shop to yourself for a private appointment.
“If somebody hasn’t tried on any dresses before I will usually ask them to pick out three dresses that catch their eye.
“Then I will choose other dresses based on what they like,” says Clancy, whose boutique was a finalist for two titles at the 2018 Scottish Confetti Wedding Awards in January.
Most UK bridal retailers will stock sample gowns from the designers. An array of pins and elastic straps will ensure you fit into the sample size to give you an idea of how it would look.
Brides can then order the dress to fit their measurements with most gowns coming with an estimated delivery time of six to eight months.
Bearing that in mind, it’s a good idea to start your search early.
“I always think the 12 to 14-month mark is absolutely perfect,” advises Clancy. “But it can be quite daunting and sometimes the more shops that you go to the more confusing it can be.”
She adds: “The collections come out twice a year, but styles don’t change too much. There is always something different for each person.
“What is coming into fashion now is the plainer style of dress – in duchess satin, chiffon – and letting the structure and cut of the dress do the talking,” she says.