Five Top Tips

A bridal ensemble is that one fashion moment where you can truly indulge your dreams. Start with the dress, a detail, or accessory and enjoy creating the look of a lifetime. Here, designer Jessica Wu from Jessica Bridal ( jessicabridal. co. nz) shares how

01. MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

If you have absolutely no idea where to begin your gown hunt, start by doing some research online and flick through bridal magazines – but don’t overdo it, as pictures online don’t always match up to the dress in real life, or how it will look on your body. Seek out a few bridal stores where you can try on different styles and silhouettes. While you might feel the more opinions the better, stick to bringing along just one or two trusted people. They’ll help you narrow down the selection to a few favourites, without it becoming confusing or overwhelming with too many differing opinions.

02. CONSIDER THE VENUE

When going about choosing your gown, consider your venue and the season’s weather. If you’re saying “I do” in June, it might pay to look for long-sleeved gowns, a pretty jacket or a faux fur shawl. Similarly, if you’re jetting off to a Fijian beach to tie the knot, aim for a gown that’s light and floaty.

03. DON’T BE AFRAID TO DITCH TRADITION

The bride’s dress has long been synonymous with the colour white. While the colour itself comes in a range of different shades, all of which suit different complexions, don’t be scared to ditch the hue entirely. There are so many bride-worthy colours available – think blush pink, lilac and light silver and gold. Choose a colour that you love and feel confident in.

04. CONSIDER YOUR GIRLS’ LOOKS

It’s best to have the bride’s gown selected before choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses. Ensure an ensemble is chosen that suits their body shapes (perhaps go for different styles in the same colour if one style doesn’t complement them all) and reflects the same level of formality as your gown.

05. PRESERVE YOUR DRESS

It’s advisable to have your dress cleaned as soon as possible post-wedding: stains, if left too long, are hard to remove. Some bridal stores, including Jessica Bridal, offer aftercare services, with the option of having a preservation box to protect your dress for many years to come. W