Find Your Dress

The most monumental garment you’ll ever wear? Quite possibly! Get informed and make a decision you’ll treasure forever.

The quest for your dream dress is as much a fun-filled fashion adventure as it is the challenge of a lifetime. There are different styles to try on, a range of fabrics to consider and a huge variety of places from which to source the dress: a dressmaker, off the rack, a couture designer. And not only does the gown have to fit you, it also has to fit your budget. With all this to consider, a little research before you get started will stand you in good stead.

OFF THE RACK

Buying your gown off the rack is a good solution if you are under time pressure, have a tight budget and are a standard size. Just bear in mind that if the fit isn’t seamless, the alterations required to make it perfect may not be possible. If you’re really not sure what sort of gown you want, trying on a range in store will give you an idea of design and proportion, which can be hard to visualise from a photo. Be open to trying different styles so that you get a feel for a variety of looks and an indication of what works for your body shape and skin tone. Not all off-the-rack dresses are created equal. The low price of some bulkmanufactured gowns is usually indicative of cheaper fabric and lower- quality finishings such as glued- on beads as opposed to handsewn ones. However, designer off-the-rack dresses tend to be of higher quality and limited edition, which is also reflected in the cost.

DRESSMAKER

A dressmaker is ideal if you have a clear idea of what you want to wear or need someone to replicate a gown based on different photos you’ve found. A good dressmaker will bring even the most ambitious ideas to life, and the gown will be made to measure. Getting it right may take five or six fittings, with the final fitting scheduled for two to three weeks before the big day. Find a good dressmaker by seeking out reviews from local brides.

COUTURE

A couture wedding gown is designed and tailored just for you. Not only will the couturier fit the dress to your body, this option also opens up a vast range of design decisions – you’ll be able to choose every element, from the fabric to the embellishments. Since the sky’s the limit when it comes to design, the same goes for the price. Book an initial consultation with your chosen designer up to a year in

advance, then schedule regular fittings as you inch towards your big day.

DESIGNER LABELS

If you’re after a gown from a top bridal designer but don’t have the budget to match, consider one of the ranges from New Zealand fashion labels. In this scenario, you’ll visit the showroom for a consultation to identify the style you like. Unlike couture, it will be easier for you to visualise the look of the finished dress, as there will be samples on display, yet there will still be room for you to customise the design. Individualised details will enable you to have a one- off dress without the price tag of bridal couture.

THE INTERNET

Be wary of shopping online unless it’s a reputable business – avoid cheap imports or knock- offs, as there’s a good chance the quality and fit may not be what you hoped for. There’s no guarantee that the gown you purchase will be a perfect fit – the fabric may be shoddy, the beads flimsily attached or it might look nothing like it does in the styled images on the website.

Always check the customer feedback on the site first. Make sure you’ve been properly measured by a professional and buy your gown at least two months before the day so any necessary alterations can be made in plenty of time. W