I WAS among the girls who swooned over Kate Middleton’s wedding dress in 2011. The sight of the iconic dress, made more memorable by the lace sleeves, v-neckline, and nine-feet long train reawakened my princess fantasies as a child.
Last month, another Royal Wedding drew the attention of brides-to-be. I wondered, with so many wedding ceremonies happening this year, what do most brides look for in a wedding gown?
Although wearing unconventional bridal gowns has become a trend, the classic white and ivory combination remains the most preferred among brides. But to look stunning in a wedding dress, important factors must be considered apart from the gown color and design.
Leony Tocmo, proprietor of Bride’s Desire Gown Collection in Davao City for almost 20 years, shares some tips on selecting the dress for your special day.
Budget. A stressed woman will not make a radiant bride. To avoid worrying about heaven-high expenses, determine your budget first before making unnecessary purchases. Bride’s Desire has a collection of rentable gowns ranging from P3,500 to P7,000 only. You can also have a dress custom made for P20,000, depending on the materials used. The more complicated the beadworks, the more expensive the dress becomes.
To make the hassle-free shift from ceremony gown and veil to cocktail dress, Leony recommends the two-way gown: a silhouette-hugging dress that comes with a removable full skirt. The bride can achieve a swift gown transformation without having to spend thousands for a second outfit.
Venue. When and where are you getting married? Are you having an indoor or garden wedding? Choose the dress that wouldn’t make you itch, sweat excessively, or shiver. You can’t say “I do” wrapped in a shawl or cardigan. If you’re a summer bride, avoid using silk—this material is only appropriate for the cooler weather. Wear something with a lightweight or breathable fabric instead.
Fit. You don’t have to lose ten pounds to fit in your bridal gown. If you can’t fit in the gown, make the gown fit you. With so many dress hacks you can apply, there is simply no excuse not to look ethereal on your big day.
For brides with baby bumps, wearing empire cut ball gowns make fashionable substitutes for maternity gowns. Similarly, if you want to camouflage your belly, ditch the mermaid-style serpentina dress and go for a pleated bodice. You can wear an A-line gown to create an illusion of a narrower midsection.
If you want to divert the attention from your bare arms, you can always wear full- or elbow-length sleeves. You can also pair your sleeveless gown with a bridal lace shrug or bolero, which you can conveniently remove when it’s time to party at the reception.
Remember to choose comfort over style. Getting the gown to fit you like a glove changes your entire demeanor, so it’s important to work closely with your tailor—otherwise, you’d end up wearing what Taylor Swift would call a “gown shaped like a pastry.”