Recommendations for choosing dresses

I’m a 30-year-old bride-to-be, and I’m feeling overwhelmed with choosing the perfect wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses for my big day. Any tips or recommendations for finding styles that suit different body types? Would love to hear your advice!

nina

Question Asked: 10/01/2025

Wedding Date: 8/02/2025

Most Helpful Response

House of Gowns

(10) · Melbourne and surrounds

Posted: 23/01/2025

Hi,

great question! Firstly though congratulations on your engagement. 

it can feel really daunting getting started when it comes to gown shopping but the best thing you can do is start to try on gowns. A lot of brides can find themselves stuck down the Pinterest rabbit hole trying to perfectly put everything together before they start shopping, but then once they do they may find that the style they thought they loved doesn't actually suit them and then it can become quite stressful. So while it's fun to have a browse don't let yourself get too set on a specific look before you try on, head in store and choose some gowns of various styles and see what you like the look of on your body and then go from there ?? At House of Gowns we don't require appointments and we don't have try on limits so you can come in on a Sunday between 9am-3pm and enjoy trying on at your lesisure. 

As for bridesmaids this is often the most stressful bit!! Trying to please everyone can be really difficult but it's important that you spend some time deciding on what matters to you when it comes to the bridesmaids outfit, wether that's a certainly colour or fabric and if you want them all in the same gown or are ok with them having different gowns, also most importantly wether you are planning on paying for the girls gowns or if they are paying their own way. Setting some ground rules helps keep things very clear and everyone on track when shopping which can reduce the tension and stress. 

Hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you in store ??

Emily 

Answered by: 4 Experts

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d'Italia

(98) · Victoria

Posted: 23/01/2025

Hi There,

As a designer here at d'Italia Couture, I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel to find the perfect dresses for both you and your bridal party. Here are some tips to make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

For Your Wedding Dress:

  1. Start with Inspiration: Create a mood board with styles you’re drawn to. Think about silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, and even small details that stand out to you.
  2. Know Your Silhouette: Focus on what makes you feel confident! 
  3. Consider Comfort: You’ll be wearing the dress for hours, so make sure it feels good to move in, not just looks good.
  4. Try Different Styles: Even if you think a particular silhouette won’t suit you, give it a shot—you might be surprised!

For Bridesmaid Dresses:

  1. Go for Versatility: Mismatched dresses in complementary shades or fabrics are a popular and flattering choice. Let your bridesmaids choose styles that suit their body types while staying within a consistent color palette.
  2. Think Universal Fabrics: Chiffon or crepe fabrics tend to drape beautifully on different figures.
  3. Opt for Adjustable Details: Wrap dresses, dresses with adjustable straps, or convertible designs offer a custom fit for everyone.
  4. Get Their Input: Your bridesmaids will appreciate being part of the decision-making process!
Amante Bridal

(6) · Melbourne and surrounding areas, Gippsland, Lakes Entrance,

Posted: 23/01/2025

Hi there

As the owner of a small Bridal Boutique, the key is just that, book yourself into a Bridal store that does private consults(like we do)and keep your support group to one or two only. Our space is very calm and relaxing and we strongly believe the journey should be fun and easy. You will need to try on a few gowns of different styles before you  find the right silhouet.The experience is not about trying on hundreds of gowns but rather the journey to discover your true style in a few gowns.

Our store also offers in house alterations done by our very experienced and prefessional couturist, and we offer veils and accessories too.All can be done efffortlessly in one store.

For your Bridesmaids, if they all want one style then again , decide on a style that works for everyone. Generally A-Line gowns please everyone.You could also consider the same colour but dresses in different stlyles to suit each Bridesmaid.That works the best if there are too many variables.

Hoping this has helped you, please reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Barossa Bridal

(1) · South Australia

Posted: 23/01/2025

Hi!

Owner of Barossa Bridal here! The best way to choose a dress that suits you is to try them on. Your bridal consultant will try different necklines until you find one that suits your bust and then do the same for silhouette, from there it is personal preference to which one feels like your dress. If you feel overwhelmed, I suggest trying a smaller or private boutique and do your appointment with only a couple of support people. For bridesmaids, v-neck neckline or cowl necklines with a-line skirts tend to suit just about any person, no matter the size and shape. Hope this helps and if you have any more questions, just ask :)

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