The Ultimate Bridal Guide: Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Your wedding dress is arguably the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear. Every bride dreams of that magical walk down the aisle moment, making the search for the perfect dress an essential decision for any bride-to-be.
But what exactly does “the perfect dress” mean? It varies for every bride. For some, it’s a traditional ball gown, sparkling with intricate beading and delicate lace, evoking the essence of a fairytale princess. For others, it’s a sleek, modern silhouette, featuring minimalist details and clean lines that radiate timeless elegance.
Regardless of your personal vision, the perfect wedding dress should reflect who you are, while making you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable. But how do you find the one dress that checks all these boxes? Don’t worry, Justin Alexander has got you covered! Read on for tips, advice, and inspiration, in this ultimate bridal guide to finding the perfect wedding dress.
Know Your Body Shape
The first step in finding your dream wedding dress is understanding your body shape. Every bride has a unique figure, and certain styles will naturally flatter different shapes. By identifying your body shape, you can discover dresses that highlight your best features and create a silhouette that makes you feel confident and comfortable, while gently downplaying areas you may feel self-conscious about.
The most common body shapes are pear, hourglass, apple, rectangular, and inverted triangle. You can tell which shape you are by identifying where your body is the widest: hips, bust, waist, or shoulders.
- Pear: wide hips and a smaller bust.
- Hourglass: curvy with a defined waist and balanced proportions between hips and bust.
- Apple: rounder figure, with most weight carried in the midsection.
- Rectangular: straight shape with little definition between the waist, hips, and bust.
- Inverted triangle: broad shoulders and bust with narrow hips.
Each body shape naturally lends itself to certain styles that best flatter the silhouette, and the perfect dress will beautifully balance your proportions. For example, a pear-shaped figure suits dresses that highlight the waist, with A-line skirts helping to balance out wider hips. An hourglass figure can wear almost any silhouette, but mermaid or trumpet styles particularly accentuate those curves. Brides with an apple shape may prefer empire-waist gowns or flowing fabrics that gently skim over the midsection.
For rectangular figures, a dress that cinches at the waist and adds volume to the skirt, like a ball gown, can help create curves. Inverted triangle shapes benefit from details like cap sleeves or straps that soften broad shoulders.
At Justin Alexander, we celebrate every body type and offer sizes from US0 to US32 in all our styles. From petite to plus-size, our dress design can fit and flatter every bride.
Know the Different Styles Available
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming with all the different styles, but having a basic understanding of each type can help narrow down your search. Some of the most popular styles include:
A-line
The A-line silhouette is a timeless, elegant option that suits most body types. It features a fitted top and gently widens from the waist down, forming the shape of the letter “A.”
Ball Gown
The epitome of fairy tale dreams, ball gowns feature a fitted bodice and a full skirt that creates a dramatic effect. This style works well for brides looking to make a statement. It also complements formal and traditional weddings.
Mermaid and Trumpet Gowns
These two silhouettes are similar, with the main difference being where they flare out. Mermaid dresses hug the body until mid-thigh and then flare out. Trumpet gowns flare at the mid-hip level.
Sheath
A sheath dress skims the body’s natural shape from top to bottom, creating a long and lean silhouette. This style is perfect for brides who want a modern, minimalistic look.
Tea-Length
Tea-length dresses end just above the ankles. This style is ideal for brides who want to show off their shoes or have a more casual wedding.
Whether you have your heart set on a specific style or want to try various options, knowing the different types of wedding dress silhouettes will make your shopping experience easier. At Justin Alexander, we create dresses in all styles to cater to every bride’s unique preference.
Consider Your Wedding Venue and Theme
Before dress shopping, think about the wedding venue and theme. The location and aesthetic of your big day can greatly influence the type of dress you choose.
For example, if you’re having a beach wedding, you may want to opt for a flowy, lightweight gown that won’t weigh you down in the sand. A traditional church ceremony may call for something more formal and modest, while a rustic barn wedding could lend itself to a bohemian-inspired dress with floral details.
Consider Your Personal Style
Are you a romantic at heart, a bohemian soul, or an edgy fashionista? Your wedding dress isn’t just something you wear for one day; it should be an extension of your style.
Spend some time browsing through lots of styles and take note of the elements that catch your eye. Do you adore a dress’s intricate details, the silhouette, or the overall aesthetic? Writing down your favorite features will help you narrow down which dresses to try on when wedding dress shopping.
Don’t Be Afraid To Try Different Styles
While knowing your body shape and personal style can guide you toward certain types of dresses, don’t be afraid to try on styles that may not fit into these categories. You may surprise yourself and find a dress that wasn’t on your radar. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts when trying on each gown.
Set a Budget
Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it when shopping. Don’t try on dresses that are out of your price range; you may fall in love with one and end up disappointed if you can’t afford it. Make room in the budget for additional costs such as alterations, accessories, and undergarments.
Bring Supportive Friends and Family
While it might be tempting to bring along every friend and family member for dress shopping, it’s best to keep the group small, with only a few supportive people you trust. Too many differing opinions can make the decision-making process overwhelming and stressful. It’s wonderful to listen to others, but ultimately, the most important thing is how YOU feel when you’re in the dress.
Trust Your Gut
It’s important to remember when shopping, that it’s your wedding dress and your special day. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions or expectations sway you from choosing the dress that makes you feel like a bride. If a certain style or dress speaks to your heart, trust your gut and go for it. After all, the goal is for you to look and feel like the best version of yourself on one of the most special days of your life.
At Justin Alexander, we believe every bride deserves to feel beautiful and confident in her wedding dress. That’s why we create designs that cater to every style, body shape, and budget. From timeless ball gowns to ethereal, whimsical dresses, you’ll find the perfect gown to wear when you say, “I do.”
You can browse our collections online, and find your nearest wedding dress store, by clicking on the ‘Find a Retailer’ link on our website. Our authorized stockists can help you to try on our dresses and receive personalized assistance from experienced consultants.
Above all, enjoy the journey of finding your wedding dress. We hope that our ultimate bridal guide to finding the perfect wedding dress serves as a helpful starting point, leading you toward the dress of your dreams.
