Wedding Dress Style Do’s and Don’ts

All brides look gorgeous on their wedding day, don’t they? The reality is that not all choices made by brides are right for their body shape, skin tone or height.

Your sense of style is your individual form of expression, and the wedding dress you choose is your decision alone, but there are some standard guidelines to follow to ensure your wedding dress will make you look fabulous! Follow these Fashion Do’s and Don’ts to ensure that your wedding dress is, in fact, right for you.

Don’t: Pick a dress that is totally out of character for you. Most likely you will feel uncomfortable wearing it the day of your wedding. If you hate wearing low cut tops, then don’t opt for a plunging neckline on your wedding day.

Do: Pick a dress style that is true to your style. If you love wearing fitted clothes, then don’t opt for a bulky princess style wedding dress. Wear the type of dress that your family and friends will expect to see you in.

Don’t: Choose to wear an informal cocktail style wedding dress to a formal church ceremony. An informal wedding dress would be better suited for an informal outdoor or beach wedding.

Do: Dress for the occasion. If you're having a traditional ceremony with a formal reception, opt for a classic, timeless gown style (such as an A-line cut). If you’ve opted for an afternoon outdoor garden ceremony, then consider wearing a strapless, light material gown. If you planning on getting married on the beach, then a flirty knee length flowy dress is the ultimate non-traditional wedding gown.

Don’t: Buy cheap shoes and accessories. Once you have picked the style of dress, your jewellery and shoes should flow with that style. So pick carefully and don’t mismatch!

Do: Think about wearing fun footwear to suit your wedding style and gown. Getting married in the middle of summer, then opt for a pair of sandals to compliment your look. If you grew up on the farm and are having a farm-style wedding, then why not pick a pair of white cowboy boots underneath your dress and surprise your groom and guests. Alternatively the latest trend is to dye your wedding shoes to match the colour of your primary wedding colour. So if you going bold and having magenta as a wedding colour, then why not dye your wedding shoes a cute magenta.

Do: Let your personality show through your accessories. Give a traditional gown a fun twist with a colourful sash or large, flashy earrings, or keep your style poised and polished with a simple pearl necklace and earrings.
Don't: Let your jewellery overpower your ensemble. If your dress is full of intricate detail, opt for simple pieces, or even just your engagement ring. A chunky bracelet will also do if you decide against wearing a necklace.

Don’t: Wear a bra or undergarments that can be seen under your wedding dress. Leave your funky polka dot bra at home for the big occasion.

Do: Pick the right undergarments for your wedding day. Something seamless in nude is best so as not to be seen underneath the dress.

Don't: Dress more casual than your guests. If you choose to have a black-tie, formal affair and expect your guests to dress up, then don’t come out in a flirty cocktail dress and expect everyone to ooh and aah. Follow suit and make sure that your gown matches the wedding guest’s attire.

Do: Choose the right white for your skin tone, no matter what style you pick.

Don't: Wear a long train for a beach wedding. Delicate fabric and sand just don't mix. If you’re wearing a detachable train you can get away with this choice.

Do: Keep an open mind when it comes to shape. Try on many different types of gowns - you never know how they'll fit until you take them off the hanger. Even though you think you know what shape suits you, remember that the type of material and the amount of detail will influence how the dress looks.