Top Ten Tips For Choosing a Wedding Dress

Getting married is such an exciting time and planning for the big occasion creates a long list of things to organise. As soon as you've said "yes" to the big question, that planning of how you want your wedding day to be will start together with, of course, choosing a wedding dress. You may well have been thinking of your wedding day since you were a little girl and so the style of your wedding day may already be clear in your mind. Once you have agreed this with the groom-to-be (and your mum!) you'll have a huge amount to do.

Organising a wedding is no small undertaking but usually you will have great support from family and friends. However, the one decision that it likely to be yours alone will be choosing a wedding dress. Choosing a wedding dress design is really important and there are many styles, different materials and colours available. Plus all of the complementary wedding dress accessories need to be thought about, so getting a help and ideas from your close family and friends is a very good idea.

The season for your wedding will be one of the deciding factors when choosing a wedding dress; a summer wedding will mean needing a lighter fabric (you do not want to feel faint because of heat) and, likewise, a winter wedding might mean choosing a wedding dress in a heavier fabric to keep you warm.

Planning for a wedding in Britain brings the challenge of a rapid change in weather conditions; August in the UK does not always mean lovely sunshine and heat! Of the many wedding dress accessories to choose from a wedding cloak is ideal for any time of the year (even a lovely summers day can turn cold in the evening) and they are not expensive.

Other choices for wedding dress accessories include a wedding wrap or wedding stole. A wedding wrap or wedding stole can be a perfect idea for keeping your shoulders warm (should it turn a bit chilly) and is a practical idea that keeps you looking glamorous. Of course, on a good summers day you will not need them but as wedding dress accessories go, they are not that expensive and are an excellent idea to have on standby just in case. Other wedding dress accessories you might want to think about could include a wedding umbrellas or wedding parasol, shading from the sun is very important.

The location of your 'fairy tale wedding' will also influence your choice of wedding dress. If you are getting married on the beach then choosing a wedding dress that is shorter will be more practical but other locations will open up other choices for you. A traditional church or an historic building setting can be the perfect setting for a classic and sophisticated wedding gown. A civil ceremony might determine choosing a wedding dress that is more modest or perhaps even something more bold! This is your big day so choosing a wedding dress that you love is your final decision but ideas and advice from those close to you will help enormously.

When choosing a wedding dress the fabric is an important decision for planning your perfect wedding day. Your wedding dress design and wedding dress accessories will help set the theme for your wedding. Remember that you will be wearing the dress for many hours; that you may have to go up and down stairs; inside and outside; you will also be sat down for a long period and you will end the day dancing in it!

Choosing the colour of your wedding dress is another important element that contributes to the style and theme of your wedding day. White is, of course, the traditional colour popular since the 1700's and denotes purity. More recent times have seen many stronger colours become fashionable including black now being fashionable. Many online wedding dress stores will have a colour chart that guide you to how the colour and fabric can change the look of a wedding dress; so try them for ideas.

Once you have decided upon the wedding dress yor thoughts will turn to the very important wedding dress accessories. Choose the right wedding shoes, you are going to be on your feet for a long part of the day so being comfortable is really important. Finally, other wedding dress accessories that complete the look with perhaps also be a veil, tiara, gloves and your wedding day lingerie.

There is much to think about when choosing a wedding dress and wedding dress accessories with your budget may being a strong determining. You do not necessarily need to spend a grand amount on a wedding dress or wedding dress accessories.

There are many online stores supplying wedding dresses and wedding dress accessories. These online wedding dress stores may just save you lots of money when choosing a wedding dress.

Have fun choosing, keep the surprise from your husband-to-be and enjoy your wedding day!

So our top ten tips for choosing a wedding dress are:

1. Consider the time of year and choose the fabric accordingly
2. Do not forget about wedding dress accessories. Have a wedding and bridal cloak, bridal stole or wrap, bridal umbrellas or wedding parasols on standby for a change in the weather
3. Think about the location and venue of your wedding. A beach means a shorter dress whereas a church or historic setting can influence you to have a traditional gown and train
4. Buy the right fabric for the time of year
5. See how different colours suit your skin colour and get samples of fabrics in different colours
6. Get ideas from friends as to what style and colours suit you best
7. Make sure the chief bridesmaid and bridesmaids are comfortable with your selection for the dresses
8. You don't have to spend a fortune on a wedding dress or wedding dress accessories; look for cheap online wedding dresses - they can be excellent value
9. Try to keep the surprise from your husband-to-be until the big day
10. And have fun!