15 Things Nigerian Brides-to-be Need to Know When Searching For A Perfect Wedding Dress

1. KNOW YOUR SHAPE AND STYLE

While it’s easy to fall head over heels for that dress you saw on Instagram, do you actually already have anything in your wardrobe in that style or shape? Using your existing outfits as a starting point can help to define what shapes already look good on you, make you feel comfortable and flatter your figure.

Your personal style and style of your venue and ceremony too also matter. Church ceremonies often require a little more coverage, often including sleeves, while brides looking for a sexier, less traditional look will have outfits better suited to Garden, beach venues, or destination of choice.

 

2. RESEARCH 

Do some research and collect pictures of the styles you like. The perfect place to search for wedding dress inspiration is Pinterest not Instagram like you would probably think. Pinterest easily allows you to have your ideas to hand when shopping for your perfect wedding dress. It’s easy to gather all your ideas in one place and to also search for similar ideas.

3. BUDGET

Create a  budget and stick to your budget and don’t try on dresses that fall outside of this (if you are buying off the rack)  It may only end in disappointment. There’s nothing worse than finding ‘the one’ only to realise that you can’t keep it.

Even if you are opting for a custom wedding dress, pull a consultation through on time so as to know if you can afford their charge or find some other.

It’s no secret that wedding dresses are often the most expensive item of clothing you’ll ever buy. That being said, the price range is still very varied, and knowing your budget will help ensure you only try on dresses that you can afford to fall in love with when you visit the bridal store.

 Don’t forget to factor in the cost of alterations, because more often than not brides have to alter one part of a wedding dress or the other for it to be their ideal wedding dress. 

 

4. EXPERIMENT WITH DRESSES

Don’t be afraid to try on something completely different from what you have in mind. If for nothing else it gives you an idea of what you don’t want. Brides who have vowed to have nothing to do with a ball gown may end up walking out of the bridal store with a ball gown.

 

5.  LESS IS MORE

You might have heard these a couple of times when it comes to fashion, Less can often be best. Too much detail and too many accessories can make you look overdone. You still want your personality to shine through on your wedding day.

 

6. YOUR GUESTS VIEW

Look at the back of your wedding dress, this is what all your guests will be seeing as you say your vows. Sometimes all you need is a beautiful veil to create the magic.

 

7. TRENDS

Don’t be too concerned about trends when choosing your perfect wedding dress. Choose a dress that is comfortable and flattering to you, the style may be out in five years anyway!

 

8. USE A PROFESSIONAL

If you are opting for a custom dress it is very important you use a professional who is skillful in this area. Know that you get what you pay for! Always use experienced and professional dressmakers and couturiers. Although this doesn’t mean that a more expensive dress is necessarily better, it means you should use someone with experience. 

9. FITTINGS

Wear the lingerie and take the shoes that you will be wearing when you go along for your fittings. They are required to make sure that the length and fit of the dress is just right. Have your final fitting a few weeks before the day and pick it up at least a week prior. And don’t go on a drastic weight loss program once you have started your fittings.

10 ASK QUESTIONS

If your dress gets creased in transportation, ask the best way to get the creases out. E.g. should you get it pressed, steamed or will the creases fall out naturally if you hang it up. Can it be ironed, if yes at what temperature.

 

11.  DRESS REHEARSAL

Give yourself a full dress rehearsal and practice moving about. Also, remember to wear your wedding shoes before your wedding day. The wrong accessories may spoil the whole effect of your wedding dress. Ensure that they match your dress and the look you are aiming to achieve.

 

12. GO SHOPPING WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PEOPLE

Shopping for your dress should be a pleasant experience. Take your mother, bridesmaids or friends with you and squeeze in some lunch and a glass of wine!

 

13. BUYING FABRIC

If you are buying your own fabric, be prepared to purchase a large amount of material, underlays and linings. A lot of material is required to make those large and full skirts and they don’t hold their shape without lots of petticoats and linings underneath.

 

14 STORAGE

Never store your gown in plastic after the wedding as it gives off gases that can yellow your dress. Buy a special wedding dress storage box.

15. USE THE SERVICES OF A WEDDING PLANNER

While you think a planner is mostly required for the D-day, actually depending on the plan and arrangement you have with your wedding planner,  a wedding planner can guide you through the process of getting your ideal wedding dress.