Things to consider when choosing your wedding dress….

One of the moments I look forward to when photographing a wedding is when I get to see the wedding dress for the first time.  After many years I am still just as excited today to see what the bride has chosen.  It is such a special moment.  Every wedding dress is different down to the fine detail and there have been some absolute stunners over the years.  

What isn’t ideal is when this beautiful dress can’t be displayed in all its glory on the wedding day and I want to offer some advice to prevent this happening.  

When you find your wedding dress you will probably try it on in a beautiful bridal shop with lots of space, pristine floors and no outside elements to contend with.  The chances are your wedding venue will not be the same and this is what it is worth considering.

Does your dress have a large train on it?  If so, does your venue have the space to move around freely without having to navigate too many stairs, narrow doorways.  Are the floors clean or is it rustic?  You don’t want to be spending your day navigating your venue whilst having to hold your dress because it’s going to get caught/ stepped on / dirty or worst of all, burnt.  

Have you thought about the weather?  We can’t plan the weather but if you want to get some beautiful couples photos then is your dress very heavy?  Will the material soak up water?  Can you scoop it up so it doesn’t get dirty dragging along the floor?  If you are getting married in Winter, chances are the ground will be saturated, and there will be lots of debris on the floor.  A long train with material that takes in water easily is likely to get very wet and very heavy very quickly.  Thus you will be spending the rest of the day walking round and holding your dress because it’s so wet.

Are you getting married in Summer?  Again, we can’t plan for good weather but in the height of summer it is likely to be very warm.  Venues get very hot with lots of people and especially so with marquees when there isn’t much airflow.  Does your wedding dress have lots of layers?  Is it very heavy?  Again, you don’t want to become uncomfortable so make sure you have chosen light material so you don’t become a sweaty mess!

Does it have a bustle? Most dresses have the option of being able to pin the back for the evening do. (A bustle).  Make sure your dress can do this if it has a train, again so you are not being photographed holding your dress all the time.  You want to keep your hands free for dancing, drinking, throwing your hands in the air and shouting WAHOOOO!

You have no doubt spent a fair whack on your wedding dress and will feel a million dollars wearing it.  My job is to photograph this amazingness and the ‘wow’s’ from guests and your new husband/bride when they see you.  Keep those shoulders back, let the dress do the work.  If you are walking around with your train draped over your arm it instantly makes you slouch.  Stand tall! 

Use your bridesmaids!  You have given them the honor of standing by your side as you get married.  You have chosen them because they love you and will help you so let’s use them to help carry your dress outside if needs be especially when moving around for photos.

Most importantly, remember that the aim is to wear your wedding dress, be comfortable and experience every single moment of the day as it happens.  It’s going to be a challenge to keep the dress perfect and you know what, that’s ok! And I absolutely encourage brides not to stress about getting a bit of dirt on the dress as you move around freely – especially when it comes to wedding photos, but so it doesn’t come with the price of having to carry your wedding dress for the rest of the day!

Find that dress that allows you to do this so you can leave your arms free for the important stuff!

“Selecting a wedding dress is more than just a fitting…

It’s a process – a memory in the making”

-Olivelli

YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!

xxx