Saying Yes to the Dress

You can rent, buy or have a dress custom-made. All options have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as each cut and material. Now let's look at each aspect in more detail so you can make the right decision.

Bridal store or tailor's?

When choosing a wedding dress, bridal stores still dominate. This is the most sensible solution, because you can try on more models and find out which cut really suits you. In order to save money, brides often buy their dress (often online) but to try your dream dress at home and find out that it doesn't actually suit you at all, that's not going to please anyone. That's why we don't recommend this option. If you want/need to save money, just rent the dress at the bridal store if possible, otherwise buy a dress you can have assurance will suit and fit you.

Another option is to have the dress made to measure. This has two advantages:

 - You will probably have a completely original model.

 - The dress will fit you perfectly.

But it also carries risks. You need to be sure in advance that the type you choose will suit you, or choose a good dressmaker who has experience with what cut, material, and color suits which body type or skin tone. Be sure to make sure that you have seen some of the work done in person. A photo can be very deceiving. 

However, quality bridal stores can also give you good advice and tailor the dress you choose from their store to your body. Moreover, renting a gown from a store will take away the worry of what to do with it after your wedding. For a while it is nice to walk around "cuddling" with your unique dress and reminiscing about your beautiful wedding day, but if you don't have a model made that will go through detailed alterations to wear to social events, for example, it will start to get in the way of your wardrobe over time. The proof is in the bridal bazaars and online chat groups full of bridal dresses for sale.

How to choose a dress in a bridal store

We are most inclined to rent a dress at a bridal store. But who to go on this mission with? With someone who at least partially shares your taste. With a person who won't smear honey around your mouth, but will tell you truthfully how you look in the dress. This function can be equally well (maybe better) performed by experienced store assistants who simply already have an "eye" for it, but it's nice to have someone with you who knows you well.

It is then essential for you to feel comfortable in the chosen model, both mentally and physically. Try walking around in the dress for a while, sit down, even dance. You certainly don't want a dress that accentuates your assets but doesn't allow you to breathe properly. Make sure there's nothing scratching or pinching you, and don't tell yourself that you'll "make it". The wedding day is long.

Bring a pair of heeled shoes for the fitting to help determine the correct length of the dress. And try on different models, even if you like the first one.

Fashion designer Sandra Marková  

"I definitely recommend taking a smaller entourage of up to 2 people to the fitting. It may seem that it won't be like what we often see on TV shows, but the reality is often different. It's good to hear the opinions of others, but 100 people come with 100 different tastes. I often find brides get too influenced by their entourage and don't choose a dress that they see as the right one. The most important thing is to make you feel special. It should be your dream dress."

2 main aspects when choosing a dress

What is the spirit of the wedding? When and where will it take place? The nature, location and date of the wedding are among the main factors in deciding the length, colour, material and overall style of the dress.

•  Do not wear a model with a deep neckline or exposed back to church.

• A pompous dress with a frilly skirt is not suitable for a summer boho wedding in the countryside.

• The rustic style can tolerate a simple lace dress.

• For a winter ceremony, choose a model made of thicker fabric.

• For a seaside wedding, choose a dress made of airy fabric.

Another factor is your figure.

type of figure: pear

what is needed: to accentuate the upper parts and mask wider hips

appropriate silhouette: A-line or Empire

type of figure: apple

what is needed: to shape the waist, conceal a larger tummy and wider hips

appropriate silhouette: A-line with a lace-up corset,empire waist dress

type of figure: hourglass

what is needed: just to accentuate a slim waist

appropriate silhouette: A-line, mermaid

type of figure: rectangle

what is needed: to accentuate the bust or waist

appropriate silhouette: A-line, mermaid

type of figure: reverse triangle

what is needed: to balance the width of the hips with the bust

appropriate silhouette: A-line with a simple corset and rich skirt