With This Ring: March 23, 2018

8 With This Ring
THE DRESS
of Your Dreams
Every bride wants that “once in a lifetime”
dress! Finding it may take you on a search
of many different options, whether you
buy, hire, make, borrow, inherit or have it
designed. Sometimes the gown a bride has
always imagined wearing is not the one
she eventually chooses. It’s a wise bride
who goes looking with an open mind to
find the style and shade that suits her
to perfection.
Borrowed or Found
There may be a vintage or heirloom gown
belonging to family or friends that you could
wear. Borrowed or inherited, such gowns
provide special magic on your wedding day
and are becoming very sought after. Care must
be taken when handling a vintage dress as the
fabric becomes fragile with age and requires
expert cleaning and storage.
Expensive and exquisite dresses are often
to be found in the “for sale” columns, or on
Trade Me. Many have been purchased or
imported from overseas and you may
discover a genuine designer bridal gown
at a fraction of the original cost. You
can always have it re-fitted or altered
with beading, add a sparkly belt or
trim to your personal taste.
Top Shelf
Beautiful wedding dresses are available “off the peg” at specialist
bridal shops. As well as New Zealand designs, many are imported,
so be sure to allow adequate time for the dress you select to be
ordered from overseas. With a wonderful range of styles to “try
before you buy”, your dream dress might be right there on the
rack! Once chosen, your gown can be expertly fitted and altered if
necessary. Bridal shops have an impressive selection of accessories
and attendants’ dresses to complement your gown.
Designed & Made
Having a gown designed and made just for you is the ultimate in
individuality, but naturally it will cost you more than a readymade
dress. Your designer will want to discuss prospective ideas
and styles with you, as well as what suits both you and your
personality. Bringing an illustration, a piece of lace or item of
jewellery is helpful for inspiration. The designer will have access
to a range of fabrics and trimmings to create the dress you have
chosen. While white is the obvious choice for bridal gowns, ivory,
parchment, magnolia, silver, champagne, gold or blush can be
even more flattering on some brides.
Choose a pattern and some stunning bridal fabric and let a
skilled dressmaker create an exquisite gown for you. With an
inspiring selection of silk, satin, lace, brocade and voile, there
won’t be another gown exactly like yours, and it won’t be as
costly as a designer dress either. Be sure to choose a reputable
dressmaker and always ask to see examples of
their work before you decide.
Alternatives
Your wedding gown need not be a
traditional bridal style, colour or price.
Look at ball gowns, cocktail outfits
and maxi dresses. Try summer sales at
designer boutiques as well as chain store
racks and mail order companies. With
style and imagination, a simple dress
can always be beautifully and uniquely
enhanced with classy accessories.