The ultimate guide to finding your dream wedding dress: 5 tips for the perfect look

When it comes to planning your big day as a bride, there are countless decisions to make. Of these, finding the perfect wedding outfit can often be the most exciting and yet the most nerve-wracking experience. Amidst the deluge of options available, shopping for the perfect wedding outfit is nothing less than a task.

From numerous silhouettes to colour combinations to embroideries and themes, wedding dresses come in an array of options. As a bride, it can be overwhelming but do not feel pressured to just buy anything. Midday Online spoke to a New Delhi-based designer Surabhi Chopra who designs bespoke bridal outfits at her resident brand Surabhi Chopra Label.

Here are 5 key tips that will help you shop for a head-turning outfit for your big day:

The ‘must-have' list
Almost every bride has, at some point in her life, imagined herself in that perfect outfit. While flipping through fashion magazines or spotting trends on celebrities, brides often have an idea of what they would like to try on for their wedding outfits. This is a great starting point. Buying a wedding dress is like buying a house. You need a checklist of must-haves.

Pen down details like: what are you looking for in your dream wedding dress? What kind of details do you see endowed in it? Do you want it in a specific colour? What does comfort mean to you? To what extent are you willing to compromise comfort for fashion? Making a list of what you want, what the ceremony will be like, whether you will need to be very active, etc., helps in finding a dress that fits your needs as a dream dress.

Analyse your budget
Budget your purchases. Shopping for a wedding dress is like stepping into a dream world. It is quite possible to get carried away by the many beautiful outfits. Therefore, before you start shopping, it is important to get a realistic look at what bridal gowns cost. Different fabrics, hand embroidery, silhouettes, etc. might lead to price changes. Setting a budget will help you stay on course and choose options that fit your budget.

Made to measure
Customised, made-to-order clothing is becoming more popular. It is the perfect way to infuse a little of your personality with the available design and ensure that the size fits you like a glove. Talk to your designer or stylist and keep in mind your wedding theme and body type before choosing your dream dress.

While trying on dresses, bring the exact innerwear that you'll be wearing under the dress, including your shapewear if any. Make sure to bring the shoes that you'll be wearing on the wedding day to ensure that your dress has the correct hem length. Made-to-measure can make all the difference and give you that perfect fit!

Hire an expert
Wedding preparations can often take a toll on the bride. Amidst hundreds of responsibilities, you don't want the stress of hunting for and following up on your dream dress. Therefore, it is advisable to hire an expert. With their skill, experience, and competence, they can analyse the best options based on your preferences and skim through the many available options.

Personal stylists or personal shoppers can do the legwork for you, and you can choose from the skimmed options. Be sure to keep an open mind and communicate. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone if presented with the option. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so make it count.

Take your time
Do yourself a favour and start ahead. The wedding dress is one of your most important and expensive purchases. Therefore, ensure that you do not rush your purchase. Aim to start shopping at least five months before your big day. This will give you plenty of time for customising, ordering, alterations, and accessory pairing.

Finding your perfect dream dress can be fun! Ask for help, and keep your entourage close. Make sure to take pictures of yourself when you try on dresses so you can make informed decisions. Gather some wedding inspiration from your favourite social media profiles and follow the above-mentioned tips to find your perfect dream dress.

Here are the latest bridal outfit trends to watch out for:

Pastel Hues: Brides are increasingly opting for pastel-colored bridal outfits, such as soft pinks, mint greens, lavender, and powder blues. Pastels add a touch of modernity and elegance to traditional bridal wear.

Fusion Silhouettes: Brides like to experiment with fusion silhouettes that blend traditional Indian elements with contemporary styles. For example, pairing a lehenga with a crop top or a saree with an off-shoulder blouse.

Cape Lehengas: Cape-style blouses or dupattas have become a popular choice for brides. Capes add drama and a unique flair to the overall look, making it stand out.

Floral Embroidery: Floral patterns and motifs are a significant trend in bridal wear. Intricate floral embroidery or prints on lehengas and sarees added a romantic and feminine touch.

Pant Sarees: Pant sarees have gained popularity among modern brides. These sarees featured pants or dhoti-style bottoms instead of the traditional petticoat, offering comfort and ease of movement.

Statement Sleeves: Brides have been spotted embracing statement sleeves on their blouses or anarkalis. Bell sleeves, bishop sleeves, and heavily embellished sleeves were particularly in vogue.

Minimalist Elegance: Some brides have opted for a minimalist look, choosing outfits with clean lines, subtle embroidery, and lightweight fabrics. This style exuded sophistication and sophistication.

Bold and Contrasting Colors: While pastels were in demand, bold and contrasting color combinations are also having their moment. Brides were seen experimenting with rich jewel tones and vibrant hues.

Embroidered Sheer Fabrics: Sheer fabrics with intricate embroidery are a hot favourite that is used for blouses, sleeves, and dupattas. They add a delicate and ethereal touch to the overall ensemble.

Sustainable and Handcrafted: There is a growing trend towards sustainable and handcrafted bridal outfits. Brides are seeking eco-friendly and artisanal options for their special day.

Layered Ruffles: Ruffled details were also seen on lehengas, sarees, and even blouses, adding volume and playfulness to the outfit.

High Necklines: High necklines on blouses and anarkalis became popular in 2022, lending an elegant and regal look to the bride.

Also Read: How pastels are redefining the traditional narrative for Indian brides