Finding Inspiration

To help you on your quest to find the perfect gown, The Bride’s Diary just loves bringing you the latest in bridal fashion trends from both Australia and around the world. We invite you to read on and be truly inspired… Prepare to take centre stage in the gown of your dreams.

Your wedding? Well, it’s all about the dress of course… every bride knows that, and most grooms suspect it! Seriously though, your wedding is your day to shine, and you wouldn’t want to look anything less than sensational.

Finding inspiration to help you choose your gown may seem daunting. This is the gown in which you must look and feel absolutely beautiful. So where to begin your search? With The Bride’s Diary, of course! We’re here to inspire you and we know that our stunning bridal fashion pages will do just that…

Celebrity weddings always have a major influence on international bridal fashion trends. You will enjoy the fun of thumbing through the lastest gossip magazines, watching the fashion channels on pay T.V., and searching blogs and online fashion sites for the latest on celebrity weddings. They often have big budgets and great stylists to ensure that the chosen theme is co-ordinated and executed perfectly - great for finding inspiration!

Hollywood glamour simply never goes out of date. Hire some of the older black and white movies (we’re thinking Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, etc.,) and it won’t take you long to get the style message. Also watch contemporary movies (Sex in the City would have to be close to the top of the list), coverage of red carpet events, and tune into Australian events such as Rosemount Australian Fashion Week for ‘closer-to-home’ fashion inspiration.

It is a good idea to purchase a scrapbook into which you can paste clippings, fabric swatches, trims and all things gown related. This will prove to be invaluable as your search continues.

And how about styles? While vintage glamour remains timeless, this classic look is counterbalanced with a move towards gorgeous coloured dresses, lighter fabrics that float on air, and bodices and hemlines that reveal just the right amount of skin, while retaining absolute class and style.

To accompany this fabulous look, some wonderful accessories are making a huge comeback: beading, birdcage veils, feathers, jewelled sleeve details, empire lines, strong colours, dramatic make-up and sensational shoes to name a few.

Some gowns are quite daring and it takes a particular type of bride to wear these creations with the kind of confidence that makes a show-stopping statement. Are you that bride? If you are, wonderful… knock yourself out. If not, start looking around at styles that you know you will be more comfortable in.

Colour is evolving into a strong wedding gown style feature. Ivory, taupe, oyster, blush pink, and stunning white gowns with black accents are very popular. Or, softer pastel colours such as blue, green, yellow or pink may be more your style, either as the primary gown colour or as clever colour accents. Add some of those wonderful floating, ethereal fabrics into the mix and you’re sure to be a hit.

And, if you’ve decided to colour yourself happy on your big day, the obvious move is to work your wedding colour scheme and theme around the colour (or colours) you’ve chosen for your gown. Sensational!

Now, on to those skin revealing hemlines and sexy bodices. Sheer straps are a definite trend, as are sweetheart and plunging ‘v’ necklines. Backless is good, and mini and above the knee gowns are stealing the show. If you’re going to be a summer bride, these designs are just perfect. Chic with a sensual sizzle, they’re made to show off your sensational spray tan and those divine designer shoes that you couldn’t resist. Tulle is set to be a must-have fabric in bridal fashion in the coming months as layers of tulle and flowing, whimsical skirts have graced the catwalks in recent times.

And then there’s the slinky, sleek, slim, form-fitting dress. Surprisingly, clever styling and a great cut can make this dress a winner for most body shapes.

Sheaths, mermaid cut, and trumpet are just some of the figure friendly styles currently available in bridal stores.

Speaking of styles, you’ll probably know what dress style suits you. If you’re not sure, ask for the opinion of your shopping buddy. And, think comfort. You’ll be wearing your gown for the best part of a day, so it should allow you to sit, walk, possibly kneel, raise your arms to dance, and also breathe, all without making you feel as if you’ve been laced into a restraining device.

It’s a good idea to start looking for your gown at least eight months before the wedding. The last thing you’ll need closer to the date is the additional stress of either not being able to find the dress of your dreams, or finding one that requires significant alterations.

Be sure to opt for quality when purchasing. The couturiers featured within this edition of The Bride’s Diary are amongst the best in Australia and will provide you with truly personalised service.

You will want your wedding day to be perfect: an exciting, romantic, beautiful event that you and your guests will remember for years to come. So dress for the occasion and take the time to find a gown that is absolutely, beautifully and unequivocally you.

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