Choosing Your Wedding Dress: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Gown and Making It Photogenic

In this article we discus a few considerations while choosing your wedding dress, and encourage communication with your photographer to acheive the wedding images that you envision.

Your wedding dress is much more than just a garment; it's a symbol of your love story and a reflection of your personal style. Additionally, how your dress looks in photographs is an essential consideration, as these images will be cherished for a lifetime. This article guides you through choosing your wedding dress and highlights styles that are particularly photogenic for your wedding photography.

Finding Your Dream Dress

1. Understand Your Style: Before diving into the search, understand your style. Are you drawn to classic, bohemian, modern, or vintage looks? Knowing your preferred style will streamline your search and help you communicate your vision to bridal consultants.

2. Consider Your Venue: Your wedding venue plays a significant role in the choice of your dress. A ball gown may be perfect for a grand, formal venue, while a lightweight, flowy dress suits a beach or garden wedding.

3. Set a Budget: Wedding dresses can vary significantly in price. Setting a budget before hand helps you narrow down dresses that fit within your desired budget whether big or small. Generally the more you spend the more time and material it takes to make your dress.

4. Start Early: Begin your search early to allow ample time for fittings and alterations. Remember, custom gowns can take several months to a year to create.

5. Comfort is Key: You'll be wearing your dress for hours, so comfort is crucial. Make sure you can move, sit, and dance in your gown.

Best Wedding Dresses for Photography

1. Lace Details: Lace gowns photograph beautifully due to their texture and intricate patterns. They add depth and romance to your photos.

2. A-Line Silhouettes: Universally flattering, A-line dresses create a classic and elegant look in photos. They’re especially ideal for traditional weddings.

3. Dramatic Trains and Veils: Long trains and veils add a dramatic flair to your photos, creating stunning visuals during the ceremony and in portraits.

4. Gowns with Movement: Dresses with flowing skirts or lightweight materials add movement to your photos, perfect for capturing spontaneous and romantic moments.

5. Off-the-Shoulder Designs: These gowns offer a timeless and romantic look, ideal for close-up portraits and showing off neckline details.

6. High-Contrast Fabrics: Dresses with high-contrast fabrics, such as bold lace on sheer material, stand out in photos and add an element of sophistication.

7. Subtle Shimmer: Gowns with a hint of shimmer or sparkle catch the light beautifully, especially in dimly lit settings like a candlelit reception.

8. Colorful Dresses: If traditional white isn't your style, colored dresses (like blush, blue, or champagne) can make a unique and photogenic statement.

Final Considerations

• Do a Dress Rehearsal: Before the big day, try on your entire wedding outfit, including accessories. This will help you envision how everything will look together in photographs.

• Trust Your Photographer: Communicate with your photographer about your dress. Experienced photographers can capture the beauty of any gown, using lighting and poses to highlight its best features.

• Be Yourself: The most important aspect is that you feel beautiful and comfortable in your dress. When you feel confident, it shines through in your photographs.

Choosing your wedding dress is a personal journey that combines style, comfort, and photogenic qualities. Remember, the best wedding dress is one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, ensuring that you not only look stunning in your photos but also feel incredible on your special day. With these tips, you're well on your way to finding a gown that's as photogenic as it is personally meaningful.