Time of day (morning, afternoon, or evening wedding)
Theme of wedding
You own style
Have a good nine months to select your wedding gown. An off the rack wedding dress will probably cost around R2500-00, while a couture gown designed for you will set you back anything from R5000-00 to R20000-00. Hiring a gown is another cheaper option.
Be sensible about your shape and body-type and take advice as to what looks best on you. Also consider what activities you will be doing in the dress. Will you be hoisted up onto a chair? Will you be dancing?
Look through bridal magazines to get ideas of what you like, and clip out or bookmark your favourites. If you are having a gown designed the more detail you can give the designer the better. Be strict with yourself regarding budget. Always take one or two people with you when trying on gowns (usually your maid-of-honour and a bridesmaid). If you are using a wedding consultant, trust her advice regarding your gown. She has seen many brides and should know what she is talking about.
Often brides lose some weight in the weeks before the wedding, either inadvertently or due to dieting. Most dress designers are aware of this and will insist you come for regular fittings as the day draws nearer. Consider this when buying an off-the-wrack dress. A hired gown may need to be altered the week before the wedding.
