When it comes to picking out your wedding dress, you might already have a clear vision of your dream gown and designer, or you may feel completely overwhelmed by the myriad of options. The best piece of advice I received before starting my dress hunt was to approach it strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Create a Mood Board: Use Pinterest to gather images of dresses you love. This will help you identify styles and details that catch your eye.
2. Identify Designers: Look up the designers of the dresses you pinned. Knowing who creates the styles you love is key.
3. Find Retailers: Use Google to locate shops that carry your favourite designers and see where they are based.
4. Book Appointments: Schedule visits to these shops to try on dresses.
5. Find Your Dream Dress: With a bit of luck, you’ll find the perfect dress during your appointments.
Below are some of my favorite designers, featuring dresses worn by real brides and models I’ve photographed. I hope these inspire you on your journey to find your dream dress.
MONIQUE LHUILLIER ‑ VENUS An off-the-shoulder gathered sheath gown in silk chiffon with billowing sleeves and a v-neckline. Monique Lhuillier’s designs capture luxury and femininity, making her a go-to for the fashion-conscious bride.
BERTA Berta is renowned for a bold, sexy, and modern fit, blending vintage materials and retro styles. Known for avant-garde designs, Berta is one of the world’s top wedding brands.
DANA HAREL The Dana Harel brand provides high‑end bridal and evening‑wear gowns for the fashion‑forward woman.
RUE DE SEINE Inspired by the romance of Paris’s Rue de Seine, this brand designs chic wedding gowns for the modern bride.
LIHI HOD ‑ KYLIE The Kylie wedding dress has a stunning tiered silk tulle skirt that is adorned with scattered pearls. Kylie has a structured corset top with silk tulle straps. Israeli designer Lihi Hod’s beautiful dresses showcase exquisite detailing, feminine silhouettes and a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic. Using the finest silks, laces, tulles and chiffons – and adorned with delicate beading, three‑dimensional flowers and pretty embroidery – her pieces are the perfect match for modern brides.
GALIA LAHAV Designed and made in a couture atelier in Tel Aviv, Israel, Galia Lahav bridal gowns are world‑renowned for their delicate embroidery, dramatic trains, and plunging backs.
COSTARELLOS Christos Costarellos creates dresses of feminine elegance, with dedicated workmanship and infused with an air of ethereal dreams. www.instagram.com/costarellosbridal/
GALIA LAHAV ‑ 403 This semi‑structured A‑line shimmer gown is made of a reflective embroidered net accented at the waist by a thin crystal bow belt and crystal‑embellished straps. The elegant deep V neckline is mirrored on the back for an ethereal, yet glamorous feel.
LIHI HOD ‑ BALI Lihi Hod Dreams 2020 collection! Ethereal Bali slip bridal gown with a stunning soft tulle topper for the dreamiest wedding look.
NAYA BRIDAL These modern bohemian wedding dresses are bold and fierce, showcasing feminine curves that sculpts and supports the body. These gowns have been made from either pre‑loved wedding dresses taken apart and re‑designed into modern gowns, or made up of reclaimed fabrics and fastenings. This means that each gown is a one‑off style which has had a no‑waste approach to being re‑created into modern, luxury and bohemian wedding dresses.
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