How to avoid common wedding dress mistakes made by brides-to-be, according to a bridal gown expert

It’s not just a dress, it’s the dress. That once-in-a-lifetime gown that you will wear on the most special day of your life, where you will be the centre of attention; the shining star of the glimmering show. Oh, the pressure. Oh, the choices. Where does one start? And also, where does one end?

With endless options, trends and details to navigate, and layers of tulle, lace and mistakes awaiting, how can you ensure you don't slip into the many traps of wedding dress shopping?

To help you walk down the aisle in the dress of your dreams and the perfect fit, we've tapped into the wisdom of wedding dress specialist Ang Jinyuan, founder of The Ivory Bridal, which serves up wedding dresses and evening gowns from international designers and Asian labels, which are available for both rental and purchase.

For one of her famous clients, heiress Kim Lim, Ang told us: “Kim Lim is very fashion-forward, and had a vision of edgy effortlessness, so our team curated a modern selection from our luxury contemporary designers to align with her vision.”

Ang shines a spotlight on six common wedding dress pitfalls, to help you get one step closer to aligning with your vision of perfection on your wedding day.

1. NOT ESTABLISHING A REALISTIC BUDGET

One of the most quintessential questions of wedding planning – how much are you willing to spend? When it comes to the dress, having a clear budget in mind is not merely a formality; it's a strategic move. A common mistake brides make is to shop for gowns without a clear price point, often falling in love with a dress that leaves them with a dilemma.

Ang’s advice: “Establish a realistic budget to help narrow down your options when gown-shopping and selecting the boutiques you visit. Knowing how much you are willing to spend will help ensure you stay within the wedding planning budget.”

And remember, the dress cost should include alterations, accessories, and in some cases, additional shipping or custom fees.

2. NOT GIVING YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME FOR THE WEDDING GOWN JOURNEY

One common mistake that many brides make is underestimating the time it takes from selecting to fitting to finally bringing home the wedding gown. It's crucial to remember that beyond the initial selection, there are usually several fittings and alterations needed to ensure the gown fits perfectly, and that most bridal studios are serving multiple brides at the same time.

For a relaxed and stress-free experience sans last-minute rush, Ang advised: “Start your wedding gown journey around nine to 12 months prior to allow yourself time for fittings, alterations and the exploration of different silhouettes and styles.”

3. BEING FIXATED ON AN IDEA AND NOT KEEPING AN OPEN MIND
 

Ang said that brides often come in with a certain bridal designer or a style in mind, which may limit their options if they remain fixated and inflexible about what they desire.

“Keep an open mind as the dream dress or trending style you envision may not be the one that ultimately best suits you. Understanding your natural body shape and determining the best fit and silhouette for you – whether it is a ball gown, or an A-line, column, or mermaid style, is extremely important as well. Pick a silhouette that complements and highlights your best features.”

Ang said their expert stylists typically analyse the style the bride is leaning towards and take note of their preferred neckline, train length and silhouette. They will then curate a selection of gowns for brides to try while simultaneously introducing them to designers that align with their style. 

4. FORGETTING ABOUT COMFORT ON YOUR BIG DAY

While it’s true that many will pick style, fashion trends and wow factor over comfort when it comes to dressing up, you have to think about whether you want to feel uncomfortable, pinched or fearful of wardrobe malfunctions on one of the most important days of your life. A bride's comfort on her wedding day impacts not only her physical ease but also her confidence and ability to enjoy the day to the fullest. 

Ang said: “Prioritise comfort and ensure that your dress fits you with enough ease of movement on your big day for you to go about your activities confidently. At times, brides are enchanted by the appearance of a gown and may forget to consider the practicality of the dress, and the fact that they need to wear it for an extended period of time, as well as sit, dance and pose for photos in it.”

And it’s not just physical comfort, but also whether your chosen piece reflects your personality, so you can feel like the best version of you, and the most comfortable and confident on your big day. For example, if you tend to lean towards quieter and more understated details, a dramatic silhouette such as a ball gown or a heavily-embellished piece may not align with your personal style and comfort level.

5. NOT KEEPING THE THEME OF YOUR WEDDING AND THE VENUE IN MIND WHEN SELECTING THE DRESS

According to Ang, considering the theme of your wedding and the venue are both paramount when it comes to saying yes to the dress.

“Your dress, the overall aesthetic look and feel of the wedding, and the theme of the wedding should ideally be complementary for a more visually-appealing experience and photos. In addition, knowing the space you have to work with – such as whether it’s an intimate setting or a large reception hall – can help in deciding the size of your dress. Consider factors such as the weight of the dress, ease of movement, and also the season and whether your party is held outdoors or indoors.”

6. BEING A STICKLER FOR WEDDING TRADITIONS INSTEAD OF DOING YOU

Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. For example, Ang dismissed the idea that wedding dresses must always be white.

“White and ivory are traditional choices, and in some cultures, different colours hold symbolic meanings that brides may wish to incorporate,” she said.

“The choice of your wedding gown colour is a personal decision. At The Ivory, we strive to redefine the modern way of celebrating love and individuality for brides of a new generation, and we recommend that brides explore a variety of gowns to find one that resonates best with their style and personality.”

As for that time-honoured practice of losing weight before one’s wedding, Ang said: “This is also a personal decision. Every bride should feel comfortable and confident on their wedding day, and this includes embracing your body shape. If losing some weight or getting toned up will make you feel more confident, do go ahead, but prioritise doing so in a healthy way. Regardless of your decision, our in-house seamstresses have the expertise to ensure that your dream gown will fit you on your wedding day.”