OK, what does a male wedding photographer know about choosing alternative wedding dresses? Good question.
I asked one of the best bridal boutiques in Nottingham for her advice on how to choose a bridal gown with an alternative style to traditional wedding dresses.
Rami is the owner of Coco bridal boutique and she has curated a killer collection of bridal wear from talented, independent British designers. Here’s Rami’s top 5 tips on how to choose an alternative wedding dress:
1. Research your bridal boutiques
Not all bridal boutiques are the same so check them out online or on socials before making your appointment.
This is particularly important if you’re looking for something kinda different, as boutiques that carry ‘different’ are few and far between (like mine!).
Doing your research beforehand will help you feel more comfortable when you get there and make the experience more chilled because you’ll feel like you’re at home, rather than in a stranger’s house in your undies!’
2. Don’t leave it too late
Unique, alternative wedding dresses take time to make, so make sure you don’t leave it until the last minute to pick yours.
You should allow at least 6 months for your dress to be made and 2 months for alterations. That’s 8 months from the point you order, so add on some time for shopping.
Basically, start looking 10-12 months before your wedding and you should be good.
3. Don’t fight that feeling!
You’ll know when you’ve found the ‘one’ when you put on a wedding dress and think “hell yeah, this is it!”
Once you’re sure make your purchase and then STOP LOOKING.
There will always be beautiful wedding dresses out there. Don’t stress yourself by continuing to look for alternative dresses after you’ve ordered your perfect one.
But definitely don’t order if you’re not sure. Any decent boutique will give you time to do your thing, so don’t feel pressured by anyone, not even well-meaning friends and family.
4. Be open to wild cards
I can’t tell you how many brides I meet that have a very specific wedding dress in mind and skip out of the boutique with the exact opposite! Honestly, it happens a lot.
It’s great to have an idea of what you’re after but don’t let this close you off to other things. Wedding dresses look really different when tried on so if something takes your fancy but you’re not sure, give it a try as it might surprise you.
5. Forget about sizing
Most brides don’t know this, but bridal sizing is different to high street sizing. Also, bridal designers tend to use their own sizing charts so one is hardly ever the same as another. Helpful huh?
Don’t worry though, your boutique will figure all of this out for you. You just need to remember two things:
• The wedding dress sample in the boutique probably won’t fit you perfectly
• Once you’ve ordered your non-traditional wedding dress, it might be a size that you’re unfamiliar with but don’t panic
When you order, the boutique will measure you and compare your measurements to the designer’s sizing chart, and order the correct size based on that. If you’re in-between sizes they’ll order the bigger one as it’s way easier to take a wedding dress in than try to make it bigger! Minor alterations can easily be made to make your dress fit you perfectly.
About the Author
‘I launched Coco Bridal, a cool boutique in Nottingham for modern brides, following my own experience as a bride. I didn’t want the ‘traditional’ bridal look in a stuffy overly formal shop. I wanted a chilled vibe and modern, youthful bridal wear. Enter, Coco Bridal Boutique!
The boutique is relaxed, stylish and inclusive. Zero puffy ballgowns! Just effortlessly chic, alternative bridal gowns to take your look to the next level.
We’re an EXCLUSIVE stockist of many independent British designers like Amy Mair Couture, Rolling in Roses and ASAR by Nikeen Asar – you won’t find them anywhere else in the East Midlands’
Enjoy your wedding dress search and get in touch if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help a gal out!
Visit https://www.cocobridal.co.uk/nottingham-bridal-blog for more wedding dress shopping advice and inspo.
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