DavidPicking out your wedding dress is one of the most exciting steps in the planning process. However, it can also be quite stressful and overwhelming when considering all of the factors necessary for ensuring that no mishaps happen on the big day. Surely enough, the bride wants to be comfortable while also looking flawless as well. Additionally and more popular than ever are outdoor weddings, which makes picking out the right dress that much more straining. With a little bit of research and knowing your own tastes, however, your outdoor wedding gown can be as perfect as the venue and the person you fell in love with.
Consider the Shape
Chances are, getting married outside means that you will be walking down a natural aisle, meaning that there will be leaves, sticks, rocks, or stones. Because of this, it is crucial to consider the silhouette of a gown and how you will be able to move in it. Ideally, a bride should opt for a dress high in flexibility, such as empire cut, a-line, and tea length gowns. Bonus: These styles tend to work for each body type as well.
Match the Venue
Of course, you know what your venue looks like, but have you considered the overall style of it to match your dress? Meaning, are you getting married on a beach, in a garden, or in the middle of the forest? The venue type directly coincides with what style of dress a bride should choose because, let’s face it: A princess gown with long sleeves just does not work for a beachside wedding. A garden or vineyard wedding may call for something a bit more vintage and lacey as well.
Beyond the Rain: Weather Matters
Outdoor brides religiously check the weather, there is no denying that. However, typical seasonal temperatures are rarely considered as long as rain is not in the forecast. Surely certain times of the year are hotter than others during the day, but what about when nighttime rolls around and the degrees drop significantly? Because of this, high quality gowns with multiple accessories, like shawls, should be considered.
It’s All About the Fabric
Sure, regardless of a venue, you want to make sure that your dress fits properly, but outdoor venues bring about special considerations. Dresses made of lighter fabrics, like lace or chiffon, work well in the Summer months while fabrics like velvet and thick cotton are ideal for cooler months. All of these fabrics can still be breathable and flexible, making maneuvering in outdoor conditions a breeze.
Overall, choosing the right wedding dress for an outdoor venue is all about consideration. From the temperature during the morning, afternoon, or evening to bearing in mind the path you will be walking down, a little extra thought goes a long way in making your day the best that it can be. So, next time you are checking the weather for rain, go just a tad further and browse the seasonal temperatures of that location. Fabric and fit matters, too. Conclusively, the venue is important for more reasons than being gorgeous and realizing this will put you on the right track.