Dream Wedding Dress
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress
From 18 years of photographing weddings and seeing every style, silhouette, and colour imaginable…
Over the past 18 years behind the camera, I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of brides. I’ve seen every possible dress style walk down the aisle — timeless lace gowns, sleek modern silhouettes, boho flowing dresses, champagne tones, blush shades, and even the occasional bold colour statement.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: there is no single “perfect” wedding dress — only the one that feels perfect for you.
But the process of finding it can sometimes feel overwhelming. So here are a few tips I often share with brides when they ask how to start their search.
Timing Is Everything
My number one suggestion always comes down to timing.
Ideally, you want to begin looking for your wedding dress around one year before your wedding day. Starting too early can actually make things harder — bridal trends evolve every season, and it’s easy to start second-guessing your decision if you keep seeing new styles.
I usually recommend ordering your dress by the eight-month mark before your wedding.
Most gowns take 3–6 months to be made, and then you need to allow time for alterations, which typically begin around 4–6 weeks before the wedding depending on the complexity of the adjustments.
Giving yourself this timeline means you can enjoy the process rather than feeling rushed.
Choose a Comfortable Budget
Budget conversations around wedding dresses can feel tricky.
Many brides simply don’t know what the typical investment looks like for a dress worn for just one day. From what I’ve seen over the years, the average spend on a dress and veil tends to sit somewhere between £1,200 and £2,000.
Of course, this varies widely depending on the designer, fabrics, and level of detail.
My advice is to do a little research before your appointments so you understand what falls within your comfort zone. That way you avoid the heartbreak of falling in love with something well outside your budget.
Pinterest, bridal boutiques, and designer websites are great places to get a feel for both styles and price ranges.
Think About Your Wedding Theme
Your venue and overall wedding style can be a great starting point when thinking about your dress.
Is your celebration taking place in a historic castle, a modern city venue, or a relaxed countryside barn?
The setting often naturally guides the vibe of the dress:
- Boho venues pair beautifully with soft lace and flowing fabrics
- Classic venues suit elegant, timeless silhouettes
- Modern spaces often complement sleek, minimalist designs
That doesn’t mean you must match your venue perfectly — but thinking about the overall aesthetic can help narrow your search.
Research Different Fits
Once you have a sense of the style you love, it’s time to explore different silhouettes.
Every bride’s body is unique, and what looks incredible on one person might feel completely different on another.
The bridal world often shows us dresses on six-foot models, but in reality most brides aren’t built that way — and that’s completely fine.
Common silhouettes you might explore include:
- Ball gown
- A-line
- Fit and flare
- Mermaid
- Sheath
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t rule something out until you try it on.
A dress that looks ordinary on the hanger might look extraordinary once it’s on you.
Keep Your Entourage Small
This one might be the most important.
Of course you want to include the people closest to you, but too many opinions can make it hard to hear your own voice.
Choose a small group of people who will genuinely support you and respect your choices. Ask yourself:
- Will they support my decision even if it’s not their favourite?
- Will they be honest without being harsh?
- Will they focus on how I feel in the dress?
At the end of the day, you’re the one walking down the aisle wearing it.
Not your bridesmaids.
Not your mum.
Not your friends.
If you look in the mirror and feel like yourself — just a little more magical — then you’ve probably found the one.
Final Thoughts
After 18 years photographing weddings, I’ve learned that the most beautiful dresses aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most fashionable.
They’re the ones where the bride walks differently, smiles differently, and feels completely herself.
So take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy every moment of the search.
Because when you find the dress — you’ll know.
