Choosing a wedding gown - What to do…

SO, you have just gotten engaged and are ready to start the process of planning your wedding!

And the part that will be (or should be) most enjoyable for you as the bride is choosing your gown.

Being in the industry for over 20years, I have seen my fair share of dramas when it comes to your big day.

I thought I would share some of my tips of what to do when choosing your gown, to ensure smooth sailing towards the altar without unnecessary stress.

Tip #1 – Before you start

I normally recommend choosing your venue before choosing your gown. I am always more for the idea that what gown you choose will be slightly influenced by your venue. Of course, you will be the centre of attention (a little bit more than your groom) but you want to know that the look of your gown will sit perfectly on you as well as with the look and feel of your venue.

Tip #2 – The search begins

Look through magazines and do searches on the internet to find providers that have gowns that you love the look of. Choose a few different places to check out, but try to avoid looking at too many as this may confuse you a bit. Take along a trusty friend or family member (someone who can give you a brutal honest opinion!). Try not to go along with a huge entourage – again as lots of different opinions will confuse you as well.

Tip #3 – Enhance your body shape

Choose a gown for YOUR shape. The biggest mistake that brides make is choosing something that was not right for their shape based on fashions, and trends. You, yourself, have to feel comfortable and confident and think you look fabulous!

Tip #4 – Embrace the attention on you

Choose a gown that you are wearing, not something that is wearing you.

A lot of brides get overwhelmed by how gorgeously detailed a gown is and get hung up on it. Some brides suit classic simple styles whereas others suit lots of embellishment. You don’t want to be wearing a gown that is completely stealing your spotlight for all wrong reasons!

Tip #5 – Decisions, decisions…

There will only be ‘the one’ gown that you will feel perfect in, but it could be subconsciously influenced by all the other factors of your day as well. You have to feel 100% happy with your gown, knowing that you will look beautiful and feel comfortable in it. It has to tick all the boxes and you will know that it is perfect.

LAST WORDS

Most importantly, remember that this is supposed to be a gloriously happy and exciting day!

In the end, what matters most, is you and your man, walking off into the sunset hand in hand to start your wonderful life together. I have loved every moment of being married to my handsome husband, Geoffrey, and our wedding day was only just the beginning.

Enjoy it!

Look below for just a few of our favourite real brides we thought chose the most perfect gown for their wedding day.

Let us know what you think and if you have any questions, we are happy to help!

Kris Teychenne 

(Photo by Moda Fotografica)

Michelle Sprogis

Samantha Gibbens

(Photo by Photos by Jay)

Lauren Rilstone (nee Klienig)

Cindi Roennfeldt 

(Photo by Blumenthal)

Phoebe Proudfoot

We would love to hear any comments.

Check out our website for any other information about us.

It's all about floral!

Another real wedding today - this time from one of our Melbourne brides...
She looked stunning in our 'Adele' gown with soft silk flowers added over one shoulder.
The flowers tied in beautifully with her bouquet, shoes and the location. Absolutely gorgeous!

All the photos were supplied by photographer Kristen Cook (make sure to check out Kristen's Blog as well for her latest images).

"Hi Karen,

It's been a quick 4 months since I first met you and ordered my dress in the Paddington store, and picked it up from the Armadale store (after the beautiful work by your Melbourne ladies).

My wedding was on the Easter weekend. Thought you might like to see the dress on the big day. Thankyou for the KWH wedding dress experience - I had a great time being fitted at the Armadale store. The dress was made beautifully. Many thanks again to the Armadale store - nothing was too difficult! 

I also received so many compliments regarding the dress from strangers, when we were having our photos taken!"

Check out more real brides on our website.

Holding on to Summer and Spring

Our mornings and nights are starting to get quite chilly, although we do have some gorgeous weather today! Sitting in our penthouse (top level office) at the Flourmill studios with the sunlight streaming in, made us think of our featured bride today. Lauren Neil had her wedding last year with a beautiful spring feel. She wore our 'Pearl' gown with a birdcage veil and her groom wore a suit with coat tails - we loved everything about Lauren's wedding and she looked amazing!

Lauren looked so pretty - her gown, her flowers, and hair piece all worked perfectly with her venue 

and her theme.

Stunning!

All the groomsmen looking smart

What a delicious looking cake! I love the flowers on the top - a beautiful touch

Obviously, Lauren, her groom and his groomsmen had a bit of fun on the day.

Lucky girl!

I love shots like these - they are walking off together to start their new adventure!

"I just wanted to say thank you to the team at Karen Willis Holmes for my beautiful wedding gown.  It was absolutely perfect and I felt so comfortable in it on the day.

I would have no hesitation at all in recommending your service to brides in the future.

  

Thanks again

Lauren"

Check out our website for more real brides.

Elegant and gorgeous.

I hope you have all had a great Easter and a lovely break.
I for one know I have had too many chocolates and am feeling very guilty about it...
Today, I wanted to share with you the wedding of Sandy Willis (nee Schmitzer) who married her man, Ben, in March. Sandy wore our 'Roberta' gown, with a long veil and white roses. She is so beautiful and she looked so elegant on the day.

The Roberta gown has a fitted ruched bodice, with 3 ruffles at the bottom of the skirt to create a bit of romantic flair - such a gorgeous gown!

What a good looking couple...

Ben just can't keep his eyes off Sandy!

Sandy's long 2 tiered veil is managed by her bridesmaids.

Such a romantic image.

A stolen kiss under the tree!

All photos were provided by Nerida McMurray

"Hi Karen,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for my gorgeous gown!! 

I felt so beautiful on the day and received so many compliments on the stunning the gown!  

Francesca at your Paddington store was an absolute delight to deal with, and it was an absolute pleasure coming into the store not only to choose my beautiful gown but also for the subsequent fittings!

Thank you again!

Kindest regards,

Sandy Willis"

Check out more real brides on our website.