The wedding dress or your wedding gown in Singapore is what every girl looks forward to on their wedding day. Dreaming about that magical moment when she walks down the aisle, donned on that enchanting dress swaying at every strand she walks, with everyone’s jaw drop and uncontrollable clapping,
Finding your dream wedding gown in Singapore can be pretty stressful, and you want it to be perfect. After all, you have never done this before, and there are just so many questions and considerations in your mind. Here a quick guide below to make your wedding dress shopping experience a fun and flawless one.
Table of Contents
What to do getting your Wedding Dress
Set a budget
Before you start with anything, it is important to know what is your budget for your wedding gown. Know how much you have and are able to spend before you start your shopping spree, this will set your baseline and direction to start your search.
Other than the wedding gown itself, you will also need to factor in other hidden costs such as alterations and shipping cost if you are getting your wedding dress from overseas. Not to forget, you also have your other accessories such as heels, earrings, necklace, headpiece and veil.
It is never a good idea to start shopping for your wedding dress without a budget in mind. Imagine falling in love with a wedding dress that you’ve tried on, but end up finding out that it is beyond your budget and have to let it go. Save yourself from that misery and try on dresses that are within your means. Never try on a gown you cannot afford. There is an endless number of beautiful gowns out there and having a budget will definitely help you to narrow your choices.
Do your research
Do your homework before hitting the streets. Browse through online bridal boutiques, explore our Wedding Experts Pinterest Board, flip through those bridal magazines and compile what caught your eye into a mood board. There are tons of materials online, browse through them and get a sense of the styles you’re drawn to. Knowing what your interests are will give your consultant some direction to recommend and pick out dresses that will suit your liking.
Look around
It is recommended to start shopping 6 – 12months before if possible, this will give you ample time to check out multiple bridal studios and also give you the option to consider shipping from overseas. Especially during busy seasons, scheduling an appointment may be difficult and can take up to 1 month waiting time.
Gowns typically take about 4 – 8months to make, and after factoring in shipping time and alterations, it may total up to 10 months to be ready.
1.5 months before your wedding, your bridal boutique should be calling you to start the alterations. The bride will need to go for 2 to 4 times (a week apart) to settle all the different adjustments needed.
A bride usually gets 2 to 3 dresses. She will change into different gowns for the daytime and evening segment.
Tip: keep your shopping companions small, invite one or two-person whose opinions you trust and respect. Avoid having too many people as you will be overwhelmed by their comments. You cannot please everyone; everyone has a different taste. What matters most is what you like, how comfortable and beautiful do you feel in that dress.
Be open
Do not be afraid to try on something out of the box. It is good to have an idea of what kind of style you like, but don’t let that limit you. Something that looked great in a picture might not exactly suit you and something you thought you didn’t might be the perfect one. Try on a range of styles and one might just surprise you.
Decide on the one
Make a final decision to choose that perfect wedding dress and place in your order. If you are customising your wedding gown, give it about eight months to order as the designer will need time to make and ship the wedding dress. Finalise your order by signing off a contract or purchase order. Ensure that the details are correct such as the delivery date, your measurements and fitting schedules.
To have an in-depth understanding of Wedding Gowns, we at Wedding Experts did an interview with Z Weddings. Here’s a video we did with Z Weddings.
Things to might want to consider when getting your wedding dress
Wedding Venue
With Singapore’s hot and humid weather, you will definitely want to avoid long sleeves and heavy gown if you have an outdoor wedding. You wouldn’t want to be sweating buckets as you walk down the aisle. Certain fabrics are recommended for certain climate/temperature:
Hot weather: chiffon, linen, organza
Cold Weather: brocade, faux fur, velvet
All-Weather: satin, silk, tulle
The formality of the wedding
The style of your wedding dress should also depend on how formal or casual your wedding is. Your wedding gown will set the tone of the big day – you wouldn’t want to be wearing something that is a total of your wedding theme.
Budget
This is the most important thing as mentioned above, always keep in mind the budget you have set aside. It is human behaviour to get swayed by all the beautiful gowns out there, but not all of them are within your budget.
Dresses for Different Segments of Wedding
Daytime
For morning or church segments, most brides go for simple gowns like A-Line, Mermaid or Trumpet styles. You can choose lighter, pastel colours to give a more casual and relaxed feel. This complements well with gatecrashing activities that are more fun and light-hearted.
Evening
For evening dinner segments, most brides go for bigger gowns like A-Grand and Ballgowns in darker colours. They help leave a stronger impression on your wedding guests and also suit the grandness of the setting.
Different Styles of Wedding Gown:
Silhouettes
With varying body shapes and sizes, different gowns would suit different brides. Colours also help in setting the mood and character.
Mermaid
Mermaid wedding gowns flare out starting from the knees. Petite ladies shorter than 170cm are advised against choosing such gowns. In contrast, ladies with broader shoulders compared to their hips look best in such dresses.
Trumpet
Trumpet wedding gowns usually suit Asian girls who are 160cm and taller. Many ladies cannot differentiate between a mermaid and trumpet gowns. Hence for those who are not tall enough, it is suggested to choose a trumpet gown as it has very similar silhouettes to mermaid gowns.
A-Line
As the name implies, such gowns have a narrow top and extend out along the body in the shape of the letter ‘A’. A-Line gowns have a silhouette suitable for any bride. It is also comfortable and allows brides to move about relatively freely.
A-Grand
A-Grand gowns are slightly bigger than A-Line ones but smaller than ballgowns. For those seeking a smaller silhouette, they can go for this.
Ballgown 
Ball gown wedding gown is the biggest gown, and the fullness can help you look curvier. It defines the waist and helps balance out your figure for those with a pear-shaped body. In contrast, a petite girl might get over shined by this voluminous dress.
BOHO Wedding Dress
Bohemian wedding dress is a hot favourite among brides nowadays who want to go for a modern and less formal look. It definitely doesn’t also just equate to casual, and you can still look ethereal when going for a boho look. In addition, these dresses are great for events such as march-ins or Wedding dances. You can check out some videos on how it looks like on our page on wedding dances.
Types of Details
These gowns are intricate in their details. There’ll be a gown for you whether you’re looking for something with flowery designs, soft lace patterns or elaborate embellishments. It is usually a mix between these details to create a balanced gown that accentuates your distinct beauty.
For instance, some of the lace details are woven smoothly with beadwork around the back of the dress. These mermaid gowns are suitable for taller girls who want a piece with flattering back details.
With lace details put together in mesmerizing flower-inspired designs, the gowns carry a certain degree of enchantment to them. Whether you’re going for an off-shoulder or covered look, the details stand out in their own unique ways.
Sequins and gems can also add shine and glamour to your gown. To prevent an overwhelming of details, these embellishments are balanced out with delicate and flowy lace patterns. It incorporates both a daring and elegant element to present a varied look.
Simplicity or Full-on Details?
They can be simple with subtle ornaments here and there. But they can also be glamorous and eye-catching with details woven into the whole gown.
If you’re seeking simplicity, you can choose gowns with a few distinct details. They can be unique lace appliques near the top, shoulder or even the waist.
For instance, these gowns have its elaborate details going on at the top while the bottom flares out simply. These gowns could be a great choice for brides who are shy to don something with too much going on.
Those wanting to flatter your shoulders can opt for gowns with detailed cap sleeves. Such gowns hug at your sculpted shoulders tightly and give you an air of grandeur. Lace details around your arms can also be another option.
These gowns may look plain, but the bead and crystal-embellished details around the waist definitely elevates the chicness to create a statement piece. These details also help create flattering silhouettes. Brides can choose to add more elaborate accessories and hairpieces to balance out the simple gown.
These gowns are simple, but brides are sure to exude a classic style and grace when wearing them.
In contrast, those looking for elaborate and fancy details can go for these gowns.
Detailed lace appliques creating an illusion sweetheart neckline are paired with a voluminous ballgown skirt enhanced with extra layers of tulle, pick-ups and lace designs. You’re sure to catch the eye of everyone on your big day.
These gowns are filled with embroidery details throughout. They give an all-over shimmer to create a bold and dramatic look.
Gown Shapes
Different gown styles flatter different body sizes and shapes. Check out (insert link for Wedding Gown article) for which type of gown you should choose. (Mermaid, Trumpet, A-Line, A-Grand, Ballgown)
Alternatively, here are some unique styles you can consider.
Gowns with tiers offer a distinct layered look and present you in a fresh and carefree vibe.
These wedding dresses are not your conventional one-piece gowns. It is constructed with a sheer cropped lace top with a flowy skirt to complete the look. It adds a sense of adventurous and energy. Wearing this ensemble also allows you to move about freely without much waist constraint.
Want to move about more freely? Go for either a shorter gown or one with an open slit. These styles make you look effortlessly beautiful with a hint of youthful energy.
‘Bohemian’ maybe one word but it doesn’t mean one style will fit all brides! There are always plenty of elements you can play with to find your desired gown.
Necklines
Jewel: round neckline that sits at the base of the throat, this is suitable for petite or flat-chested women
Off-Shoulder: neckline that sits below the shoulders with sleeves covering part of the upper arm, exposing your collarbone makes it beautiful and sexy
Sweetheart: neckline shaped like the top half of the heart. Recommended for full-chested women as it accentuates the décolletage
Sabrina: follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulder. Suited more for flat chested women
Halter: features straps or fabric that turn inward, connecting behind the neck. These shapes look best for taller brides.
Scoop: low cut neckline
Sleeves
Spaghetti Straps: thin straps that go over your shoulder
Off-Shoulder: sleeves may be tight bands that cover part of your upper arm
Cap Sleeve: little sleeves that cover just your shoulder
Three-Quarter: sleeves that end midway between your elbow and wrist
Long Sleeves: sleeves that go all the way down to your wrist
Fabrics
Brocade: jacquard-woven fabric with raised designs
Charmeuse: lightweight, semi-lustrous satin-like fabric
Chiffon: delicate, sheer and transparent. Made from silk or rayon with a soft finish
Silk: one of the most traditional fabric and most sought-after fabric for wedding dress
Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon but the stiffer texture
Satin: heavy, smooth fabric with lustrous front and a dull back
Silk Gazar: a four-ply silk organza
Silk-faced satin: smooth silk with a glossy front and matte back
Shantung: similar to raw silk with rough texture
Taffeta: crisp and smooth with a slight rib
Tulle: netting of silk, nylon or rayon
Velvet: soft and thick
Trains
Sweep: shortest train, extending 6 inches longer after touching the floor, a great choice for outdoor weddings
Chapel: extends 12-18 inches long
Cathedral: extends 22 or more inches long, looks beautiful on ball gowns and A-line dresses
Monarch: the longest of the train, this extends a yard or more
Check out the link to take a quiz on what kind of wedding dress style are you:
The Knot Wedding Dress Style Quiz
Veil
Usually the type and length of veil used depends on the formality of the dress.
See More: Types of Wedding Veil
Tips to Know:
Wear the right garment
For your appointments, it is recommended to wear nude undergarments and a strapless bra. If you are going to try out off-shoulder or strapless dress, it will look different with your bra straps sticking out.
Test it out
Wedding gowns are not the most comfortable dress out there, but make sure you can at least move around in it. If you are going to have a dance floor or performance, test some moves out to ensure that you don’t end up being a stiff zombie on your wedding day.
Matching Bridal Bouquet to Wedding Dress
After you have finalised your wedding dress, pairing it with the right bouquet will help you nail your wedding look perfectly.
Consider your skin tone
For fair skin tones, placid blues and blue-greens are especially flattering. Peach, coral, aqua and bright greens are all colours that work well on fairer tones. However, avoid dark and dull colours – black and white may also be too much of a contrast on your snow-white skin. Red complements fair skin tones well too; bold, daring and intense to steal the show on your big day.
Medium skin tones work well with almost any colour, but brighter and deeper hues work best. Colours that provide a complimenting contrast are mint blue, pink and metallic. Colours that are less ideal are browns, beiges and greys since they dull down the radiant tan of your skin.
For dark or tanned skin, light yellow, pastel and peachy shades. If you are confident with bold colours, shades like red or electric blue would be beautiful on you too! Do remember to stay away from browns and blacks if you don’t want the dress to blend in with your skin.
Balance
Balance is key to ensure you don’t look too plain or over-cluttered with embellishments. For instance, if your wedding gown already has elaborate embellishments, it would be recommended to go for a simpler bouquet. If your dress is simple, going with an intricately designed bouquet can spruce up your look.
Size of Bouquet
Just like finding a fitting gown, it’s crucial to find a bouquet that wouldn’t underwhelm or overwhelm you. For example, if your dress has a narrow waist, pick an even narrower bouquet so that it doesn’t defeat the purpose of your dress by crowding the area.
Colours
Your florist will usually help you in choosing a colour that complements well with your wedding dress. As colours can look different under different shades of light, a picture might not be as accurate. Hence, you can collect a swatch of fabric from your gown for your florist to plan accordingly. More importantly, this will dictate how your bridesmaids dresses look like.
Choose your shopping crew wisely
As mentioned, limit your shopping crew to a small size to prevent drowning in too many opinions. Get someone who is supportive and understands you, and is able to give honest comments. Also, not forgetting people who need to be there, such as people who are paying for your gown. Otherwise, you may want to consider shopping alone if you feel most comfortable doing so.
“There will be a lot of opinions, just know that you can’t please everyone. But the most important thing is to follow yourself. If you do that, you will never regret it” – Natalia from Frieda Brides.
Walking with your Wedding Gown
Once your Wedding gown is done, you also have to learn how to bring out its charm through your walk. As the couple will be walking down the aisle together on the big day, it’s important to rehearse the walk-in together to prevent awkward falls or situations during the wedding.
Shop on a weekday
Weekends are usually very packed, and you want to ensure you have enough personal attention from the salesperson, to answer your every burning question and give you advice along the way. You may also give the bridal studio a call beforehand to make an appointment to ensure you don’t clash with another bride’s appointment on that day. It would be advised not to start shopping too early as new collections come out every few months, and you might change your mind. However, you can also approach the bridal studio about 6 to 12 months before your wedding. It will give the bride enough time to look around at her options.
The bride can also choose whether she wants to purchase a brand new gown, rent or do a bespoke made-to-measure one.
If you’re already certain of getting a bespoke gown, it would be recommended to start earlier. This allows your designer and seamstress to have more time to tailor a gown of high quality tailored for you.
Price range
The amount of money you should set aside for your wedding dress depends on whether you plan to purchase a ready-made gown, rent or get a bespoke one. These are some estimates recommended to ensure you have a good quality wedding gown on your big day.
Purchase
Ready-made gowns will start from $3000 upwards. Although it would be cheaper to rent, some brides might want their own dress to keep for memory sake.
Rental
Rental gowns can start from $1500 onwards. Rental rates are usually 40% to 70% of the purchase prices depending on the boutiques. Rental periods can vary but will usually be around seven days. You can also check with your boutiques if you require the gown for long periods of time for pre-wedding shoots or destination weddings.
Bespoke
The price of a bespoke gown will depend on the materials and complexity of your desired design. It is expected to cost more than the other two choices since a whole gown will be made from scratch, especially for you.
Conclusion
Choosing a wedding gown or wedding dress to wear on your big day can be a daunting task. Family and friends might also have differing opinions on how you should dress, but you should also remember that you should trust yourself the most. Go with the gown that makes you happy, and you’ll have a wedding you’ll not regret it.