One of the things a bride is usually most excited about is choosing wedding dress. In Toronto, brides can choose nearly any type of wedding gown thanks to our four distinct seasons. Whether you want an outdoors wedding under the bright summer sun or a winter-themed wedding that showcases our local snowy wonderland during the colder months, you really can plan and define your wedding style.

Choosing your bridal gown is a big first step in the wedding planning process. Of course it’s a fun, bonding experience for you and your entourage, but it’s more than that. It’s actually a really important part of developing the theme, or look and feel of your wedding. If you choose a lightweight, casual gown, maybe you’ll want to think about an outdoors wedding in a garden, at the beach, or another beautiful outside venue. If you choose an elegant, beaded princess cut wedding dress, you may be thinking of a more formal event at a country club, hotel ballroom, or other classic venue.

Bridal gown shops are overflowing with options to consider. No matter your personality or style, there is a perfect dress just waiting for you. Have fun picking out your bridal gown and use it as a chance to showcase your personal style on a whole other level. Here are a few of the factors you’ll want to consider when looking at bridal gowns:

Fabric

When it comes to picking your bridal gown, fabric is one thing you’ll definitely want to pay attention to. The fabric used in a gown directly impacts how much it weighs and how comfortable it is. If you’re going for an elegant, structured look, you may be drawn to satin gowns with structured boning. On the other hand, brides who are concerned about comfort and being able to move freely on the dance floor may favor materials like charmeuse or batiste. Remember, you may love the way a gown looks in a magazine or on a mannequin in the bridal shop, but you’ll always want to try it on and see how it feels before setting your heart on any one dress.

Beading

Elaborately beaded bridal gowns say a lot about the bride. Understated beading can say regal, elegant, and refined, while more extravagantly beaded bridal gowns may say vibrant, fashionable, and fun. Brides can choose subtle beading details in a few key areas, crystals built into the entire bodice, or beading motifs that are incorporated throughout the skirt.

Cut

You may surprise yourself with the type of cut that you choose for your wedding dress. Many brides come in saying they want to avoid a specific style, only to try one on and see that it complements their body type and style perfectly. For example, you may think you would never want to wear a princess gown, but be open to your bridal consultant’s recommendations. It doesn’t hurt to try a gown on just once to see if the cut is flattering or you end up loving the style. Remember, most brides don’t get to wear formal gowns on a regular basis, so they may not know which cuts look best on them. Some of the most popular gown types available include A-line dresses, empire cut dresses, mermaid dresses, and fit and flares.

These are just a handful of factors to consider when looking at bridal gowns in Toronto. Think about what you’re looking for before coming in for your bridal appointment, but keep an open mind, too. By choosing a dress that highlights your personality and style you’ll be laying the groundwork for the rest of the planning process.