Bridal Expo is this weekend and it’s a unique opportunity for brides. Many of the wedding boutiques, including my friends at Cameo & Cufflinks, sell wedding dress samples at very affordable prices. When they asked me to put together a few tips for selecting a wedding gown at Expo (and in general for that matter), I jumped at the chance. Over the years I’ve worked with many a bride so here’s one photographer’s take on selecting the perfect gown. For good measure, I’ve thrown in a few tips for photos on the wedding day too.

1. Know your measurements in advance so that you’ll be able to hone in on the ideal sizes.
2. Bring shoes and appropriate undergarments for trying on gowns. If you’re trying to envision how you’ll look on your wedding day, chances are black underwear underneath or sneakers on your feet will distract you.
3. Once you’ve found your dream gown, be sure to get it custom-tailored for you. You don’t want to be tugging and pulling at your dress on your wedding day. A gown that fits your perfectly will make for more flattering wedding photographs.
4. Have a seamstress create a bustle for your gown (if applicable). Having the ability to get your train off of the floor will make dancing easier, will keep guests from stepping on your dress and will keep the hem clean.
5. If you have a bustle, have your Maid of Honor attend your final fitting so that she knows how it all works. Seamstresses do a beautiful job of making the buttons and hooks that make up the bustle invisible, so make sure that someone knows exactly how it all works on your wedding day.
6. As a photographer, I would recommend having your dress and veil steamed prior to the wedding. This will ensure there’s no wrinkles or creases in your wedding photographs.
7. If you want lovely photos of your wedding gown hanging before you get dressed on your wedding day, invest in a pretty hanger. It’s difficult to make wire or plastic hangers look beautiful in a photo.
8. When you see breathtaking images of dresses hanging and brides getting ready on the morning of their wedding, they typically involve a clean room with soft, natural light. Set aside a spot for this that’s separate from all of the hustle and bustle of getting ready. You want to avoid clutter like unmade beds, lunch trays and hairspray bottles.
9. Find a gown that’s comfortable to wear and that you feel beautiful in. If you will need to sit during Mass at your ceremony, be sure that you’re able to do so easily in your dress. If you’re hoping for wedding photographs that will require a little “off-roading” (for example on a remote mountain pathway or in the middle of a field of wildflowers), be sure that you’ll be able to walk with ease in the dress you choose.
10. Enjoy every minute!

Images from a spring photo shoot with Cameo & Cufflinks.  Bride wore a Romona Keveza bridal gown, “Radiance” veil by Toni Federici and earrings from Haute Bride.

Bridal bouquet:  Fleurish Flower Shop.

Model:  Serena

Serena’s hair and make-up was styled by Michelle from Diva Salon Spa Chinook.

Bridal stores Calgary captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

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