When you’re looking for the perfect bridal gown, it’s helpful to know some basics about wedding gown creation. Who knows it better than a wedding dress designer? We’re bringing in an expert, Angela Kim Couture, to share some of her top tips on selecting your wedding dress. We’re also asking her some questions about her favorite styles and trends of wedding dresses she has designed for her bridal clients.
Let’s get started!
Bridal Gown Selection Tips from Angela Kim Couture
In our interview, we asked Angela about her favorite dresses in the collection, why, and some elements of a gown that brides should consider. Here is the valuable insight she shares with us!
What are your top three dresses in your collection? What makes them your favorites?
“As a custom bridal designer, I find it difficult to choose just three favorite dresses. My true passion lies in creating the perfect dress for each individual bride, regardless of style or aesthetic. What makes a dress truly special to me is how well it suits the bride and brings out her best features.
“However, if I were to highlight some standout pieces, I’d focus on dresses that embody unique, personal elements:
• Dresses with custom embroidery: “I love when brides incorporate personal touches like family crests, initials of loved ones, or symbols that hold special meaning. These details make the dress truly one-of-a-kind and emotionally significant.”
• Gowns featuring custom-created fabrics: “The process of designing bespoke fabrics with my clients is incredibly rewarding. Sketching beading patterns and selecting materials together creates a special bond and results in a truly unique dress.”
• Perfectly fitted silhouettes: “While not a specific dress, I take great pride in creating gowns that flatter each bride’s body type perfectly. This comes from carefully selecting the right silhouette, fabric, and construction techniques to enhance the bride’s natural beauty.”
“Ultimately, my favorite dresses are those that make my brides feel their absolute best on their wedding day, regardless of specific style elements. It’s about creating a dress that fits perfectly, both physically and emotionally, for each individual client.”
What are the most important elements a bride should consider when deciding on a particular style?
Angela tells us the important elements a bride should consider when deciding on a particular style for a wedding dress. From body type to personal style, here are the important tips for selecting a wedding dress.
► Body type and silhouette: Choose a style that flatters your figure and enhances your best features. Try on different silhouettes to see what works best for you.
► Comfort: You’ll be wearing this dress for several hours, so ensure it’s comfortable enough for walking, sitting, and dancing.
► Venue and season: Consider the location and time of year for your wedding. The dress should be appropriate for the setting and weather.
► Personal style: Your wedding dress should reflect your personality and taste. Look for elements that resonate with your overall style.
► Budget: Determine what you can afford and look for options within that range. Remember that custom dresses can often provide better value for money than off-the-rack options.
► Fabric: The choice of fabric affects both the look and feel of the dress. Consider factors like weight, drape, and how it photographs.
► Details and embellishments: Think about the level of detail you want, such as lace, beading, or embroidery. These elements can significantly impact the overall look and cost.
► Timeline: Consider how much time you have before the wedding, as custom dresses often require several months to create.
► Versatility: If you plan to have multiple events or want to change your look during the reception, consider a dress with removable elements or the option to style it differently.
She also underscores how important it is to try on styles you may not originally consider. She says,
“Remember, it’s helpful to try on various styles, even ones you might not initially consider. Be open to suggestions from experienced designers or consultants, as they may have insights into what will work best for you. Ultimately, the most important factor is how the dress makes you feel – you should feel confident, beautiful, and like the best version of yourself on your wedding day.”
We think that’s great advice!
What is one major wedding gown trend you would predict for 2025 and why?
“If I could predict one major wedding gown trend for 2025, it would be the resurgence of highly personalized and eco-friendly designs. Brides are becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability and are looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their weddings. This trend will likely manifest in several key ways:
– Sustainable Fabrics: “The use of organic, recycled, and ethically sourced fabrics will become more prevalent. Brides will seek out materials that not only look beautiful but also have a minimal environmental impact. Fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo silk, and recycled lace will be popular choices.”
– Heirloom and Vintage Elements: “Incorporating heirloom pieces or vintage fabrics will gain popularity. Brides will look to family heirlooms, such as lace from a grandmother’s dress or vintage buttons, to add a sentimental and sustainable touch to their gowns.”
– Customization and Personalization: “Customization will be at the forefront, with brides wanting gowns that reflect their unique stories and personalities. This could include bespoke embroidery with meaningful symbols or text, custom fabric patterns designed in collaboration with the bride, and unique color accents.”
– Minimalist Elegance: “A trend towards minimalist elegance, with clean lines and simple silhouettes, will continue to grow. Brides will seek timeless designs that can be easily accessorized and that emphasize quality over quantity in terms of materials and embellishments.”
“The focus on sustainability and personalization aligns with the broader cultural shifts towards environmental consciousness and individuality. Brides in 2025 will want their wedding gowns to tell a story, not just of their love, but of their values and commitment to a sustainable future.”
What is the most challenging part, as the designer, of bringing a bridal gown vision to life? What is the most rewarding?
“The most challenging part of bringing a bridal gown vision to life is translating a bride’s abstract ideas and emotions into a tangible, wearable work of art. Brides often come with a mix of inspiration, sometimes without a clear, cohesive vision. They might have bits and pieces of ideas—like wanting a vintage feel, a modern silhouette, or a specific type of lace—without knowing how these elements can come together harmoniously. Navigating through these fragments and piecing them together into a cohesive design requires deep understanding, creativity, and communication.
“Additionally, technical challenges arise in the actual construction of the dress. Ensuring the perfect fit is paramount, and this involves meticulous attention to detail in measurements, pattern making, and fabric selection. The choice of materials, the intricacy of embellishments, and the overall construction must all align perfectly. Managing the timeline and ensuring every component arrives and is assembled as planned adds another layer of complexity.
“The most rewarding part of the process is seeing the bride’s reaction when she tries on her gown for the first time. There is an indescribable joy and emotion that comes with witnessing a bride’s dream come to life. Knowing that you have played a part in making her feel beautiful and confident on one of the most important days of her life is incredibly fulfilling.
“Moreover, the collaborative journey itself is highly rewarding. Building a relationship with the bride, understanding her story, and infusing that personal connection into the gown creates a deep sense of satisfaction. The gratitude and happiness expressed by brides and their families make all the challenges worthwhile.”
As a bridal gown designer, she knows how important it is to spend time selecting the dress of your dreams. She tells us, “Shopping for a bridal gown is a special experience, and it can also be overwhelming. Here are my best tips to help make the process smoother and more enjoyable.”
Tips for Choosing the Right Bridal Gown
1. Do Your Research: Before your appointments, browse bridal magazines, websites, and social media to get an idea of what styles you like. Save images of gowns that catch your eye to show your consultant.
2. Know Your Budget: Set a realistic budget for your gown, including alterations and accessories. Inform your consultant about your budget so they can show you dresses within your price range.
3. Keep an Open Mind: While it’s good to have an idea of what you like, be open to trying on different styles. Sometimes, a gown you wouldn’t have considered might end up being “the one.”
4. Consider Your Venue and Theme: Think about the location and style of your wedding. A beach wedding might call for a lighter, flowy gown, while a ballroom wedding might suit a more formal, elaborate dress.
5. Bring Supportive People: Bring a few trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, so keep your entourage small and supportive.
Tips to Make Wedding Dress Shopping Easier
To make wedding dress shopping a simpler experience – and more memorable – she suggests you schedule the appointments early, bring along the proper undergarments, and more. Here are her top tips for wedding dress shopping.
• Schedule Appointments Early: “Start shopping for your gown at least 12 months before your wedding. This allows ample time for ordering and alterations.”
• Wear Proper Undergarments: “Wear or bring any shapewear you plan to use. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will look on your big day.”
• Communicate Clearly: “Be clear about what you like and dislike when trying on dresses. Honest feedback helps your consultant understand your vision and preferences better.”
• Take Photos and Notes: “If allowed, take photos and notes of each dress you try on. This will help you remember details and make comparisons later.”
• Stay True to Yourself: “Choose a gown that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, this is your day, and your dress should make you feel like the best version of yourself.”
She also adds the most important tip for last:
• Have Fun and Enjoy the Moment: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy the process, savor the moments, and remember that the perfect gown is out there waiting for you.”
We hope you enjoyed this wonderful and helpful guide to wedding dress selecting and shopping. Thank you to bridal gown designer, Angela Kim, for sharing her expertise with us.
If you want to start designing your dream bridal gown, talk to Angela! Visit her website at AngelaKimCouture.com to see designs and find out more.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a post in collaboration with our Featured Artist, Angela Kim Couture.
