Designing your Wedding Dress

There is so much to plan and curate on your big day that designing your own wedding dress is usually only taken on by the most organised and creative brides to be and as such many will resign themselves to endless searches to find the one (or the two)! dresses for the big day.

Bella Luna helps many realise their dreams, assisting with the design process- whether traditional, contemporary or statement style is required, we offer such an extensive range of base designs, we can accommodate almost every request for both the Ceremony dress to the evening dress, allowing another level of style and elevation of occasion. From bodice to embroidery, tulle to lace, corset to barely there, and the fullest of trains to the shortest (most tasteful) of minis for a bit of evening dancing, we have an extensive portfolio of custom made dresses, base designs, and designer collections to help you acquire your truly unique, handmade wedding dress design.

 

The Traditional Wedding Ceremony Dress

For those brides who opt for a very traditional wedding dress for the ceremony, choosing a distinct evening dress for the celebration offers a range of benefits. Firstly, it allows for a seamless transition from the more formal and traditional ceremony to the lively and festive atmosphere of the evening reception. This dual-dress approach enables brides to enjoy the best of both worlds, honoring tradition during the ceremony while expressing their individuality and style later in the evening.

Moreover, selecting an evening dress can be a thoughtful way to please family members, especially mothers or grandmothers who may have strong preferences for a classic bridal look during the ceremony. By adhering to tradition for the ceremony and introducing a more contemporary or glamorous gown for the evening, brides can strike a balance between honoring familial expectations and expressing their personal taste.

The evening dress also provides an opportunity for brides to let loose and have fun. It's a chance to showcase a different side of their personality and celebrate the joyous occasion in a dress that aligns with the festivities. This approach allows brides to create lasting memories by curating distinct looks that represent various facets of their identity, all while ensuring that the ceremony remains steeped in tradition and family values. Ultimately, the dual-dress strategy caters to both personal style and familial expectations, resulting in a wedding day that is as diverse and unique as the bride herself.

 

 

Themed Weddings and your Wedding Dress

If your evening celebration is themed, it adds an extra layer of excitement and provides a unique opportunity to tailor your second wedding dress to the chosen theme. Consider how the theme can influence your dress choice, incorporating elements that seamlessly blend with the overall ambiance. For example, if you're having a vintage-themed evening wedding, explore dresses with retro silhouettes, lace detailing, or even a nod to a specific era. Alternatively, for a beach or destination-themed celebration, opt for a flowing and lightweight gown that captures the easy-breezy spirit of the location. Whatever the theme, let it inspire your choice of color, fabric, and details, ensuring that your second dress not only complements the overall aesthetic but also becomes an integral part of the enchanting theme you've carefully curated for your special day. Themed weddings offer a fantastic canvas for creativity, allowing you to infuse your personal style into every aspect of your celebration, including your stunning second wedding dress for the evening.

 

DRESS CONSIDERATIONS

Often Bella Luna get clients who are a little frustrated about the process of choosing a wedding dress – if the budget is high end, couture it is quite common to find that the bride to be is finding that stylistically, customisations are difficult to request or that by dealing with a big designer can lead to mis-communications between the vision of the bride and the actual detail delivered.

This is where Bella Luna excel - you get to deal directly with the person who is custom designing your dress, with a vast selection of base designs she will work with you to ensure you get the exact detail you require, whether it is a fit and flair wedding dress, a fitted lace silhouette, a Cinderella ball gown or a fun wedding dress for the evening we can ensure your exact vision is realised and often at a fraction of the cost.

When considering the details of the dress, it is wise first to carefully consider whether you want a single dress – one that will take you from the walk down the aisle to the evening and beyond. Much of those decisions will form more clearly as you progress through your wedding plans and the clear benefits of having two dresses will become more or less apparent. If you are opting for a slim fitting, lightweight dress, a beach ceremony and a luxurious evening party you may find just one dress is the perfect solution, equally, you may find that you want to spend every bit of your budget on designing and creating the ultimate big day dress and float around in this for the entire day. However, for those opting for a themed wedding or those wanting to combine the most traditional with a more flamboyant evening the Big Day Dress and the Big Celebration Dress may suit your vision more.

Here's a guide to help you navigate this Wedding dress design process:

1. Consider the Venue and Theme:

Think about the setting and theme of your evening celebration. Is it a formal affair in a ballroom, a chic rooftop gathering, or a cozy intimate dinner? Your dress should complement the overall atmosphere.

2. Reflect Your Personal Style:

Your evening dress is a chance to express a different facet of your style. If your first dress was traditional, perhaps opt for something more modern and sleek. Alternatively, if your initial dress was contemporary, consider a classic, timeless look for the evening.

3. Choose the Right Silhouette:

The evening dress silhouette should suit your body type and enhance your best features. A fitted mermaid or trumpet silhouette can add drama, while an A-line or ball gown can provide a touch of elegance.

4. Play with Color:

While white or ivory are classic choices, an evening dress allows for more flexibility with color. Consider blush, champagne, or even bolder tones like navy, burgundy, or black, depending on the formality of the event and your personal preferences.

5. Embrace Luxurious Fabrics:

Evening weddings often call for richer fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. These materials can add a luxurious touch to your dress and make you stand out in the evening light.

6. Explore Unique Details:

Look for dresses with intricate beadwork, embroidery, or lace detailing. Unique necklines, open backs, or illusion sleeves can add that special feature that will complete your look. Don't be afraid to be bold and experiment with different textures and patterns. The train is another feature that Bella Luna get asked for regularly, those wanting an elegant or glamorous detail that often this day only can ever command.

7. Consider Practicality:

Keep in mind the comfort factor, especially if you plan to dance the night away. Ensure that the dress allows for ease of movement and doesn't hinder your ability to enjoy the celebration.

8. Coordinate with Accessories:

Select accessories that complement your evening dress. Consider statement earrings, a chic clutch, and elegant heels to complete the look. Pay attention to the overall harmony of your ensemble.

9. Budget Wisely:

Decide on a budget for your second dress and explore options within that range. There are beautiful evening dresses available at various price points, so you can find something that aligns with your financial plan.

10. Have Fun with the Process:

Choosing a second wedding dress for the evening is a joyful experience. Enjoy the process of trying on different styles and envisioning how each dress aligns with the magical atmosphere of your evening celebration.

Remember, the most important factor is that your second wedding dress makes you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to celebrate the next chapter of your life.

Choosing a second wedding dress designed for the evening is a wonderful opportunity to showcase a different side of your style and personality.

 

EARLY STAGES OF WEDDING PLANNING

Early stages of wedding planning are crucial for setting the foundation for a smooth and stress-free journey. Here's a checklist that includes choosing your dress and dress fittings:

**1. Create a Budget: Establish a realistic budget that outlines your spending limits for the entire wedding. This will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.

**2. Draft a Guest List: Begin compiling a guest list to estimate the size of your wedding. This information is essential for selecting a venue and planning other aspects of the celebration.

**3. Choose a Date and Venue: Determine a wedding date and secure your ceremony and reception venues. Popular venues may book quickly, so early decisions are crucial.

**4. Research and Book Vendors: Start researching and booking key vendors, such as photographers, videographers, florists, and caterers. Secure professionals whose work aligns with your vision.

**5. Select Your Bridal Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key members of your bridal party. Communicate important dates and expectations early on.

**6. Wedding Dress Shopping: Begin the search for your dream wedding dress. Schedule appointments at bridal boutiques and start exploring different styles. Remember to consider the lead time for ordering and alterations. It is also wise to start to decide on bridesmaids dresses.

**7. Settle on a Theme or Style: Determine the overall theme or style you want for your wedding. This will influence your choices for decor, attire, and other details.

**8. Create a Wedding Website, Social Group or Community: Establish a wedding website to share important details with guests, including the date, venue information, and accommodations.

**9. Research Marriage License Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the marriage license requirements in your location. Ensure you have ample time to obtain the necessary documentation.

**10. Plan Engagement Photos: If you desire engagement photos, schedule a session with your chosen photographer. This is a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera.

**11. Book Accommodations: Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests and secure accommodations for yourself and your partner for the wedding night.

**12. Research, meet and arrange hair and beauty stylists. I would also recommend you extend this beauty stylist research to include all style elements, are you going to hire an event planner - or are you choosing the flowers, event styling, menus and organising the whole day - can you sensibly appoint your Bridal Party to manage these responsibilities - or some of them.

**13. Arrange Dress Fittings: Once you've chosen your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses schedule dress fittings with a reputable seamstress. Start early to allow time for alterations.

**14. Determine Wedding Party Attire: Decide on the attire for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the bridal party. Communicate your preferences and provide guidance on where to purchase or rent their outfits.

**15. Plan Honeymoon: Begin researching and planning your honeymoon. Ensure your passports are up-to-date if you plan to travel internationally.

**16. Set Up Gift Registry: Create a gift registry to provide guests with options for wedding gifts. Include a variety of price points and items that reflect your needs and preferences.

By addressing these key aspects in the early stages of wedding planning, you'll establish a solid foundation for the months ahead, allowing for a more enjoyable and organized journey toward your special day.

 

Budgeting for your Big Day.

There are several apps designed specifically to help couples track their wedding expenses and manage their budgets effectively. Here are a few popular wedding budget apps:

WeddingWire:

WeddingWire offers a comprehensive wedding planning app that includes budget tracking features. It allows you to set a budget, track expenses, and receive payment reminders. The app also provides tools for managing your guest list and tracking RSVPs.

The Knot Wedding Planner:

The Knot is a widely used wedding planning platform that also offers a mobile app. The app includes a budget tracker, a checklist of tasks, and tools for managing your vendors. It syncs with The Knot website for seamless planning across devices.

Zola Weddings:

Zola Weddings is an all-in-one wedding planning app that includes budget tracking features. It allows you to create and manage your wedding checklist, track expenses, and even build a wedding website. The app also offers registry services.

Appy Couple:

Appy Couple is known for its wedding website services, but it also provides budget tracking features. The app allows you to manage your budget, track RSVPs, and share important details with your guests.

Honeyfund:

Honeyfund is primarily known as a honeymoon registry service, but it also offers a wedding budget tracking app. It helps you create and manage your wedding budget, track expenses, and set financial goals for your honeymoon.

Joy:

Joy is a wedding website and app that includes budget tracking tools. It allows you to manage your budget, track expenses, and share wedding details with your guests. The app also provides a digital RSVP feature.

Before choosing an app, it's a good idea to explore each one to see which features align with your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, read reviews from other users to get a sense of how well the app performs in real-world wedding planning scenarios.