What the Bridal Clothiers Have to Say: Tips and Tricks Ahead of Your Wedding Day

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming…and that’s all completely normal!

One of the most important aspects of these preparations is choosing the perfect attire for the big day. To help guide you through this process, we’ve gathered insights from top bridal clothiers, namely Zahir Rajani of The Sartorial Shop and Tatiana Berdyugin and Natali Khylstov of Luxx Nova Bridal Boutique. Their expert advice will ensure you look and feel your best when you say, “I do.”

Let’s delve right into it!

Latest Trends in Wedding Fashion

Staying updated with wedding fashion trends can add a modern touch to your big day. Bridal clothiers share their observations on what's trending this season and how you can incorporate these styles into your wedding look.

“We are seeing a pleasant shift back to classical styles and tailoring, with a lot of grooms opting for a traditional look. Some examples of this would be wide peak lapels or wide belly shawl collars when it comes to a tuxedo, or dinner jacket. We are even seeing them opt for white tuxedo or dinner jackets. A lot of people may not know this, but white is actually the most formal colour to wear for a wedding, or formal event, with black being the second most formal,” said Zahir. “An easy way to accessorize your wedding day look would be to add a boutonniere to your jacket's lapel. This provides a nice, classic, and elegant accessory to the groom's outfit, and generally helps bring colours in from the bride's outfit, or even the bridesmaids' outfits into what the groom is wearing.”

Likewise, Tatiana and Natali note that “The latest trends in wedding fashion are all about blending traditional elegance with modern flair. Some of the hottest trends brides can incorporate into their wedding day look include basque and drop waistlines, black details, bubble skirts, little white dresses, lace, and peplum. By embracing these trends, brides can create a wedding day look that is both stylish and reflective of their personal taste; whether drawn to the classic elegance of lace or the bold statement of black details, there’s a trend to suit every bride’s vision for her special day.”

Incorporating current trends into your wedding attire can make you feel fashionable and contemporary, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your special day.

Choosing a Dress for Your Body Type and Style

Selecting a wedding dress that complements your body type and reflects your personal style is crucial. Experts share their approach to helping brides find the perfect gown that flatters their figure and aligns with their vision.

Natali and Tatiana explained how “guiding brides in choosing a wedding dress that suits their body type and personal style is a very delicate and personalized process. It all starts with understanding her vision. We love sitting down with brides, hearing about their dream day, the themes they’re drawn to, and the styles they’ve always imagined themselves wearing. This conversation sets the stage for everything that follows.”

It doesn’t just stop here, though. They then must “consider her body type and how different silhouettes can enhance her natural beauty. For instance, if a bride has an hourglass figure, we might suggest a mermaid gown to highlight her curves. If she's petite, a sleek, form-fitting dress can elongate her frame. The goal is to find a dress that not only looks stunning but also makes her feel comfortable and confident. Often, brides come in with specific ideas, but we encourage them to be open-minded and try on a variety of styles. It’s amazing how many brides end up falling in love with a dress they never would have considered! Comfort is key, so we pay close attention to how she feels in each dress. If she’s constantly adjusting the neckline or feels restricted, or the fabric seems to be itchy, we move on to other options. Every bride deserves to feel at ease and comfortable on her big day.”

Naturally, they understand that “personal style is the final touch. Whether it’s incorporating vintage lace, modern lines, or bohemian details, we ensure the dress reflects who she is. And of course, the venue and season play a role too—what works for a summer beach wedding might not be right for a winter ceremony in a hotel ballroom.”

With the right guidance, you can confidently choose a dress that not only looks stunning but also makes you feel comfortable and true to yourself.

Avoiding Common Suit Selection Mistakes

Grooms often face their own set of challenges when picking the right suit. Bridal clothiers highlight common mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them, ensuring the groom looks sharp and polished.

“A very common mistake is when a groom comes in with a picture of a style or trend that has been taken from a fast fashion website. This could be a short jacket or a jacket with tiny lapels, and the assumption is that this fast fashion trend is the new modern style of formalwear. In reality, it's a temporary style that's been created to stand out purely for the purposes of creating a fad and to push sales; this will cause buyer's remorse pretty quickly, and sometimes even before the wedding day, as a lot of grooms are purchasing their outfits at least three to six months prior to [the wedding]. Fast fashion trends are meant to last no more than three months at a time,” Zahir stated.

“We often see grooms coming in wanting to have a custom piece made after recognizing that their ‘trendy’ purchase wasn't a wise one. Instead, they'd like to opt for something that won't age poorly. The simplest way to avoid such mistakes is to look at styles that have stayed ‘current’ [over] time and opt for something like that. This way, when you look back at your wedding day pictures, you can proudly say that the suit or tuxedo you’re wearing is still being worn today (perhaps only with a slight variation).”

Similarly, Tatiana and Natali told us that, while they specialize in bridal gowns, they have seen our fair share of grooms making some classic mistakes when selecting their suits. “One of the biggest mistakes? Ignoring the bride's vision. Imagine the bride in a stunning vintage lace gown and the groom showing up in a neon green tuxedo. Memorable, yes—but probably not in the way you'd hope! Grooms, have a chat with your bride about the overall wedding look. Coordination is key.”

By being aware of these pitfalls, grooms can make more informed choices, resulting in a suit that enhances their appearance and fits seamlessly with the wedding theme.

Timeline for Shopping for Wedding Attire

Timing is everything when it comes to shopping for wedding attire. Clothiers discuss the ideal timeline for starting the search and the key milestones couples should keep in mind during the process.

On this note, Natali and Tatiana said, “The ideal window to begin your dress journey is typically 10 to 12 months before your big day. This might seem early, but here’s how the timeline breaks down. You’ll likely spend the first month or two exploring and trying on different styles to find the one that makes you feel most beautiful and confident. Once you’ve said ‘yes’ to the dress, remember that most bridal gowns are made to order.”

You want to give your dream team time to create your dream gown! “At Luxx Nova Bridal Boutique, each gown is meticulously handcrafted, demanding six to eight months for creation and delivery. This extensive process ensures your dress is nothing short of perfection. Subsequently, factor in about two months for fittings and alterations. Most gowns require some tweaking to achieve that bespoke fit, essential for your comfort and confidence on the big day.”

When it comes to suits, timelines are a bit different. “We recommend ordering a custom garment at least 90 days or 12 weeks before. This allows the groom to not be limited to a particular type of fabric, as Italian mills generally tend to shut down for the summer (or a part of the summer),” Zahir added. “A key milestone would be to be within a few pounds of their desired weight—whether they are gaining or losing—prior to coming in, to order their custom garment. This will help ensure a neater fit, without the need for extensive or extreme alterations.”

Following a well-planned timeline ensures that there’s ample time for fittings, alterations, and any last-minute changes, reducing stress as the big day approaches.

Considering Custom or Bespoke Attire

For a unique and personalized touch, many couples consider custom or bespoke wedding attire. Bridal clothiers offer their recommendations on this option, explaining the benefits and what to expect.

“Start early, think about the various types of styles, customizations, [and other things] that you can do with something bespoke. For example, we can customize linings and stitching, and we can even sew things like the wedding date into the collar or inside of the jacket,” Zahir explained. “Most importantly, have fun with the process!”

Furthermore, Tatiana and Natali noted their recommendation to “go with a local designer instead of ordering a custom dress online. We've seen brides scramble to find a new dress at the last minute because the custom dress ordered online was not what they were expecting at all. To avoid this, it's crucial to work with a local designer whom you can meet in person. This way, you can communicate your vision clearly, discuss all the details, and attend multiple fittings to ensure a perfect result. Having a local designer allows for better communication and more accurate adjustments, resulting in a dress that truly meets your expectations.”

Opting for custom attire can provide a perfect fit and a one-of-a-kind look that truly represents your individual style and preferences.

Ensuring the Perfect Fit with Alterations

Achieving the perfect fit often requires alterations. Experts detail their process for handling fittings and adjustments to ensure that every piece of attire fits flawlessly.

“We always encourage brides not to be afraid of alterations—they're an essential part of the process and inevitable to achieve that perfect fit. We educate them about the timeline for alterations to ensure everything runs smoothly. Although we don't do alterations in-house, we collaborate with some amazing seamstresses across the city who are true pros and take great care of our brides. By working with these talented professionals, we ensure that every bride walks down the aisle in a dress that fits her like a glove and makes her feel absolutely stunning,” Tatiana and Natali told us.

Plus, Zahir elaborated that “alterations and adjustments are included with all of our garments. For us, it is extremely important to ensure that when clients walk out of our showroom with their purchase, they are happy, and it fits perfectly. Some clients don’t need any alterations or adjustments, some may need one fitting, while others may need two or three. Everyone is different, and it’s our job to make sure that we can cater to everyone and make them look their absolute best!”

Proper alterations can transform a beautiful outfit into one that fits like a glove, enhancing comfort and appearance on your wedding day.

Caring for and Preserving Your Wedding Dress

After the wedding, preserving your dress is essential for keeping it pristine. Clothiers share their best tips for pre-wedding care and post-wedding preservation to maintain the dress’s beauty. “Caring for and preserving a wedding dress before and after the wedding is crucial to keeping it in pristine condition. Before the wedding, we encourage brides to store their dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. Using a breathable garment bag and avoiding excessive handling minimizes the risk of stains or damage. It’s very important to hang the dress by the loops inside the gown, not by the shoulder straps, to avoid stretching or distortion,” Natali and Tatiana said.

“After the wedding, we always recommend having the dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible to remove any stains, dirt, and oils. It's important to choose a cleaner specializing in wedding dresses to ensure the best care,” the duo added. “For storage, brides should consider using an acid-free box and tissue paper. This helps maintain the dress's condition by preventing yellowing and fabric damage. Storing the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture is also essential. We advise against using plastic bags or containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew.”

However, it’s important to note that there is the potential for one other option; Tatiana and Natali added that “for brides who are environmentally and sustainability-conscious, selling their wedding dress after the big day is a great option. It minimizes waste and allows another bride to enjoy this beautiful piece on her special day.”

With the right care, your wedding dress can remain a cherished keepsake, holding memories of your special day for years to come.

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Navigating the world of wedding attire can be daunting, but with expert advice from bridal clothiers, you can approach it with confidence and excitement. By considering these tips and insights, you’ll be well-prepared to make choices that enhance your wedding experience and leave you looking your absolute best.

Here’s to a smooth and stylish journey down the aisle and towards your perfect wedding day!