Finding “the one” when it comes to your wedding dress is an unforgettable part of your Dream Dress Journey. I understand you have questions, and I’m here to provide the answers that will make your experience joyful and stress-free. I’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions into this comprehensive guide, ensuring you’re well-equipped to say “yes” to the dress of your dreams and walk down the aisle feeling absolutely radiant.

1. When to Begin Your Search and Say “Yes” to the Dress

One of the first questions we hear from excited brides-to-be is, “When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?” My expert advice is to begin your bridal gown journey at least 12 months before your wedding date.

You might wonder why so early, but this timeframe is crucial for several reasons:

• Design and Production: Many of our exquisite JRW Bridal gowns are meticulously made-to-order. This personalised approach ensures every detail is perfect for you, but it’s a process that takes time – often several months from the initial order to the gown’s arrival.
• Stress-Free Decision Making: This is a significant decision, and you want to feel completely confident in your choice, not rushed. Starting early gives you the luxury of exploring different styles, fabrics, and silhouettes without pressure, allowing you to make an unhurried and confident decision.
• Essential Alterations: Once your dress arrives, it will need professional alterations to achieve that flawless, custom fit. This typically involves 2-3 sessions spaced over several weeks. A buffer here is vital to accommodate dressmakers’ schedules and ensure perfection.
• Accessorising Your Look: Once you’ve found your gown, you’ll want time to choose the perfect accessories – your veil (which we can create just for you), shoes, and jewellery – to complete your unique bridal look. These elements can truly elevate your dress, and rushing this part can detract from the overall vision.

While we understand that some timelines are shorter due to unexpected circumstances, giving yourself this ample window ensures the most relaxed and enjoyable experience as you find your dream wedding dress.

2. Achieving the Perfect Fit: Measurements, Alterations, and Underwear

Once you’ve chosen your gown, the next crucial step is ensuring it fits you perfectly. We frequently get asked, “How can I ensure my dress fits perfectly?” and “What underwear should I wear with my wedding dress?” The secret to that impeccable silhouette lies in precise measurements, expert alterations, and the right foundation.

The Magic of Measurements and Alterations

At JRW Bridal, we believe your wedding dress should fit you in the most flattering way. Here’s how we ensure your gown will fit you like a dream:

• Professional Measurements: When you order your JRW gown, we will take precise measurements to determine the closest standard size. We also offer a ‘split sizing’ option at an extra cost, to help save you at the alteration stage. It’s important to remember that bridal sizing often differs significantly from high street sizing, so trust us to guide you.
• Scheduled Alterations: Once your gown arrives, we’ll guide you to trusted bridal alteration specialists. These professionals are masters of their craft, and they will work their magic over 2-3 fittings, customising the dress to your unique body.
• Wear Your Wedding Shoes: This is a golden rule! Always bring the exact shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day to all your alteration appointments. This is absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect hem length and ensuring you can move comfortably.
• Trust the Experts: Our bridal stylists and your chosen seamstress are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and confidence. Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or preferences you have throughout the process.

3. The Right Underwear for a Flawless Foundation

The right undergarments can make all the difference to your comfort and the overall silhouette of your dress. Here’s my guide to selecting the perfect underwear for your bridal outfit:

• Seamless & Supportive are Key: Generally, seamless, nude-coloured underwear is your best friend. Avoid anything with strong lines, lace, or excessive embellishments that could show through your dress fabric (unless it’s a fully lined A-line skirt then you can have more wriggle room – literally).
• Bra or Built-In Support? Many JRW Bridal gowns feature expertly constructed built-in boning and cups, often negating the need for a separate bra. During your consultation, we can advise on whether your chosen gown offers sufficient support for your needs.
• Shapewear (Optional but Popular): If you’re looking for a smooth, sculpted silhouette, high-quality shapewear can be a fantastic option. Take note: a very low back is not going to be accommodating to high waisted shapewear or panties. Otherwise if you really need you can consider full-body suits, high-waisted briefs, or shaping shorts, depending on your gown’s style. We highly recommend trying them on with your dress during fittings to ensure they work seamlessly.
• Adhesive Bras/Nipple Covers: For specific gown styles like backless, deep-V, or strapless designs, adhesive bras or discreet nipple covers can provide coverage and a little lift without visible straps.
• Comfort is Paramount: While aesthetics are important, remember you’ll be wearing this dress for many hours! Choose underwear that you feel comfortable and confident in throughout your wedding day.

Always bring your chosen undergarments (along with your wedding shoes!) to your alteration appointments to ensure they work in harmony with your gown. We are always here to offer personalised advice for your specific JRW Bridal dress!

4. Personalising Your Gown: Customisation Options

Many brides dream of a dress that’s uniquely theirs, leading to the common question, “Can I customise my JRW Bridal gown?”

I totally understand the desire for individuality and a dress that perfectly reflects your personal style. While our collections offer a wide array of exquisite designs, we are delighted to offer select customisation options on many of our gowns to make your dress truly one-of-a-kind.

Depending on the specific gown, customisations may include:

• Neckline Adjustments: Raising or lowering a neckline, or altering its shape (e.g., from a sweetheart to a straight-across design).
• Sleeve Additions/Removals: Adding elegant sleeves or removing existing ones to create a different look and feel, with the optional to have them interchangeable too.
• Lining Options: Modifying the opacity or colour of a lining for more coverage or to achieve a different aesthetic has become more popular recently.
• Train Length: Lengthening or shortening the train to suit your preference and the venue of your wedding or making the train completely detachable as an overskirt.
• Fabric Changes (Limited): In some cases, we may be able to offer minor fabric variations or embellishment additions to further personalize your gown.

To inquire about customisation, simply discuss your ideas with us during your JRW Bridal appointment. They will be able to advise you on the feasibility of your requested changes for your chosen gown and provide details on any associated costs and lead times. We love helping brides bring their unique vision to life, ensuring your JRW Bridal gown is everything you’ve dreamed of and more!

5. Preparing for Your Appointment: What to Bring

Your bridal appointment is an incredibly exciting milestone on your journey! To help you make the most of your experience and say “yes” to your dream dress, we often get asked, “What should I bring to my wedding dress appointment?”

Here’s a checklist to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and productive bridal consultation:

• Inspiration Photos: Have a bit of an idea of styles you love (and perhaps don’t love!). Bring screenshots, Pinterest boards, or magazine tear-outs of gowns that genuinely catch your eye.
• An Open Mind: While inspiration is fantastic, be open to trying on different silhouettes, fabrics, and details. You might be surprised by what you truly fall in love with once it’s on!
• Appropriate Undergarments: Wear seamless, nude-coloured underwear. If you have a specific strapless bra or shapewear you plan to wear on your wedding day, bring that along too, so you can see how it looks under various gowns.
• Hair Tie/Clips: If you’re considering updos or specific hairstyles for your wedding day, it can be helpful to see how the dress looks with your hair styled similarly.
• Comfortable Shoes: While you won’t need your exact wedding shoes yet, wearing comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off will make your experience much more enjoyable as you try on multiple dresses.
• A Trusted Confidante (or two!): Bring 1-2 key people whose opinions you truly value and trust. Too many opinions can sometimes be overwhelming and detract from your personal experience.
• An Idea of Your Budget: This is incredibly helpful for your Bridal Stylist. Sharing your comfortable price range allows them to guide you to gowns that fit within your financial comfort zone, ensuring a more focused and satisfying experience.
• Positive Energy! This is a truly special moment in your wedding planning journey. Come ready to have fun, envision yourself as a radiant bride, and enjoy every moment of finding your perfect gown!

If you’re in Perth, Australia, we can’t wait to welcome you to either our JRW Bridal Studio or our local Perth stockist, Bridal by Aubrey Rose and help you find the dress that makes your heart sing, setting the stage for your unforgettable wedding day!

With love,

Joanne

Founder and Creative Director

JRW Bridal & Couture