BRIDES in this country once simply wore their best dress for the ceremony, although some chose white as a symbol of purity and virginity.

We have Queen Victoria to thank for the traditional white wedding: it was only when she wore a white dress to her wedding in 1840 that it became fashionable to wear white. Until that time, royal brides wore silver.

Today brides can dive into the whole spectrum of the rainbow, glowing in regal sapphire, warming crimson or lush green. Colour is no longer the bridesmaid’s perogative. But most brides still prefer ivory, white and cream.

The bride should spend time looking for her outfit, seeking out contrasting styles to see how they complement her face and figure. A specialist adviser may suggest a look the bride has not envisaged, and yet which is perfect for her personality.

With so many different outfits to choose from, it is possible to choose a style that will be appropriate to your chosen wedding ceremony. If you have chosen a church wedding, then a traditional, long, flowing, silk dress will be most appropriate. But if you have chosen an informal affair, possibly out of doors, then it would be in keeping with mood to wear something less structured. A wedding specialist can offer either.

We think of a wedding as a formal occasion, but the degree of formality depends on the ethos and location of the wedding, elements which influence the choice of gown and are ultimately reflected in it.

The more your couturier or adviser knows about your vision of your wedding, the better they can help you.

For formal, morning weddings, the bride may favour a full-length gown, with a trailing skirt or train, set off by a graceful, tumbling, fingertip veil. (Fingertip length means that the veil falls below the back, but does not sweep down to the floor.) Without a veil, the effect is less formal.
And even if the look you have in mind does not immediately suggest a veil, it is always worth trying on a few, for this apparently simple wisp of gauze can create a stunning effect, flattering the features, softening the outline and imparting a little mystery to the whole effect.

A tiara is the most popular and appealing way to hold the veil, its starry sparkle adding a dramatic flourish. A simple comb fixing keeps your special hairstyle intact.

For an informal daytime wedding, the bride may opt for a knee-skimming or ankle-length dress or suit, combining modernity with elegance.

But long or short, the fit of the gown is paramount. Really well-designed lingerie that is both lovely to look at and created to bring out the best in the bride’s figure underpins a dramatic silhouette.

All in all, the bride has many more items to consider than the bridegroom – although, thanks to a much more style-conscious era, the gentlemen are catching up fast. But the bride that finds a man who worries about the precise shade of his shoes has stumbled on a rare specimen indeed!

Accessories
The bride, on the other hand, really does have to think about those shoes. Some actresses say that if you get the shoes right, the rest of the character drops into place.

What look are you going for? Sexy film star or demure princess? For the bride who favours a shorter dress, high heels lengthen the leg and look unfailingly glamorous. But are you comfortable wearing them? At the very least, tippy-toe round the house in them occasionally before your wedding day, or you may be wishing for plasters before you reach the altar. You are going to be wearing these shoes for a whole day, so however gorgeous they look, if they really and truly hurt, be honest with yourself and buy a different pair. A traditional floor-length gown can be worn with heels or flatter ballet-style shoes. Again, you are striking a balance between comfort and style.

Jewellery is a very personal decision. Pearls are traditionally associated with weddings because they are linked to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and mother of Eros (Cupid) and Venus. In ancient Greece, pearls were believed to promote marital happiness and prevent a newlywed woman from crying. (This rarely works on the bride’s mother.) In England, Queen Elizabeth I started the tradition of wearing pearls on a wedding day. The irridescence of pearls always enhance the complexion. A jeweller will show you the many shades that Nature creates, and other gems too, including the classic diamond.

The rings, representing unending love, go on the third finger of the left hand, because it was believed the vein in this finger led directly to the heart.