Say Yes To The Dress

Whether you’re more inclined to the classics or prefer a modernday fit, every bride deserves a dress that will encapsulate her essence. Here, wedding dress designer Janita Toerien helps you find the perfect wedding gown.

- Thobeka Phanyeko

Before you walk into the sunset with your prince charming, you’ll have to pop into a bridal boutique. With so many gorgeous designs to choose from, one of the most exciting things about planning a wedding can also be the most overwhelming. If the traditional, white wedding gown resonates with who you are, that will be easier to find; but if you’re looking for something more eccentric, that might be trickier. Janita affirms this should be expected.

“The white wedding dress was made popular by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert. Before that, the dress of choice was anything brightly coloured, as it showed off freshly dyed fabrics. And since marriages were often a union between families, businesses and countries, it was essential that the bride showcased affluence. Victoria wanted to wear lace and thought that white would best showcase the lace that she loved.” Essentially, your wedding dress should be an outward visual representation of who you are.

TRUST YOUR GUT

If your family and friends think you look great in a lace, mermaid gown, but your gut doesn’t agree, trust it. Do what feels right. Don’t worry about whether your dress is too plain, either. If you like a minimalistic aesthetic, then go for it. If you feel comfortable wearing a classic ballgown because you don’t want to regret your choice of wedding dress, then wear it.

CONSIDER YOUR PRIORITIES