Having your dream destination wedding begins with two things: finding your life partner and finding the perfect destination wedding dress for your big day. You have secured a life partner, now all that is left is to dive into the bridal fashion market and find the wedding dress to complete your dream celebration. The wedding dress is not just an outfit; it is a symbol of love, transcending fashion, and embodying dreams, hopes, and the personal style of the bride.
With so many wedding dresses available on the market, it can be daunting and time-consuming to choose the perfect dress for your wedding. With the help of Two Travel’s wedding directory, we are going to go through a few factors that can help you choose the perfect dress for your destination wedding.
Know Your Wedding Dress Budget
The first step in finding your dream wedding dress is setting a budget. Wedding dresses come in a wide range of prices, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. So, having a clear budget will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
Begin by determining the maximum amount you are willing to spend on your dress. You should consider the full cost of the dress and all the associated costs, such as alterations, accessories, and potential shipping fees if buying from an international designer or retailer.
Once you have a clear budget, stick to it. Then communicate this to your bridal consultant, who can then recommend dresses within your price range. This will make the shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable.
NOTE: Some bridal boutiques offer financing plans on wedding dresses. Therefore, we recommend exploring these if you want to manage your budget more effectively.
Our wedding planners are well-versed in wedding budgets and can give you the best custom advice depending on your individual preference. Contact us today for more information.
Start Early
Timing is a vital factor when it comes to choosing a perfect wedding dress. For instance, you should start shopping for your dream wedding dress as early as possible. This will give you ample time to find the dress, order it, and schedule necessary fittings.
Most bridal boutiques/retailers need at least 9-12 months to fulfill an order, especially if the dress is custom-made. This is because wedding dresses often require alterations to ensure a perfect fit.
Additionally, starting early means you have enough time to explore various options without feeling rushed and can take advantage of any sales or discounts that might come up. Remember, it is always better to have extra time rather than feel rushed.
You also need to schedule your first fitting around 2-3 months before the wedding and the final fitting around 2-4 weeks before the big day. This ensures your wedding dress fits perfectly.
You can save time and resources by hiring the services of our team of expert wedding planners. We will help you acquire your dream wedding dress within a short time and at a relatively fair price.
Destination Wedding Dress Style
Many brides choose their wedding dresses depending on how these dresses look on them. For instance, wedding dresses come in various styles, each flattering different body types and personal preferences. Therefore, we recommend choosing a wedding dress that will highlight your best body features and make you feel stunning.
Here are some popular wedding dress styles that you may want to consider:
- A-line: They are slim on top, fitted at the bodice, and gradually widen towards the hem, resembling the shape of an uppercase “A”. It is universally flattering and suits almost any body shape, as it creates a slimming effect while accentuating your waist.
- Ball gowns: With a fitted bodice and full skirt, ball gowns are an ideal dress type for most body shapes, from average height to tall women. It is great for brides with a pear-shaped figure as it accentuates the waist and hides the lower body. This dress style may not be ideal for shorter brides as the bottom may overwhelm your small frame.
- Mermaid dresses: They hug the body from the torso down to the knees and then flare out to the ground. It is a perfect choice for tall, petite brides and voluptuous brides who want to highlight their curves.
- Trumpet or fit-and-flare dresses: They hug the body from chest to mid-thigh and then flare out to the ground. It is another dress style that will show off your curves in a very flattering manner.
- Empire dresses: They hug the body at the bust and flare out to the ground. It is an extremely versatile style for most body shapes because of its forgiving high waistline.
- Column, shift, or sheath dresses: They have a narrow shape that flows from the neckline straight down to the hem. It can be slightly fitted or not at all, depending on the designer. It is a timeless classic silhouette style that best suits brides who have soft curves and lean frames.
Tips for Flattering Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Choose mermaid or trumpet styles that accentuate your waist and show off your curves.
- Pear-shaped: Choose an A-line and ball gown style as they balance the proportions by emphasizing the upper body.
- Apple: You should choose empire style or A-line dresses as they draw attention away from the midsection.
- Petite: Choose a sheath or A-line dress as it elongates the body, creating a taller appearance.
- Tall: Tall brides can carry off a variety of styles but look particularly stunning in sheath and A-line dresses.
- Plus-size: You should choose empire style or A-line dresses, which offer comfort and style.
Two Travel has extensive knowledge and access to a vast range of wedding dress styles, so contact us today and we can discuss your needs in more detail.
Destination Wedding Dresses in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, is a popular destination for weddings, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and colonial architecture. You may want to check our other blog to understand why Cartagena is the perfect wedding destination.
When choosing a dress for your destination wedding in Cartagena, you should consider special considerations, such as the climate and location.
For instance, Cartagena’s warm and humid climate means you should choose a wedding dress made of lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon, tulle, or organza. These materials are breathable and will keep you comfortable and cool throughout the day.
Colombia is also renowned for its textile industry, which offers beautiful fabrics and skilled craftsmanship. The talented local designers in Cartagena make stunning wedding dresses that blend traditional and modern styles. Therefore, we recommend choosing a wedding dress designed and made in Cartagena.
The local designers understand the unique requirements of a destination wedding in this picturesque location. They are familiar with the climate and can suggest the best materials and styles for the setting. It also allows you to easily manage fittings and alterations, reducing last-minute stress and ensuring your dress fits perfectly on your big day.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Cartagena, we can help you pick the perfect custom wedding dress from a selection of talented designers. You only need to contact our experienced wedding planners.
Theme and Wedding Venue
The theme and venue of your wedding play a significant role in choosing your ideal wedding dress. Whether your wedding theme is vintage, casual garden, classic, bohemian, modern, rustic, or romantic: your wedding dress should reflect this. For example, a sleek, minimalist gown is perfect for a modern city wedding, while a vintage lace dress would be perfect for a rustic, countryside wedding. Similarly, a beach-themed wedding might inspire a flowing, ethereal wedding gown.
You also need to choose your wedding dress depending on the venue. For example, For beach or garden weddings (outdoor venues), consider dresses that are comfortable, easy to move in, and made of lightweight fabrics and simple silhouettes. For grand ballrooms or historic churches (indoor venues), you might consider a more traditional, elegant, and formal gown with a long train and intricate details.
You should also remember that an outdoor wedding (garden, beach, or country) can be characterized by a bit of wind, sun, snow, rain, etc., depending on the weather. Therefore, we recommend choosing a wedding dress with a lighter fabric for a beach wedding. That will be graced by the sun. The goal is to choose a wedding gown that best syncs with whatever theme or venue you choose.
The season also plays a role in your dress choice. For summer weddings, choose a wedding dress made of breathable fabrics and lighter designs. For winter weddings, consider dresses with longer sleeves and heavier fabrics.
Wedding Venues in Cartagena that Influence the Choice of Dresses for Wedding
Two Lovers offers a variety of some of the best wedding venues in Cartagena, from luxurious beachfront resorts to charming colonial mansions. Each of our venues has unique features and seasonal weather conditions that can influence your choice of wedding dress. Here are our examples:
- Villa Estrella: A summer wedding at Villa Estrella would suit a light, airy dress, possibly with shorter sleeves or an off-shoulder design. This will help you stay cool in the warm climate.
- Club de Pesca: This venue offers a historical, elegant wedding setting. This encourages brides to choose sophisticated wedding dresses with traditional cuts and luxurious fabrics that match the grandeur of the venue.
- Tamarindo: For a garden wedding at Tamarindo, a dress with floral appliques or pastel colors can match beautifully with the natural surroundings.
- Movich: These venues, with their modern and chic ambiance, may inspire contemporary dress styles with clean lines and minimalistic elegance.
Final Tips For Your Wedding Dress
dding. By understanding your budget, starting early, considering your wedding venue and theme, and exploring different dress styles, you can find the wedding dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident. You should also not be afraid to explore local designers, especially if you are having a destination wedding in Cartagena, Colombia.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect dress for your dream wedding. Whether you are planning a local ceremony or a destination wedding in Cartagena, we are here to help you find the perfect dress that will make your wedding day as magical as you have always dreamed. Contact our experienced wedding planners for more information!
