Choosing a bridal gown is a fun, exciting, and sometimes daunting task. Every bride deserves the day, and the gown, of her dreams. Brides with mobility issues have an extra challenge that can easily be overcome with the right bridal boutique, the right stylists, and some extra considerations about her dream dress!
Considerations: What are the day to day struggles with your disability?
- Is a tight-fitting dress going to cause pain?
- Will a layered and poofy ball gown cause body temperature issues?
- Do you fatigue easily?
- Are there sensory issues?
There are perfect dresses for every bride. Share your specific concerns with your bridal consultants so they can guide you with different options.
For Brides Who Use A Wheelchair
Ask the bridal shop if there are stairs or any obstacles that would be difficult for a wheelchair to move about. When you try on dresses, you want room to maneuver so you can get a feel for the movement each dress provides and to see it in different light.
For Brides Who Use A Walker or Cane
While many gowns are easier to step into, consider whether you would prefer gowns that you could try on over your head.
Wedding Dress Fabrics For Brides With Mobility Issues
You have choice in fabrics. Silks and satins are unforgiving and can be uncomfortably restricting. Ask if the salon carries a dress designer who uses a “perfecting satin” which is a smooth fabric with a pretty sheen and a stretch!
Wedding dresses in crepe and charmeuse fabrics are also to be considered as they are lightweight, comfortable, very pretty, and come in different styles, colors, and details!
Note: Some beading and laces can cause skin reactions, or just be uncomfortable and scratchy. Especially for those with sensory issues. Make sure to note this and if you like the look, tell your stylist who can pull a different type of lace or one with beading that doesn’t come into contact with your skin directly. It is also a good idea to ask about the possibility of lining the area that is causing the issue.
Best Silhouette For You
Consider which silhouette will match your vision and also be comfortable.
Think about any features of your gown (neckline, fabric, etc.) that will allow you to focus on having a wonderful time with your loved ones on your special day and communicate those ideas. If you find the perfect dress but feel something is missing, consider adding a sparkly belt or jewelry to elevate the look.
What about a gown with a detachable over skirt or removable train? This way, you get to keep the volume down the aisle and then take it off for a lighter and more manageable dress during your reception without worrying about catching or tripping on the front of your gown.
Accessories
Other accessories can tie your look together such as veils, headbands, and tiaras. Veils attach easily to your hair by a metal comb. The headbands, however, can be very tight fitting and cause problems for brides with mobility issues. They can quickly cause headaches and migraines. Make sure if you have a head piece that you wear it before the wedding to test that out. If it is a problem, there are barrettes and bobby pins with rhinestones that would be more comfortable to wear on your wedding day.
Dresses For Brides With Hemiplegia/Paresis or Difficulty With Manual Dexterity
Consider changing a lace-up corset back (or one with buttons and loops) to a hidden zipper, or even one with snaps. A good bridal seamstress can do this for you.
Dresses For Brides With Generalized Movement Difficulty (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis)
These brides have a tendency to fatigue easily and are often more sensitive to temperature. The solution may be… layers! Add bolero jacket with sleeves to a strapless gown. Or, choose a dress with detachable sleeves.
The bridal store you choose should have a vetted seamstress they work with, one that knows construction and can offer you options to make your dress even more perfect for you. It will bring you peace of mind and keep you feeling great and your stress level low.
Finding your perfect wedding dress is a fun and exciting shopping experience! Don’t let anything get in your way, including needing a little help getting down the aisle. If you are a bride with mobility issues, come see us today at Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo!