Quality in wedding dresses – how to tell the difference

What you can see for yourself in twenty seconds and why the price doesn't always say so.

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How can I tell for myself whether a wedding dress is good quality?

Turn the wedding dress inside out and look at the inside. The seams should be clean and straight, the edges must not fray, the lining should lie flat, and the boning in the bodice should hold its shape when you press. Feel the fabric: if it feels heavy and falls calmly, that is a good sign. Lace should be sewn on following the pattern, not cut through. The check takes twenty seconds. Try it yourself on our classic wedding dresses.

What should I look for on the inside of a wedding dress?

First look for seam allowance on the inside of the wedding dress, because it decides whether the dress can be let out later. Then check whether the edges are overlocked or fraying, whether the lining is attached all the way, whether the zip is sewn straight, and whether there is reinforcement under the arms and at the lacing. A dress with wide seam allowance is worth more to you than one with a finer label, because it can follow your body. Read more about tailoring and alterations.

Should a wedding dress be lined, or does it not matter?

Yes, a wedding dress should almost always be lined. The lining stops the dress being see-through, lets it glide over the body instead of clinging, and keeps the seams from showing on the outside. An unlined dress in tulle or lace needs a slip, and then the colour has to match. Hold the dress up to the light during the fitting, and you will see straight away how opaque it is. See our wedding dresses with lace.

What is boning in a wedding dress, and why does it matter?

Boning is thin stiffeners that sit vertically inside the bodice of a wedding dress and hold its shape. The boning is why a strapless dress stays up, and why the bodice does not crease when you sit down. Press on the bodice during the fitting: if the fabric gives without resistance, there is no boning, and then you will need a bra or a take-in. Read more in our questions about size and fit.

How much does a wedding dress weigh, and can you last in it all day?

A wedding dress weighs from under a kilo for a simple satin or crepe dress to several kilos for a dress with many layers of tulle, beading and a long train. You feel the weight after three hours, not in the first three minutes, so walk around the shop in the dress and lift your arms. If the dress is heavy, wide straps or sleeves that spread the weight over the shoulders help. See our light, simple wedding dresses.

Will the beads fall off my wedding dress when I dance?

A few beads can fall off, even on expensive wedding dresses, because beads and sequins are sewn on with thread that can break. So ask for a few spare beads to take home when you buy the dress, and keep a needle and thread in the emergency kit. If a bead has come off in a visible place, our tailor can sew it back on. It is normal wear and not a fault. See what to pack in the emergency kit in our emergency tips for the wedding day.

Is a designer wedding dress really better made than a cheaper dress?

Often yes, but not always. The difference lies in details you can see yourself: wider seam allowance, lace applied following the pattern, a multi-layer built-in corset and a lining sewn in all the way round. Part of the price is also the name. Turn two dresses inside out and compare the inside, it says more than the label. With us both kinds hang side by side. See our wedding dresses from well-known designers.

What does it mean when a wedding dress is "made to order"?

"Made to order" means the wedding dress is only sewn once you have ordered it, and in the standard size you choose, not to your own measurements. Many people mistakenly think it means tailor-made. That is why there is a waiting time, and why the dress still has to be altered afterwards. With us every dress is in stock, so you avoid both the wait and the guesswork. See all our wedding dresses in stock.

Where in the world are wedding dresses actually made?

By far most wedding dresses are made in China, Vietnam and Turkey, including dresses from European designers and also at the expensive end. A few fashion houses sew in Europe, and that can be seen in the price. The country of production is a poorer measure of quality than the sewing itself, so turn the dress inside out and look at the seams rather than the label. If you want to know where a particular model comes from, ask us.