A few days ago we opened a question box via our instagram stories to tap into your most asked questions for Francesca Miranda.

Miranda is the creative vision behind The Gloria, a trailblazing bridal designer based in Colombia who alongside her daughters created this online bridal universe you are in right now.

All the questions I received can be resumed into one single topic, and that is: How can I find the perfect wedding dress?

As a result, we created this post in order to give some few but crucial tips to help you find your perfect wedding dress.

I’m looking for the perfect wedding dress. Where do I begin?

Looking for the perfect wedding dress should feel fun and exciting. My number one advice for brides is always to carry an open mind and enjoy the process!

As usual, finding pictures of things you like online is always a great start, creating mood boards, inspiration of all sorts is always welcomed.

There are a few things to consider when looking for The Dress, the silhouette and the materiality I would say are the two main elements. Is there a silhouette I see myself in? Do I feel comfortable in it? What is my go-to silhouette when dressing up?

Multiple times we feel like we “don’t want to wear what we usually do for my wedding look” however, I always think that one can reshape that thought into something like “How can I explore further something I know I like”.

For example, If I know I love how I look in a strapless piece, how can I build off of that, stunning fabric, styling, overskirts or capes?

And then, trying on multiple styles really helps, again with an open mind! You might love something in your body that you would never guess would be for you!

To veil, or not to veil?

To veil! You can play with your veil and have more than one look through the night, which I love! On your back, as a head piece, over your face, it’s a beautiful and fun accessory to have.

Of course it depends on what the bride is looking for as the veil tends to add drama and romance to your final look. I definitely encourage Francesca Miranda brides to go for a veil, or something in the form of it!

Personally, I love the added layer of the piece, the bridal feeling truly comes to life when you add a veil to it!

The Opalo Veil is a perfect example of the possibilities with hand-embroidered pieces, all of its pieces are sewn by hand in Miranda Atelier in Colombia.

Another stunning option, the Gabra Veil can we worn over the face or from the back adding a 3D layer with floral appliques, see it with the Gabra Gown here.

Is there a bridal trend for 2022?

Finishing touches are given a lot of attention nowadays. Pearls, feathers, and my personal favorite hand embroidered details. I feel this adds personality and opportunities for personalization to a wedding dress!

Can I rewear my wedding dress?

I’m all about rewearing your wedding dress! I understand not all dresses fit another occasion, for example a princess ball gown might be hard to wear again.

However, the notion of wearing your wedding dress again is popularly growing and I love that. Some brides are buying dresses with that in mind, how can I re-wear this dress again?

Some are going for bridal separates and creating their bridal look with pieces that go way beyond the big day. As far as reinventing your wedding gown there are a few options, dying your dress another color, breaking down the dress into a mini version or separates (top and bottom), or simply finding an occasion that fits the look like a lux gala or dinner!

Everything is fair here, keeping it in the closet for your eyes only, like the precious thing that it is totally okay too!

How do I wash and store my wedding dress?

I get this one a lot, and I like to go very simple with this. Hand wash, in a tub, with very mild soap. Soak, rinse, repeat.

How long before the wedding should you buy your dress?

Nowadays we see everything! I would say the ideal time frame to get your dress would be anything from 4-6 months.

When shopping with wedding shops 4 months can feel tight because they’re always alterations to be made, and shipping time frames, 6 months is the suggested time.

When working directly with the bride I feel like 4 months is a good time frame.

That being said, we get brides who need their dresses in under a month and we are glad to say we make it work!

Again, the bridal world is changing! Our ready-to-wear bridal line for example, caters to that bride specifically, with gowns and separates shipping in 4-6 weeks!