The Search For That Perfect Wedding Gown – For Destination Weddings

”Raven-ous’ in Black in an autumn field. Gowns by TSO, Photography by Jenny Sun Photography

We spoke to the fabulous Kris Wong from That Special Occasion to give us a few insights on choosing the gown for a destination wedding.

Kris, how long have you been in the business of making pretty dresses and gowns for brides?
We have been in the business of weddings since 2000.

A lot of couples are now opting for a romantic destination wedding at an exotic location. How this impact the ever important wedding gown for the bride?
Before we start conceptualising the design of the gown, we will firstly need to take into consideration the intended locale. Will the wedding be on a beach, in the highlands or perhaps at a heritage site? Only then can we create a gown that will complement the surroundings.

So far, for destination weddings, is there any particular trend in terms of design, pattern or cut for the wedding gown?
There is no particular trend per se but most brides who opt for a destination wedding will go with a design that is more simple and easy to carry off. Something elegant and fuss-free for most brides although we have had clients who preferred designs that were more detailed.

We’ve heard that you do sometimes design gowns for brides who are based overseas without seeing them first (and we’ve also heard how well these have turned out). How does this work actually?
We have e-discussions on designs and once that has been established, our clients get tailors at their location to do the measurements. This typically takes a few weeks with sketches and photos being sent back and forth.

When does the fitting come into play because understandably, the fitting part of the process is all-important?
For those getting married in Malaysia, they will often fly back once or twice for fittings, or if that is not possible, then fittings are done approximately 10 days leading up to their wedding. For those marrying abroad and who do not intend to come by for fittings, we courier the gown and the bride would have to get minor adjustments done with her own tailor where she is situated.

What happens when and if the bride just does not have time to do a fitting? Will you allow it?
Brides who do not have plans to come by for fittings will have to have a tailor at hand to do their fitting and alterations if necessary.

This is probably a silly question to ask – but which is more stressful? Designing a gown for a local wedding or designing a gown for a destination wedding? And why?
The stress only happens if we encounter a bridezilla, regardless of whether it is a local or destination wedding.

Ok, that certainly put things into perspective! *grins*.

Before we part – can you share 5 Top Tips when choosing Wedding Gowns made for destination weddings?
1. Keep it simple so that it will be easy to transport and more importantly comfortable to wear.
2. Share information on the locale, ceremony and reception you have planned with your designer.
3. Start early so that fittings can be scheduled, particularly if you are residing overseas and not in Kuala Lumpur.
4. Bring a sewing kit along in case of emergencies.
5. Trust your designer.

Thanks Kris for your time!

And to our readers (brides-to-be), hope y’all enjoyed the insights from Kris! When we come back next, we will be exploring more about destination weddings in Vietnam, so remember – stay tuned!