After trying on countless styles, contemplating shortlisted options, and experimenting with suitable accessories, the perfect gown has been picked out—but the journey is far from over. Wardrobe malfunctions are a risk that exists with virtually any piece of clothing—even the most luxurious, well-crafted garments—and could occur in the most unexpected situations. It’d be a shame for any bride’s once-in-a-lifetime look to be thwarted by such mishaps, and a few extra steps of caution should be taken so one remains the picture of enchanting, divine beauty throughout the wedding day.

Image from Dorothy and Wanxin’s Beautiful Destination Wedding at Tirtha Uluwatu Bali by Natalie Wong Photography

To sit still and look pretty in the wedding gown is one thing, but moving around in it through a long day packed with festive activities is another. Tripping over the hem of the dress or having a visible panty line are classic, rookie mistakes that any bride could succumb to. Brides who are dipping down the aisle or partying all night long have even more details to take note of, so the outfits look as elegant on the dance floor as in front of the altar. Fear not—planning ahead, taking measurements and testing out specific movements in the gown before the celebrations are some foolproof ways to guard one’s self from any wedding day wardrobe malfunctions.

Brides, see below for all the quick and easy tests to try out with the wedding gown—and any other outfits worn for the celebrations—to guarantee only the most picture-perfect moments at the wedding.

Image from Belinda and Sidhesh’s Artfully Botanical Wedding at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay by Caline Ng Photography

1. TRY ON YOUR SHOES

What’s harder than walking in a pair of heels? Wearing a long, poofy gown along with it. Top that off with a bouquet in one hand and your partner’s in the other, and it’s plain to see that balancing and adjusting the dress as one walks down the aisle is no piece of cake. To avoid trips and topsy-turvies, try on all the footwear options you’ll want, and once you’ve chosen the perfect pair, tailor the hem of the gown exactly to the height of the heels.

Image from Denese and Bryan’s Dreamy All White Wedding at Sky Garden Sentosa by Wanderlust Dream Co.

2. TRY ON YOUR UNDERGARMENTS

Visible panty lines or bra straps slipping out are a rookie mistake that can be easily avoided—and it starts from the dress try-ons. Make sure to bring along any undergarments or shapewear that you’ll be wearing on the actual day along to fitting sessions, so the stylists or alterers can fit the dress according to how it’ll sit on your body during the real deal. Do the same for any other outfits you might be wearing at the wedding as well, and get those who accompany you to fittings to cross-check for any other undergarment or wardrobe malfunctions.

Image from Yu Rong and Tzin’s Joyful, Bubbly Wedding at Quenino at Artyzen Singapore by Kenneth Tan

3. TRY SITTING IN THE DRESS

The gown fitting appointment is one of the few, if not only, chances for brides to take their gowns for a test run. Practice sitting down elegantly and standing smoothly back up in the gown—and any other outfits—on seats of different levels. While some gowns may look flawless standing up, the material or structure may dig into ribs, hips or thighs while seated, so it’s imperative the gown passes the comfort check. Also, check for bustles, skirts or trains that might flip, ride up, bunch or expose linings when seated. Lean slightly forward during the sit test as if you’re eating or laughing to check for any gaping, pulling or digging at the neckline or waist. Bonus tip: after standing up, take a small step to the side or turn, to thoroughly ensure that mobility in the gown is guaranteed. Brides whose dresses pass all these tests will feel a sure confidence boost on the big day, but if the gown misbehaves during any of these tests, it’s time for an alteration.

Image from Schvelle and Daniel’s Classic and Minimalist Wedding at Artemis Grill & Sky Bar by Shannon from Hey Stranger

4. TRY DANCING IN THE DRESS

You might have already chosen another appropriate dress specifically for dancing—but if you’re a frisky bride who tends to ride on the high of everyone’s celebratory energy and might end up jumping up and down with joy in the main dress as well, no harm making sure it looks just as good as it did while you were walking gracefully down the aisle. Boogie around the bridal boutique and ensure the dress stays nicely on you while partying.

Image from Amabelle and Bryan’s Joyous White Botanical Wedding at Goodwood Park Hotel by Iki Company

5. TRY DIPPING IN THE DRESS

Dips and kisses are a popular photo moment amongst newly-wed couples, but they’re only worth it if executed with finesse. This pose needs more practice to perfect than others—to avoid wardrobe malfunctions being caught on camera, try it out in the gown at the fitting and a few more times ahead of the wedding day to get used to the weight and movement of the fabric, taking care that it doesn’t expose more of you than intended.

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Credits: Featured image from Sarah and Joel’s Fun and Cheery Wedding at EMPRESS at the Asian Civilisation Museum by Bottled Groove Photography

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