Dress to Impress: Which Wedding Dresses Look Best on Film?
Your wedding day is an important day. Understandably you want to look your best. As a bride-to-be preparing for your wedding day, you might be wondering if the type of dress you choose makes a difference to how it looks on camera. The answer is yes and no. Your wedding dress is highly personal to you and while some may lend themselves to different cinematic effect, the single most important factor is that you’re comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. That said, there is also a difference in how a dress performs depending on whether or not you plan to heli up the top of a mountain or glacier versus mingling at a venue with some dancing. We will cover off all the important aspects you should consider and help shine some light on the question of how to choose the best wedding dress for your wedding film.
Form over Function?
How Do Different Dresses Look on Film?
Your choice of wedding dress can significantly impact how you appear on film, capturing the essence of your style, personality, and the overall mood of your wedding day. Here’s a closer look at how different dress styles translate on camera:
Ball Gown: A classic ball gown with a full skirt and fitted bodice creates a fairy-tale silhouette that looks stunning on film. The voluminous skirt adds drama and elegance, especially during twirls and movement shots, making it a favourite for cinematic wedding moments. This would be the type of dress we ask you to twirl in and it looks amazing when shot by drone from above.
A-Line Dress: A-line dresses are universally flattering and look beautiful on film. The gentle flare of the skirt complements various body shapes, while the fitted bodice accentuates the waist. A-line dresses capture movement gracefully, whether you’re walking down the aisle or dancing. If they are loose enough, they are also functional for use on the side of a snowy mountain elopement.
Mermaid/Trumpet Dress: Mermaid or trumpet-style dresses hug the curves and flare out at the bottom, creating a sleek and glamorous look. On film, these dresses showcase your figure elegantly, especially during close-up shots and moments where the dress flows with your movements. You’ll want to consider how much movement this type of dress allows for if you are planning on adding a helicopter to your wedding adventure.
Sheath Dress: Sheath dresses offer a streamlined silhouette that elongates the body and creates a chic, modern aesthetic. These dresses look effortlessly elegant on film, particularly in outdoor settings or venues with scenic backdrops, as they allow the focus to remain on you without overpowering the frame.
Bohemian Style: Bohemian-inspired dresses often feature soft, flowing fabrics, intricate lacework, and romantic details. On film, these dresses exude a free-spirited and ethereal vibe, capturing the whimsy and romance of outdoor or destination weddings beautifully. Perfect for a summery Queenstown wedding.
Vintage-Inspired Dress: Dresses with vintage-inspired designs, such as lace overlays, illusion necklines, or retro silhouettes, add a touch of nostalgia and timeless charm on film. These dresses create a cinematic allure, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour or romantic eras.
Colourful Dresses: For brides opting for non-traditional colors like blush, champagne, or even bold hues, these dresses can create captivating visuals on film. They add a pop of colour and personality, making each frame vibrant and unique. We love a pop of colour during your wedding film so don’t be afraid to be bold if that’s your style.
Tips for Dressing for the Camera
Consider Movement: Choose a dress that allows for graceful movement, whether it’s a twirl, a dance, or simply walking. Dresses with flowing skirts or lightweight fabrics capture movement beautifully on camera. They also affect hoe easily you can enter and exit a helicopter and manoeuvre on the mountain, so this one shouldn’t be overlooked.
Texture and Detail: Pay attention to the texture and detail of your dress, as they can add visual interest on film. Intricate lace, beading, embroidery, or subtle embellishments catch the light and create dimension in each shot. We will often grab close up detail shots of your dress and this shows up really well.
Accessories: Coordinate accessories such as veils, headpieces, jewellery, and shoes to complement your dress and overall bridal look. Accessories can enhance the visual impact of your dress on film.
Venue and Lighting: Consider the venue and lighting conditions when choosing your dress. Certain fabrics and colours may appear differently under natural sunlight, indoor lighting, or evening ambiance, so select a dress that looks stunning in your chosen setting.
Where to Buy or Hire Wedding Dresses in Queenstown
Nemo: Offers comprehensive bridal dress packages for purchase and rental. They are local with an emphasis on sustainability.
White Wild Wedding: Offering a luxurious dress hire experience with an extensive array of dresses for hire or purchase.
aMoment: In addition to their incredible wedding planning packages, they also offer a modest dress hire service.
Capture Your Style
Every wedding dress tells a story, and on film, it becomes a central element in portraying your style, grace, and beauty. Whether you choose a dramatic ball gown, a sleek sheath dress, or a bohemian-inspired design, each dress style has its cinematic charm, creating unforgettable moments that will be cherished in your wedding film. Embrace the magic of wedding videography, trust in your dress choice, and prepare to shine as the star of your cinematic love story. Most importantly, you will shine no matter what dress you wear so don’t stress about it too much and we’ll be there every step of the way to advise on how each choice may affect the look of your final film.
