Our friend and TNWC recommended photographer Maureen du Preez has a wonderful way with words. She is writing about wedding issues that we think are really important – not just what flowers to choose, or how to do your hair.

When looking for your wedding dress, have you prioritised how easily you can move in it? We’re not talking about just how well you can walk down the aisle, but truly move in it. Can you dance all night in it, be hugged all day, and eat all the good food? Is it a wedding dress you can wander through a forest in or hike across the moors in. Can you even get muddy in it?

If I haven’t already convinced you to think more about this, perhaps Maureen du Preez’s beautifully written words will.

Why You Should Choose A Wedding Dress You Can Move In

Dear bride-to-be,

Wear a wedding dress you can move in. You can love in. A gown that makes you feel like a queen who can dance all night until your bones ache, and be held tight by your loved ones all day long.

A dress you can climb hills in, explore forests, to reach that special place you long your love to be captured. Where the magical light spills in, and the trees canopy around.

Don’t let yourself be restricted, or disappointed when you fail to move. When you’re stuck to the ground, watching that golden light trickle away.

Live your day as passionately as you can. Shake those hips, twirl, jump.

Be the Goddess in the beautiful gown that fits you so perfectly, like it was made for you. A second skin with no need to constantly adjust.

But give yourself room to breathe. To eat all those delicious canapes you carefully chose. That 3 course meal you splashed out on you knew everyone would love.

And let’s kick those shoes off, yes those expensive high-heeled ones you long-lusted for. You don’t need them all day.

Be the barefoot bride. Run free with your love. Feel the earth between your toes.

The rain may come, and mud along with it. Your dress might dirty, your veil collect the leaves.

But let’s not let that ruin your day. Make those memories, have no regrets.

And most of all let your wedding dress be an expression of you. Your beautiful wild soul and nobody else. Let it be you.

More inspirational reads…

Previously we featured this great article she wrote about unplugged wedding ceremonies (and why you should choose one) – a must-read. We’ve also got lots of inspiration if you’re looking for an alternative wedding dress.

Shared with kind permission from Maureen du Preez, originally featured on her blog.

Images: Maureen du Preez