Wedding Dress Shopping Tips From Designer Jenny Packham

British designer Jenny Packham is famous for her elegant and exquisitely detailed designs. Her ready-to-wear creations are a favourite of Kate Middleton's (most recently the Duchess wore bespoke Jenny Packham for her arrival in Victoria, British Columbia for the Canadian royal tour) and her bridal designs have been worn by celebrity brides including Kim Sears (wife of Wimbledon champ Andy Murray) and Halle Berry. Earlier this year she introduced Wonder by Jenny Packham, a collaboration with David's Bridal, which features a dreamy lineup of gowns embodying the beauty of Packham's gorgeous designs at a very accessible price point.

With the newest additions to the Wonder by Jenny Packham lineup hitting the market this fall, we recently caught up with the designer to learn what inspires her and to get some expert wedding dress shopping tips.

Weddingbells: Why do you love designing bridal gowns? Jenny Packham: "I have always aspired to create something truly special and beautiful that the bride feels confident when wearing – this is always at the forefront of my design process and my greatest challenge. I love the process of designing a bridal collection, from sourcing inspiration to selecting fabrics and embellishments."

WB: Is there one era that inspires your designs?
JP: "I find inspiration everywhere I go, from vintage markets in Paris to exquisite pieces of antique jewellery and Shakespearean plays; it is one of my greatest pleasures."

WB: What is one bridal fashion do, and bridal fashion don't that you swear by? JP: "When it comes to accessorizing your look, I believe that they should complement your gown rather than compete with it. Delicate accessories work well with a bigger dress, while statement jewellery can add instant glamour to a simpler silhouette."

WB: What is the Wonder by Jenny Packham for David's Bridal signature style? JP: "The styles are very feminine with vintage-inspired beading and delicate, understated embellishments. Flowing silhouettes complement more contemporary structured shapes, elegantly exposed backs, delicate appliqué and embellishments."

WB: Is there a dress in the collection that is your favourite?
JP: "It is difficult to pick a favourite. One dress I particularly love was inspired by wild flowers—the hand beaded leaf motifs, clusters of pearls and floral appliqué add a whimsical romance. Another very special dress is a design perfect for a maid of honor—it features a kaleidoscope of brightly-coloured sequins beaded onto a backdrop of blush pink."

WB: What is the most important thing a bride should consider when shopping for her gown? JP: "Take your time to find the perfect dress and remember it should also be a fun experience! There is a huge variety of different styles and silhouettes, so do try on lots of dresses until you find the one!"

WB: What are classic elements of bridal style that will always look fresh? JP: "When I am designing, I am always considerate of the way the cut, draping and beading will best enhance the bride, making her feel confident and beautiful."

WB: Who is your favourite iconic celebrity bride? JP: "Elizabeth Taylor on her wedding day to Richard Burton—she wore a canary yellow dress with white flowers in her braided hair."

WB: Finish this statement: A bride's perfect dress is...
JP: "...the one that makes her feel truly fabulous!"