In a year filled with travel and exploration, a food and travel writer embarks on an unconventional journey to find her perfect wedding dress. Visiting 17 countries in 2024, she integrates bridal shopping into her adventures. From Athens to Edinburgh, Stockholm to Buenos Aires, each city offers unique styles and experiences that shape her vision of becoming a bride. Along the way, she encounters timeless designs, modern elegance, and vintage charm, all while navigating the challenges of international travel.

Through this global quest, she uncovers not only dresses but also personal insights about herself and what it means to embrace the role of a bride. The journey is marked by moments of inspiration, unexpected discoveries, and the realization that finding the right dress is as much about self-discovery as it is about fashion.

The Allure of Timeless Elegance

In her travels, the writer discovers that each destination has its own distinct approach to bridal fashion. In Athens, she finds herself drawn to the delicate silk chiffon gowns at Costarellos, where the natural drape of the fabric makes her feel both special and modern. This experience marks the first time she truly connects with a wedding dress, despite the tight fit. The fluidity of the material and the contemporary yet classic design give her hope that she can indeed be a bride.

Her journey continues in Edinburgh, where she visits Those Were the Days Bridal, a store that showcases sartorial treasures from past eras. Surrounded by garments that tell stories of love and romance, she falls for a 1930s long-sleeve silk dress with art-deco detailing that perfectly complements her engagement ring. Though the dress is rare in her size, its historical charm captivates her. On the other end of the spectrum, a sleek, backless gown from the 1990s offers a modern twist, making her feel sexy and confident in a way she hadn't before. These contrasting styles reveal the depth of bridal fashion history and how it can inspire contemporary choices.

Global Encounters with Bridal Styles

As she ventures further, the writer explores different cultures' interpretations of wedding attire. In Stockholm, she admires the effortless chic of By Malina’s gowns, which embody Scandinavian simplicity and elegance. Although she couldn’t secure an appointment, the window displays alone spark her imagination. In Buenos Aires, she brings her fiancé along to El Camarin, where vintage dresses await, though she hesitates to try them on. Each encounter adds a new layer to her understanding of what a wedding dress can be.

Her plans in Ljubljana are thwarted by a delayed flight, leaving her no time to visit a pre-selected shop. In Amsterdam, at Laura Dols, she tries to explore the vintage wedding collection without her partner noticing, but he quickly catches up. These moments highlight the blend of excitement and challenge in her search. Ultimately, her global quest reveals that finding the perfect dress is not just about style but also about embracing the journey and discovering oneself along the way.