Top 10 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping
It’s funny to think that anyone needs tips to shop for a wedding dress, but bridal gown shopping is such a different experience from popping into Zara and spending 10 minutes in a fitting room. We are not used to wearing what are in effect ballgowns or high-end couture gowns in our contemporary (and comfy) society!
The secret you need to know!
Before we tell you the top tips, you need to know the secret about what wedding dress shopping will feel like. It’s just like finding your perfect partner and falling in love. You never know when it’s going to happen and sometimes the person we fall in love with will be nothing like we imagined, but that is part of the magic, and is not something you should fear, but celebrate…. it’s your unique love story and there are no rules!
Tip 1: Give yourself enough time
12-18 Months is the sweet spot to order your wedding dress. Wedding dresses can take up to 6 months to arrive (they are all made-to-order) so allowing time for the dress and alterations (which usually start 2-3 months before the big day) will give you all the options in the world.
Tip 2: Do your research
As tempting as it is to book every shop in a 50-mile radius, trust us when we say that not every shop is going to be the right fit for you and your journey. Spend some time online researching and thinking about what’s important for you and your bridal journey. Does the shop have gowns that fit in with your vision and budget? Does the store offer alterations? Do you want to order a brand-new gown or are you looking to take something home on the day? Do they have a great reputation with real life brides backing this up? Are they easy for you to travel to? We recommend booking 2 appointments to start with – that way (if you have not found THE ONE)
You’ll be able to focus on stores that have everything you want.
Tip 3: Wear the right underwear
Nude, plain, seamless underwear is the way to go – some dresses are cut close to the body, so your neon pink pants make be a bit off-putting visually! Most wedding dresses can be worn without a bra (yes…you read that correctly) so don’t purchase anything new…just a nude strapless bra if you have one.
Tip 4: Choose your entourage VERY carefully
This is so tricky, and we can only advise you based on our experience, but too many opinions often lead to brides feeling stressed, unable to think and on the verge of tears. We recommend bringing 2 or 3 people with you who are going to support your decision, not try to make it for you. Bring people whose opinion’s you trust and who understand that it’s about YOU, not them. We also recommend that you bring the people who you need to say yes with…it’s hard to re-create that moment on another appointment.
Tip 5: Be upfront about your budget
It may be tempting to try on a dress that’s double your budget, but if you end up loving it so much that no other dress is going to match it, you’ll run the risk of damaging your wedding dress journey and feeling like you’re settling for second best. Don’t forget to factor in accessories and alterations too.
Tip 6: Decide what you want from your dress
If comfort, hugging, and dancing are a top priority on your day, then a high neck, fitted, long-sleeved gown is probably not the way to go. If you are getting married abroad on a beach, then a heavy satin ballgown may be tricky to pack and will likely be too hot to wear. There are so many things that make a dress perfect for each of us, so knowing what’s important to you will mean that your stylists can show you the BEST options.
Tip 7: Try a little bit of variety, but stay true to you
Quickly trying different shapes and fabrics is a great way to start but do not get hung up on trying EVERYTHING! Much like dating, there are styles that we just KNOW are not going to be right for us…trying on these options means less time to try options that you may love, and that make you feel great!
Tip 8: Have an open mind
Wedding dress stylists know their stock so well, and sometimes what may be perfect for you may not look great in the image or even on the hanger. Your stylist will listen to all your feedback and pull options based on this, so try that wildcard! Remember that on your wedding day you are a walking advertisement for your bridal boutique, so we want you to look your absolute best and feel incredible! Having an open mind also means knowing (and being prepared for) the possibility that what you originally wanted is just not giving you all the feels, and sometimes the opposite style is what lights you up!
Tip 9: Enjoy yourself and Be You!
Finding the dress of your dreams should be enjoyable so don’t forget to relax and have fun. Remember that this is the most self-expressive garment that you will ever wear, and it is YOURS, not anybody else’s so don’t follow other people’s rules. There is no “one size fits all” rule to wedding dress shopping: for some brides it’s the first dress in the first shop and for others it’s a little bit of a longer journey!
Tip 10: When you fall in love STOP!
If you find yourself smiling, not wanting to take it off, touching it, swaying in it or even crying then SAY YES and stop shopping. Once you’ve achieved that high and euphoria of finding the perfect one, ride that high and celebrate! If you are not ready to say yes on that day, then schedule a retry and postpone the celebration, but try to avoid the temptation to over-shop. Too many other options can result in tears and self-doubt and make the experience far less enjoyable for you. Remember, you didn’t carry on dating after you got engaged!