Congratulations, you're engaged! Now it's time to begin the hunt for the perfect dress. Before you even hit the stores, there are some things you should know about the process of finding your dream wedding gown. Here's our list of top 10 things you should know before shopping for your wedding dress.
1. Set Your Budget
Wedding gowns are available in a wide range of styles and prices, so shopping can be overwhelming if you don't have a starting price point in mind. It is important for a good bridal shopping experience to establish the maximum amount you are comfortable spending on your wedding dress because it is more difficult for you and your consultant when there is no price budget to go by. Communicating this with your consultant is the best and easiest route to finding a dream dress without breaking the bank. It is advisable to remember to factor in additional costs such as alterations, veils or headpieces, crinolines, and other accessories you might be interested in. If you do find a dress that is over budget but you can't live without, remember that you can adjust other areas of your wedding budget to create wiggle room. This day is about you and you should be happy in your dream dress, but also comfortable with the amount spent when you leave the store.
2. It's Never Too Early to Start Looking for Your Wedding Gown
As soon as that ring is on your finger, it's pretty much go-time on shopping for your wedding gown. The first two things brides should select are their venue and then the wedding gown. Your dress should compliment your venue, which is why these two things go hand in hand. Wedding gowns typically take 6-8 months to come in. For most brides, the wedding dress is the most delicate and lovely thing they will ever wear, and it takes designers time to craft a fabulous gown. If you plan on having a long engagement, purchasing your dress in advance can be beneficial. Some boutiques offer layaway options and payment plans so you don't have to spend all your money at once. If you are having a short engagement, or did not get around to wedding dress shopping early on, there are always sample gowns available for purchase.
3. Have a Plan
Like all good plans, research and appointment-making go a long way. We always tell our brides to get a Pinterest (if they don't already have one) for wedding inspiration. We also suggest wedding magazines and even a good dose of 'Say Yes to the Dress!' Bridal consultants are professionally trained to know what silhouettes will look best on you, but we need your opinion as well. It helps to know if you absolutely can't stand lace or would rather get married in your underwear than in a ball gown before you enter the bridal salon. Appointments are also highly suggested when shopping for your wedding gown. Most bridal salons, specialty shops, and department stores don't operate on a walk-in schedule. Although a lot of bridal salons DO allow walk-ins, appointments are recommended so the stylist knows you are coming and already has an idea of what you're thinking. It's best to be in the 'bridal state of mind', which can be done by planning early and booking your appointment. A consultant's goal is to help you recreate your vision by guiding you to a dress that compliments your venue, body, and personality.
4. Limit Your Entourage
It's completely normal to want second or third opinions when trying on your wedding gown. This is "the dress of all dresses" after all, and who better to be there than your closest friends and family? However, we think it's best to think long and hard about who you will be bringing. Have a bestie who has always been a little bit jealous of you? Probably not a good idea to bring her. Or an aunt that has zero filter? Not exactly the person you want helping you find your gown. It is important to bring a positive entourage of people who will be on the same page as you throughout your appointment. As fun and exciting as shopping for a wedding gown is, it can also become overwhelming, and it doesn't help when there is too much "noise" from your friends or family, which can end up clouding your judgement. Remember: In the end, all that matters is that you love the dress.
5. Expect the Unexpected
Bridal salons tell you to keep an open mind for a reason... You might actually look good in styles you thought you wouldn't like! We have brides come in all the time saying they want this and that, and they leave with the complete opposite. If this happens to you, don't be disappointed! So what if you've been pinning mermaid gowns for the last year, just to find out they don't flatter you at all. This is why you try things on! You will find your wedding gown, and it will be the perfect gown for you. Keep an open mind, listen to your bridal consultants suggestions, and you will be one step closer to walking down the aisle.
6. Don't Forget About the Big Picture
Is this wedding dress going to drop jaws when you walk down that aisle? Is it everything you ever wanted? Will you be able to sit in it comfortably during the toasts? And dance like crazy on the dance floor? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when selecting a gown. If you can't envision the dress working in all scenarios, you may want to re-think it. You want to look beautiful, yes, but you also want to enjoy your night!
Note: A wedding gown is different than anything else you have ever worn before - it is going to take getting used to. There is a difference between feeling a little uncomfortable and feeling like you can barely move. We also suggest testing it out! Sit down while your trying on your gown, dance around a little bit, and really get a feel for how the dress fits you.
7. No Tears, No Problem
Despite the fact that every reality TV show has lead you (and everyone around you) to believe you will shed tears as soon as you come out in “the one,” this isn’t always the case. And that’s okay. Some brides cry at every single dress they put on. Some will never shed a single tear. Don't let whether you're crying or not determine whether you buy a dress or not. Go by your gut instinct and what you're feeling inside.
8. Sometimes the First Dress is 'The One'
Just because this is the "dress of all dresses" does not mean you have to try on a million to find it. Sometimes it really is love at first sight! Usually, when this happens a bride will say, "But there's no way I can find it so quickly!" Yes, there is! Remember how I keep mentioning the bridal consultants are trained professionals? As soon as they see you and hear what kind of gown you're thinking of, they have options flying through their mind. They know what to put you in, and what you're likely to love. Therefore, finding your gown on the first try isn't all that shocking! We also have brides walk in, pick out a dress right away, and automatically know. It happens more often than you think, and there is nothing wrong with finding your dress so quickly! Relax and enjoy the moment. Having one of the biggest things off your plate means you can focus on other wedding planning details.
9. Don't Underestimate Great Shape Wear
Don’t underestimate the power of great shape wear. The gown of your dreams may not be perfect right off the rack. It may need alterations and it may need a little more shape, but these are easy fixes. Most bridal salons will have shape wear available for the bride to try on during their appointment. If they do not, once you say yes to the dress, you can go find what you need, and come re-try your gown on with the proper undergarments. A well-made corset or bustier can do wonders!
10. Dress Up (Just a Little!)
It might be difficult to imagine yourself walking down the aisle if you’re trying on dresses with post-yoga hair and no makeup. You don't need to spend hours preparing for your bridal appointment, but a little bit of makeup and styling could make all the difference. The gowns do go overhead when we dress you, so we don't suggest doing a fancy chignon; just that you feel your personal best by dressing up - just a little! It will be much easier to envision the big day, and help you to get in that 'bridal state of mind'.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We want to hear from you!
