How-To Guide To Wedding Dress Shopping
Photo credit: Chelsea Abril
Some brides have known since childhood exactly what kind of wedding gown they’d like to wear. But some need a little help with choosing the right dress. They say the bride should be the most stunning woman in every wedding, and the bride’s dress is a huge factor.
Shopping for a wedding dress is both the most exciting and most stressful part of wedding preparations for many brides. After all, every bride wants to look amazing in wedding photos! But with so many things to consider— price points, personal style, fashion trends, etc.— it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why we created a short and simple how-to guide for your wedding dress hunt.
Photo credit: Stephen Ludwig Photography
Know what you want.
It’s much easier to look for the perfect dress once you know what you want and don’t want. One strategy for that is to come up with a description of your dream wedding dress. Write down three adjectives that describe the wedding gown of your dreams. However, if you have no concrete idea yet, you might as well start with some research.
Pinterest and Instagram are brilliant sources of style inspiration, bridal fashion included. Magazines and websites that cater to a bride’s needs are also bound to have tips and photos that can help you. Besides making virtual boards and collections, you can also make a scrapbook from magazine pages and printed photos from the internet. Afterwards, sit down and reflect on why you chose those images. What common designs or themes do you find in your favorite dresses? This will be your starting point for visualizing your ideal dress.
Additionally, don’t forget to match your dress design with the overall theme of the wedding. Standing out shouldn’t come at the price of clashing with other elements of your wedding’s theme.
Be open-minded.
Even if you have a concept of what you want to wear on your wedding day, you might fall in love with a completely different dress. Keep your options open especially while you’re out shopping. Also, don’t worry if you can’t find a dress you like after a few tries. Then again, if you absolutely adore the first dress you try, that should be fine, too. Just make sure you have no doubt in your heart before you say yes to a dress.
Set a budget.
Set aside a specific amount for your dress in your wedding budget. That way, you can limit the range of dresses you will Pin and try. It will also help you manage your expectations. Take note that beading and embroidery always adds cost to a dress.
Factor in other fashion costs, too. Specifically, consider your jewelry, shoes, and veil when deciding how much you will spend for your bridal getup.
Decide who to bring shopping.
Photo credit: Taimane Kini Photography
It might be tempting to bring all your besties on your dress hunting day, but take note that boutiques limit the number of people they allow inside. Also, it would be wise to bring only the people whose opinions matter most to you. Everyone is likely to have a different opinion on which dress fits you best, so limiting the number of people in your dress shopping group will help you make decisions more quickly.
Wear proper undergarments.
You can’t really see the magic of a strapless or plunging gown if your bra straps are poking out, right? Nude-colored underwear and a strapless bra are the best undergarments for your dress fitting day. This will help you judge the fit and look of a dress more accurately.
Show up in makeup and heels.
Wear the makeup and heels closest to the ones you will wear on your wedding day. At the very least, do not go shopping with a bare face, unstyled hair, and flat shoes. You won’t be able to assess the full impact that a dress has if the rest of your outfit is not as fabulous. But shopping in high heels all day can be exhausting, so you may opt to carry your heels in a bag and use them only when fitting.
Call the shop in advance.
Calling in before going to a bridal salon can save you time because you can ask them about what styles they carry. If they don’t have the dresses you are interested in, then you can inquire at the next shop on your list. Another budget-saving tip when shopping for wedding dresses is to go from the least expensive boutique to the most luxurious one. If you can’t find anything you like in the first shop, you can move to the next until you find the dress for you.
Photo credit: Stephen Ludwig Photography
Shop early.
On average, a wedding dress takes 4 to 10 months to make. That’s why you should shop for your dress in advance. If you think you have a clear vision and a trusted stylist, you are probably more suited for working with a designer for a customized wedding dress. In that case, you should also be patient and prepared to handle the expenses.
Otherwise, you can always go shopping and have alterations made on your dress. Be sure to schedule your wedding dress hunt for one whole day instead of squeezing it in between errands. It is also advisable to go on a weekday because most shops will be packed on weekends. Taking some time off for shopping is definitely worth it.
Take photos and videos.
Mirrors can be deceptive. Move around and get your friends to take photos and videos of you in your dress. This will help you see how well the dress actually fits and how it looks when you move.
Prepare for deposits, contracts, and alterations.
These might be the most “boring” parts of dress shopping, but prepare to pay a deposit when you make your purchase. Keep your contract and note delivery dates so that you can schedule alterations in a timely manner. Don’t be afraid to ask if any discounts are available.
Final tip
Have fun! You have found somebody to spend your life with. The rest—including finding a gown—should be easier.