The Do's and Don't of Choosing Your Wedding Dress

You have been dreaming about your wedding day and the dress you’ll wear your entire life. Now it is time to make those dreams a reality. This begins with finding the perfect dress. This is a daunting task. There are so many to choose from. Understanding the dos and don’ts of dress shopping will help you narrow down your options.

The Do’s

Do schedule your bridal salon appointment for early in the day. This accomplishes two things. First, the staff will be fresh and ready to help. You don't want to work with people that have had a rough day and are ready to go home. Second, the shop will be less crowded. You want your consultant’s full attention. If the store is busy, they may need to help other customers. Do bring your camera. A picture is worth a thousand words. The dress that looks amazing in the mirror may not look the same in a photo. You need to know the dress is photogenic. You’ll have your picture taken several times throughout the day.

Do know what silhouette works best for you.

Wedding dresses come in a variety of shapes such as A-line, ball gown, mermaid, trumpet, and fit and flare. Each flatters specific body types. Knowing which one looks best on you will narrow down your options. Do try on a variety of dresses. Remember that they look completely different on than they do hanging up. It is often a surprise, and you may fall in love with something completely unexpected.

The Don’ts

Don’t bring too many people with you to your salon appointment. While it can be helpful to get a second opinion, too many opinions can be confusing. Keep your group small. This could be your mother, a close friend, or a sister. It’s fine to shop alone. If you enjoy making up your own mind, no rules are saying you need to bring others along. Don't try on too many dresses. This will cause further stress. Instead, look for a bridal salon that understands your style. Ask if they carry your favorite designers.

Don't overlook the impact that the top of the dress makes. While a beautiful hemline or a stunning train is wonderful, the top will get the most attention. It will show up in more photographs than the skirt will, and guests will notice the top while talking to you. Don't pick a dress according to the latest trends either. While this is fun, it will date your wedding photos. Look for dresses that blend traditional elements with modern details. This will give you a timeless look.

Things to Remember

Along with the dos and don'ts of bridal gown shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don't let the size of your dress discourage you. Formal dress sizes are often two to three numbers larger than your normal size. Accept this, and don't beat yourself up over a number. Worry more about the general fit. Chances are you will still need some form of alterations done. A wedding gown rarely fits right off of the rack. It’ll more than likely need hemmed or taken in. Instead, focus on how the dress makes you feel. If you feel confident and comfortable, you’ll look amazing.

Before saying yes to any wedding dress, make sure it accommodates everything you’ll be doing. Sit down in it. Does it still look pretty? Does it drape over the chair? Is this too uncomfortable to do? Make sure the dress gives you enough room for dancing. If dancing is important to you, a mermaid dress may be too constricting. A ball gown may be too much for a wedding brunch without dancing. Try on some accessories with the dress. You want to know that it suits the type of jewelry you have in mind. Try on a veil too for the complete look.

Now that you have an idea of what you should and shouldn't do, finding the dress of your dreams should be easier. It may even be fun. More than anything else, remember to relax and enjoy the moment. The wedding planning is half of the fun.