Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
Of course it is all of those wonderful things but many brides-to-be do not foresee how stressful and daunting it can be or what a long process it often turns in to. Before you start your search or maybe if you’ve hit a bump in the road on your search so far, here are a few tips to make this experience as enjoyable as possible!
1) Set a Budget
I know budget is not the word you want to hear when shopping for your dream wedding dress, but for most it is an inevitable factor you really have to have clear in your head BEFORE you begin your quest. To decipher what your dress budget should be, list all of the wedding details in order of priority and roughly allocate a budget to each. If your wedding dress is up there with your top priorities and more important than say flowers or cake to you, then you know to allow a generous budget for your dress and cut back on other details. Just don’t forget to budget for shoes, accessories and/or a veil as well!
2) Shop Early
Whether you have an exact style in mind or not the slightest clue, it’s never too early to start trying on dresses! The more time you have the more styles you can try and shop around to suit your budget! It can take up to 6 months for a dress to be made for order from a bridal boutique and any dress alterations could also take some time. Try and have at least 2 fittings before the big day to make sure it fits your figure perfectly and you feel comfortable.
3) Look at all Options
Don’t limit your options and try as many different types of avenues for finding the right dress for you. Bridal boutiques, charity shops, high street stores, dress rental and of course online are just some of the obvious options. If you have an idea in your head and can’t find it anywhere in the shops, approach a designer with your idea and get a quote, it may be cheaper than you think!
4) Make Apointments
Most bridal shops don’t operate on a walk in basis so try and book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you have specific designers in mind then find out what boutiques or department stores carry them. It’s also a good idea to ask if the shop charge a service fee for trying on dresses when you are booking your appointment, and try and book a slot when it tends to be quiet so you have a more relaxed experience, preferably not a Saturday!
5) The Entourage
This is where you have to be a bit selfish. I’m sure every friend and aunty and sister-in-law and cousin would all love to come along to help you choose the dress, who wouldn’t love sipping on champagne and oohing and awing over pretty dresses while you play dress up. However, this is a time when you need to really concentrate and be able to make an important decision, so often the less opinion there is the better! All that matters is that you look and feel great, so only bring along people whose opinion you value and will not cause drama. You can bring along a whole crew of friends and family for the final fitting when all the decisions have been made if you want to keep people happy!
6) Be Prepared
In order to get the best idea of what a dress really looks like on, bring along any accessories you may have already purchased like a veil or shoes that are a similar height to what you would like to wear. If it will help you get a better idea, wear some simple makeup and style your hair roughly so you get a more complete look. Stay clear of fake tan to avoid damaging any dresses and wear appropriate underwear, preferably seamless nude underwear and a good nude strapless bra.
7) Have an Open Mind
Although you may think you know what style suits you and what you want, have an open mind and try on different styles. You never know what you might fall in love with and often the store consultant will have great experience and have a good idea of what might suit you too. Try not to be fixated on a designer and make sure you are buying a dress because you love it and not just the name on the label! Come in with an open mind and not ideas of what you ‘don’t want’.
8) Relax and Enjoy
And finally enjoy the experience and don’t get disheartened! It may take you months to find the right dress or you might be lucky and find one early on. Whatever you do, once you have bought a dress and everything is final, don’t keep looking at other dresses! Hide your one away and tick it off your to do list.
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