Is there anything more iconic, memorable, and statement-making on your wedding day than your wedding gown?
The answer, of course, is no way!
From the moment they receive the invitation to the moment you walk down that aisle, your guests will be anticipating what your gorgeous gown will look like. Make sure their first image of you is perfection with this ultimate guide to finding YOUR wedding dress!
Vague Vision or Detailed Design?
There are two types of brides when it comes to wedding dress shopping. The first bride has a vague idea (or maybe none at all) of what she wants her gown to look like. The second bride has a specific dress that she has designed in her mind over several years. Which one are you? If you are the first bride, you'll want to try on lots and lots of dresses to get a good feel for the direction you want to go in.
If you're like the second bride, consider loosening the reigns on that image you've created of your perfect dress. Choose one or two details that you can't live without, such as the silhouette or the type of beading, and focus on trying on those types of dresses. If you spend all of your time trying on dresses that fit a tight list of specifications, you will most likely get frustrated, fast, and maybe even miss out on a dress you've never even dreamed of!
Give Comfort a Chance
Hear us out- while it's doubtful that you will find a dress that is comfy enough to want to lounge around on the couch in afterward, you should definitely consider attempting to get a dress that doesn't actively cause you discomfort or pain.
That means to try and stay away from dresses that pinch you or squeeze you too hard. Sometimes all it takes is an alteration or two to take your dress from painful to tolerable- or even comfortable!
Start Early
We mean it. Start early. Like, a year early. A year and a half is even better if you can. You'd be surprised how long it may take you to find a dress you are truly in love with.
Nothing takes the fun out of wedding dress shopping like an impending deadline. Don't put yourself in a position where you'll be forced to compromise because you ran out of time.
Keep in mind that once you actually choose your gown, potential alterations and additional fittings can take another few months.
Bring Some Loved Ones
Make dress shopping an important and fun experience for yourself and your close loved ones! Bring along some of your friends and/or family members to make sure you have honest opinions and plenty of memories to make. Make a day of it and go out to lunch or dinner together afterward!
But Not Too Many!
Remember what we said about "nothing takes the fun out of wedding dress shopping like an impending deadline?" We take that back. Nothing takes the fun out of wedding dress shopping like having the wrong people there with you!
Now is not the time to make your blunt and grouchy aunt feel included. This is not the time to "bond" with your soon to be mother-in-law who always has a comment about your outfit choices. This is about your experience. Sure, you'll want to bring people who are honest but make sure they will be nice about it. Stick to 2 to 5 guests to take with you so that you don't become overwhelmed with opinions.
Be Realistic
We had to mention it. That's right. The budget! Only you know what your budget is or should look like. You will need to decide what to budget for a dress and decide it ASAP. Don't dream up an unrealistic number and cause yourself heartache in the end. Don't waste time looking at dresses with price tags you know you can't afford. There are plenty of "budget" dresses and dress shops, that don't look "budget" at all!
So there you have it. Try your best to look amazing, feel amazing, and not go into debt! Don't forget to enjoy the actual experience of dress shopping and take your time!
