Congratulations! You’re getting married. As a young girl, you probably have always dreamed or at least thought of your wedding day. And every girl when they get their ring wants to start wedding dress shopping. However, once you start, you will quickly understand how overwhelming it can be. With thousands of dresses and styles available, you can go crazy! So, let’s break down wedding dress shopping with everything you need to know.
Schedule an Appointment
Most bridal shops prefer you make an appointment because the shop attendant who is working closely with you will help select styles and sizes. Walk-in are always welcomed, but you might find yourself in the store when it is extremely busy, and your stylist may not be able to give you the time and attention you really should have. Saturdays are the most popular day for brides-to-be to shop, so you might want to schedule a weekday.
Know Your Wedding Date
If you are purchasing a dress that will be made only after you purchase it, you need between four and seven months for your dress to arrive. If you are buying “off the rack” you need only allow enough time for tailoring the dress to fit you perfectly, anywhere from one to two months. So – know your wedding date when you shop. In addition, your dress should match the activities and style of your wedding.
Understand Dress Terms
To communicate clearly with your stylist, get familiar with wedding dress terms like silhouette, sweetheart neckline, bustles, etc.
Have a Budget Range
Know your price range than you are willing to spend and share that with your stylist. By creating a range, your stylists can select dresses on either end of the budget and you will get a good array of dresses to try on.
Budget Price Ranges: $100-$500 and $500 – $1000
Moderate Price Range: $1000 – $1500
Quality Price Range: $1500 – $2500
High End Price Range: $2500 – $4000
Couture: $4000 and Up
Who & What to Bring With You
The more people you have at your shopping trip will result in more opinions and more chaos. Select a few special people whose opinion you value and cap it at about three or four individuals. Bring along any photos of dresses that you really like (just 2 or 3) and don’t forget to bring your undergarments and shoes that you will wear that day.
First Things First
Undergarments can drastically change the look of a dress. You already know that wearing a strapless bra or a regular one with clear straps is non-negotiable. Even so, it’s recommended to get your measurements taken before you start this process; being in an incorrectly sized bra can make the entire gown look awkward on your body. Undergarments one cup size too small or a few inches too big around can make a huge difference in the fit.
Wear just enough makeup to feel pretty – don’t go overboard. Being surrounded by a billowing sea of white fabric makes you hyper-aware of your appearance. Whatever you do, DON’T apply self-tanner in the days leading up to your appointment – it can damage any dress you try on. And finally, wear your hair the way you’ve planned it for the wedding.
Your first decision is finding which dress silhouette works for you — Ballgown, Trumpet, Sheath, etc. (More on these choice follows.) Decide on which style flatters you the most. Dresses with beautiful trains, and detailing along the hem are great, but don’t forget about the top of your dress as well, as that part of your dress will be in most of your wedding photos. Stay away from “trends” and so with what you love. Be nice to your Mom and try on a dress she recommends, even if you hate it. If Mom has been looking forward to this moment since you were a little girl, oblige her just this one time and try of one of her choices. Either she’ll see that you were right or you might shock yourself by purchasing one of her picks.
Time to Try on The Dresses
When trying on dresses, tell the truth about the gowns. The consultant can’t assist you properly if you don’t tell them how you really feel about the gown. The consultant is not the designer, and you won’t hurt their feelings. Don’t freak out about the “size” of your dress as most bridal gowns run two to three sizes larger than your regular size. You are not a failure if you have to try on more than 10 gowns before finding “the One.” And sometimes it takes multiple visits.
Be sure to sit, shimmy, and even twirl in the gowns while trying them on — if it’s the right one, you should feel as it you never want to take it off. You’re most likely going to shop for a wedding gown once in your life, so it’s okay to make the final decision yourself, and you’ll mostly likely hear a inner voice tell you which one you should choose.