Picking 'The' Wedding Dress
Finding your dream gown can be stressful. After all, you've likely never tried one on before, and it's the most expensive garment many women will ever own, so it can feel like the pressure is definitely on while wedding dress shopping. Plus, your dress sets the tone for the wedding as a whole, whether it's a grand ballroom affair or a casual beach bash. It may also feel like there's a whole new language to decode—tulle, A-line, fit-and-flare, organza, sheath, etc. Plus, more brides than ever are doing multiple dresses—a more formal one for the ceremony and a party-centric (danceable or more blingy and outrageous) one for the reception—which can make shopping even more stressful.
With all eyes on you, not to mention photos you'll keep forever, of course, you want to look perfect on your big day. But what does perfect mean to you? For some brides, a dream dress is a regal ballgown fit for a princess. For others, it's a sexy, va-va-voom sheath dress that makes everyone appreciate her curves, or a look that allows her enough movement to be able to get down on the dance floor.
The choices can seem overwhelming. But no matter your budget, personal style, or timeline, these wedding dress shopping tips are guaranteed to help you find the gown of your dreams—the one you'll love today, on the big day, and in 30 years from now when you look back at your wedding photos.
Start your research
Rip pages out of magazines, click through bridal boutiques online, explore on Pinterest, and check out what celebrity brides are wearing to compile a visual file of your favourite dresses. Then look for a connecting theme—are they all very embellished, lacy, or voluminous? Do they all have open backs? Find a couple of commonalities of styles you like and bring your ideas to your first appointment.
Brace yourself for Bridal sizing
Bridal sizing means your gown's number will often be one to two sizes higher than what you wear in your regular clothes. Even if going bigger sounds horrifying, remember that no one will know the number but you and your consultant.
Shop early!
Many gowns take four to eight months to be produced, and once it arrives, you still have to factor in more time for alterations and accessorizing.
Shop on a weekday
Bridal salons are packed on the weekends, meaning you may get less personal attention or the dress you love is being tried on by someone else. It's worth using some personal time from work to have your appointment on a weekday.
Choose your shopping crew wisely
Yes, you love your mom, sister, sister-in-law, maid of honour, and six bridesmaids—but if you've ever tried to get a crowd to agree on where to go for dinner, you can only imagine how hard it will be to find consensus on a gown. Narrow the group down to the two or three people whose opinions matter most to you.
Wear heels to the appointment
Some bridal salons have communal high heels you can borrow, but that's a little icky, and a dress will look a lot different with flip-flops than stilettos. Be prepared by bringing heels of the same height you think you'll likely wear for your big day, so you'll have a better idea of how the dress will look.
Stay true to what you love
It's easy, especially for people-pleasing brides, to bend in the moment to what gown your mom, sister, or maid of honour loves on you. But it's crucial that you go with what you love and what feels like your dream dress, regardless of other people's expectations.
Be 100% sure before you say yes
All brides need to know it's their dress before saying 'yes.' When a bride needs to decide, we would suggest & encourage her to sleep on it.
Relax and stop looking
Now that you've found your dream gown, stop shopping— it will make you nuts if you keep looking at dresses. Yours is great! Now just look forward to showing everyone on the big day.