So you’re ready to start looking for that perfect wedding dress… but where do you even begin? Choosing your dream wedding dress can be a daunting experience, and it’s important to remember that no one size fits everyone.
To help make the process of finding your ideal gown as smooth as possible, here is some helpful advice to guide you along the way!
Research to Find What You Like
Before going bridal shopping, spend time researching what styles and silhouettes suit your body type best. It’s also a great idea to look through photo albums, magazines, or Pinterest boards for inspiration. Proper research will help narrow down which types of wedding dresses you like and give your stylist an idea of what kind of gowns to show you.
Find What Suits You
As much as it is essential to find a dress that fits in with your desired style, it is also important to find one that suits your body shape. Everyone’s body is different, so certain silhouettes will work better if you have broad shoulders or fuller hips, for example.
Speak to friends and family with wedding dress buying experience and ask which designers and styles worked best for them.
Bridal Sizing is Not Like Normal Sizing
With bridal dresses, the sizing differs from regular clothing sizes, so it is vital to keep this in mind when trying on gowns. Most of the time, you will need to go a size or two up from your standard dress size and then have it taken in for the perfect fit.
Don’t be too disheartened if a dress doesn’t fit how you’d hoped – chances are it’s just not the right size, and the reason most wedding dress specialists have seamstresses available to make adjustments.
Keep an Open Mind
When choosing your wedding dress, remain open-minded to different styles and materials. Something completely unexpected looks excellent on you and falls within budget! It’s always worth looking at all the options available before making any decisions, as there could be something out there that you have yet to notice.
Work out Your Budget
It is very important to be mindful of your budget when wedding dress shopping. Knowing what you can afford beforehand helps narrow the range of dresses available and avoid disappointment later on.
Shop Early But Not Too Early
Aim to look at dresses 9-12 months before your wedding date, as this gives enough time for alterations if necessary. However, try not to shop too early, as ordering a dress more than one year in advance may mean you hate it when it arrives – fashions and minds change, and that’s life.
Be Prepared to Wobble (have second thoughts)
You may have chosen the perfect dress, but it’s worth giving yourself some time to decide. Once the dress has been ordered and arrives, it’s not uncommon to have a wobble – that moment of doubt when you question if it is actually ‘the one.’ Don’t worry, though; this is normal and understandable!
Choosing your wedding dress can be super stressful, but taking the time to consider all the tips above will ensure you have the perfect gown for your big day. Happy shopping!