One of the biggest decisions when it comes to planning your wedding is choosing your dress, you want to choose something that you feel amazing in and truly WOW your groom (and your guests!)
Here are some top tips for choosing your dress:
- Research - it is a good idea to research a few designers that you like. While it's tricky to make any decisions without trying dresses on, it's a good idea to get an idea of styles/designs you like. Once you have an idea of designers it's worth doing your research into stockists, if possible try to get recommendations of dress shops from other brides.
- Set a budget - wedding dress prices can massively vary based on the designer, quality of the fabric, design details etc. Set a dress budget before you start shopping so that you don't get too carried away falling in love with something that you can't afford.
- Book an appointment - make sure that you contact the dress shop to book an appointment before just turning up. A lot of wedding dress shops will be quite small and you will have an assistant to help you find your dress and help you in and out of the gowns.
- Decide who to bring with you - depending on the size of your family and your number of bridesmaids this can be a difficult decision. Some people suggest not to bring too many people along, but it is entirely up to you, you know what your friends and family are like. Just remember too many people may end up confusing you by all offering their opinion.
- Hair and Make up - if you have an idea of how you will have your hair and make up on the day it can be a good idea to replicate the look to see how it will look with the dress. If you are someone who regularly uses fake tan then make sure you're tanned trying on dresses, a tan will totally change your bridal look!
- Don't rule anything out - while you may have an idea of what you would like, until you try dresses you shouldn't discount anything. It is worth trying on as many shapes, styles, fabrics as possible, at least you can rule certain styles out.
- Consider your venue - think about how your dress will look at your wedding venue. If you are getting married on a beach, will you be too hot in a long-sleeved princess gown? If you are getting married in a church, will a plunging neckline be appropriate?
- Don't leave it too late - many brides plan to get in shape ahead of their big day and this can delay their search for the dress, but don't leave it too late. Wedding dress shopping is very different to any other type of shopping and dress orders can take up to 6 months to come into store. If you are wanting to lose weight, then maybe size down and use that as motivation!
- You can make changes - you might find your dream dress but wish to make some changes to it. Almost anything is possible and you will likely need to have some alternations made to ensure the fit is perfect, why not also take this opportunity to customise the dress too? The bridal store assistants should be able to give you some advice, whether it be removing straps, adding a belt etc. they will be on hand to give you some inspiration.
- Be comfortable - you will be wearing your wedding dress all day and will be walking, eating, dancing in it, it is important to feel comfortable. Don't choose a dress that prevents you from having the best day on your life!
Do you have any other Wedding Dress shopping tips?
Be My Bride
xoxo