How To Prepare For Wedding Dress Shopping?
Your partner has proposed and you could not be happier! Now it is time to find the perfect dress. Unfortunately you do not know how to prepare for wedding dress shopping. What should you do?
Luckily, we have created this blog to give you all the answers you need. Continue reading for some tips and advice on how to prepare for wedding dress shopping… HAPPY HUNTING!
How To Prepare For Wedding Dress Shopping…
Budget
Agree a set budget with your partner and stick to it. Be sure to include the price of your jewellery, shoes, lingerie, and a veil if you are wearing one. Alterations will usually cost extra (some boutiques offer them in an all-inclusive deal) so keep that in mind too. Do not be tempted to try on a dress you definitely cannot afford! You do not want to be falling in love with something unattainable.
Time frame
Wedding gowns usually take anywhere between 6 and 10 months to be made. Factoring in shipping costs, alterations and multiple fittings, you could be looking at 12 months! Keep this in mind, and remember you may have to pay an extra fee if you are requiring a rushed service.
Research
Spend a few weeks searching the web for your favourite styles, pinning dresses on a Pinterest board, looking at photos of real weddings on social media, ripping out pages from magazines etc. When it comes to speaking to your bridal stylist, they’ll have a ready-made mood board to go by! When you are calling around to book fittings, be sure to check if shops charge a service fee for trying on. This will save any nasty surprises on the day.
Body shape and personal style
Keep your own personal style in mind when shopping for your wedding gown. Your wedding day is a day for you to be yourself in all your glory, but with that little something extra. If you do not usually wear fitted dresses, do not suddenly feel like you need to squeeze yourself into a tight bodice that makes you uncomfortable. Look at your wardrobe and think about what makes you truly feel most confident.
Underwear and shoes
Black or patterned undies are a no-no for wedding dress shopping. Wear nude underwear, and bring a strapless bra if you need the support. Remember that strapless wedding dresses are much more supportive than your average strapless dress, so your stylist may even suggest not wearing one. Try to find a paid of shoes the same colour, style and height as the ones you will be buying for the big day, to ensure they look right with the dress, and are a good height to allow you to walk comfortably.
Eating
Do not go wedding shopping on an empty stomach. You may think this is the best thing to do but, trust me, you will regret it. Have a light breakfast, maybe bring some granola bars or mixed nuts in your bag with you, or combine your fittings with an afternoon tea. Steer clear of hearty meals prior to your fittings as you will not want to feel bloated.
Wear minimal make up
Think of the expensive dresses and how awful you would feel if you covered them in foundation! We suggest a light touch of concealer, mascara and blush, just to bring the whole look together. Try to wear a similar beauty look as to what you will be wearing on the day, if possible. Also, if you know for sure that you are wearing your hair up, in a low bun, or down and curly on your wedding day, do the same at your fittings. Remember not to fake tan just prior to your appointment as this could also end badly.
Minimise your entourage
We know it is all very exciting but try not to bring too many people along to your fittings. Think about bringing one – maximum two – trusted voices with you, as you will need to be able to hear yourself think.
Try on a bit of everything
You probably have that one particular style in mind; however don’t rule something out completely before trying it on. Once you have tried on a certain style, you can rule out for definite what you don’t like, and you may surprise yourself by what you find you do like. Have an open mind!
Climate
Remember to consider the climate of your wedding destination. If you are getting married somewhere hot like Mexico or Spain, you may want to think twice about a layered, full skirt. If you are worried about sweating through a summer wedding, opt for silk and show some skin! If you are worried about keeping warm later on, consider long sleeves.
Listen to your gut
If you know in your heart that a dress is not the one, do not feel pressured to say “yes”. Block out all the noise and listen to your gut. In the end, you are going to be the one wearing the dress on the best day of your life so you get to make the ultimate choice! On the other hand, do not be afraid to say “yes” to the first dress you love. Many brides spend months trying on dresses and ultimately end up going back to buy the first one they loved!
Take photos
Ask your trusted fitting party to take photos of you in every gown you love. This way, you will have a quick catalogue to compare which is best. Remember to check with the shop whether photos are allowed, beforehand.
Final fitting
At your final fitting be sure to bring every accessory and piece of jewellery with you, along with your shoes, to ensure the whole look ties together.
Remember to pay by credit card so you are protected if there is any issue with the store.
Stop the search
When you have found “the one” – STOP! Once the dress is yours, keep it in a safe place, such as your mum’s wardrobe, where you cannot see it. This will ensure you don’t try it on every day and, let’s face it, you have tonnes of other things to organise for the big day without overthinking your dress choice!