The Do's and Dont's of Wedding Dress Shopping
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options to choose from. To help you navigate through the process, here are some dos’ and don’ts of wedding dress shopping:
DO’s:
Start early: It’s important to start looking for your wedding dress early to allow plenty of time for alterations, customisations, shipping, etc. Most wedding dresses take a minimum of 6 months be produced, so it’s best to start looking for your dress at least 9-12 months before your wedding.
Set a budget: Weddings can be expensive, and the costs can add up quickly. It’s important to set a budget for your dress and try not to get carries away. Don’t be afraid to give the wedding shop consultant your true budget. This will help them guide you in the right direction and make helpful suggestions. There are also plenty of options for budget-friendly dresses, such as purchasing a pre-owned wedding dress or renting a dress.
Determine your style: One of the biggest concerns for brides when choosing a dress is finding one that fits their personal style. Do you want a traditional, ballgown silhouette or something more modern and sleek? Do you want a dress with a lot of lace or something more minimalistic? Figuring out what style of dress best reflects YOUR personal style will help you narrow down your options. In our opinion, this os one of the most important things. You’ll have your nearest and dearest there who know you best. You don’t want to walk down the aisle as someone else. Just be an elevated YOU.
Find a reputable bridal salon: It’s important to do your research and find a reputable bridal shop or wedding dress designer that reflects your style. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family. It’s also a good idea to make an appointment and try on dresses at a few different boutiques to get a feel for the aesthetic and service they offer.
Try on a variety of dresses: Don’t be afraid to try on a variety of wedding dresses, even if they’re not exactly what you had in mind. You may be surprised by how a dress looks on you and it’s important to keep an open mind. It’s also a good idea to bring along a few (just a few) trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value.
Consider the fit: Another important concern for brides is finding a dress that fits well. It’s important to find a dress that flatters your body type and accentuates your best features. It’s also important to consider the fit of the dress in relation to your wedding venue and theme. If you’re having a beach wedding, a lighter, flowy dress might be more appropriate than a heavy, formal ballgown.
Consider comfort (to an extent): You’ll be wearing your wedding dress for a significant amount of time on the big day, so it’s important to find a dress that is comfortable to wear. Consider the fabric and silhouette of the dress, as well as any additional features such as a train or veil. You’ll want to feel comfortable and confident in your dress, so make sure to try it on and move around in it before making a decision.
Think about the details: In addition to the overall style and fit of the dress, think about the finishing touches, such as your earrings, a bracelet, hair comb, veil with detail or a veil without detail, your flowers, your makeup. All of these seemingly small additions can make or break your finished look.
See our blog on how to best accessorize your wedding gown.
And here are some DON’TS of wedding dress shopping:
Don’t bring too many people: While it’s nice to have the support of your bride tribe with you when shopping for your wedding dress, it’s important not to bring too many people. Too many opinions can make the process overwhelming and may make it difficult for you to hear your own thoughts and make your own decision. It’s a good idea to limit the number of people you bring to 2-3.
Don’t be swayed by trends: While it’s important to consider current wedding dress trends, but it’s more important to choose a dress that reflects your personal style and feels like you. Don’t be swayed by trends or pressured into choosing a dress that doesn’t feel like the right fit for you. Trends will come and go, but good design is timeless. You don’t want to look back on your wedding photos and regret your choice of wedding gown, because it was the current trend.
Don’t forget about budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of wedding dress shopping, but it’s important to remember your budget. Don’t let yourself be talked into a dress that is outside of your price range or that you can’t afford. It’s better to stick to your budget and find a dress that you love within your price range, rather than overspending and potentially regretting it later. IF you must have a wedding dress that exceeds your budget, try cutting back elsewhere. People remember 3 things. The wedding dress, the food and if they had a good time.
Don’t ignore your gut: When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, it’s important to listen to your gut. If you try on a dress and it doesn’t feel quite right, even if it ticks all the boxes on paper, it’s probably not the right dress for you. Trust your instincts and choose a dress that feels like the perfect fit for you.
Don’t be afraid to speak up: If you’re not happy or unsure about something during your journey, it’s important to speak up. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions and ask for what you want. It’s your special day and you deserve to have the perfect wedding dress. Your designer wants you to look your best and wants you to feel stunning on your wedding day.
Don’t wait too long to order: Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, it’s important to order it as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for production and alterations. Most wedding dresses take 6-9 months to be produced, so don’t dilly dally!
Don’t keep looking after you’ve purchased: Don’t continue to shop around after you’ve paid your deposit on your wedding dress. There are so many beautiful dresses out there and you can really look forever! So, do yourself a favour and unfollow all those wedding dress designers and boutiques on social media. Delete your inspiration boards and photos in your phone. You’ll only confuse yourself and second guess your decision if you don’t. And after all, you didn’t continue to shop for a fiancé after you said yes! Do the same for your wedding gown and have faith in your decision.
Allow us at Amaline Vitale to guide you through your wedding dress journey and book a one on one styling appointment with us by clicking the link below.