This is one of the most exciting things about the wedding planning process. Most of you have probably dreamed about what your wedding dress would look like since you were a little girl. Make the most of your wedding dress shopping experience with this list of seven things to know before you go. This post will help you prepare for the best wedding dress shopping experience.
Photo Credit: Madisun Paige Photography
1. Have a style in mind
There are so many wedding dress options. Some styles that change with time, some that are classic options, some that are designed for your body type and some that just vibe with your theme.
This is where Pinterest will be your best friend and most useful tool. Keep pinning what appeals to you and you’ll narrow down a look. You’ll want to have some examples to show them. I pictured pulling dresses off the rack to try on but it’s not like that at all. Most of the time the dresses are hung in the back and you don’t even see them. You’ll work with a stylist that pulls dresses based on your pictures and narrows them down based on your feedback.
Side note real quick about finding a dress for your body shape. One of the first shops I tried, I showed them sheath dresses that I liked and was told, “based on your body type I would have put you in an A-line dress”. Sure, knowing which dresses are flattering based on your body type is helpful, but an A-line dress was not what I envisioned. For the record, I went with a sheath dress from a different dress shop and I thought it was stunning.
2. Have a budget in mind
There’s nothing worse than finding your dream dress but then finding out that it’s nowhere near your budget. Be upfront with the bridal shops about your budget so that you are only trying things on within your budget.
Make sure you include the price of a veil and alterations within your budget as well. The average veil price ranges from $200-$400. My cathedral veil cost me $225. Alteration prices vary depending on what the seamstress charges, and how much the dress needs to be taken in or up. For reference, my alterations cost me around $550.
3. Make sure you have that “feeling” before you say yes
You’ll know that you found your dress when you don’t want to take it off, when you can picture yourself wearing it on the day, and you can’t stop thinking about it. None of the other dresses that you tried will come close to beating “the one”. Go with your gut. There may be some tears involved.
4. Move around and sit down in it
Make sure you’re comfortable in your dress. Walk around, try sitting, and raising your arms. I have super sensitive skin so certain sequins and fabric were irritating me beyond belief during my gown hunt. If you want to be dropping it low on the dance floor on your wedding day, make sure you can get down there in your dress. Even though it’s one day, it’s one of the most important days in your life and you want to be comfortable.
Pro tip: Make sure you also love the look of your dress when it’s bustled.
5. Have someone document the options
Seeing the dress options in pictures versus in the mirror gives you a different perspective. Have someone take pictures of you in the dress options so you can compare them side by side. Your eye might be drawn to something that you don’t love or really like while seeing it in a photo. Don’t forget to send these photos to a hidden album so your future spouse doesn’t see them.
6. Have your hair done
If you absolutely know that you want to have your hair a certain way, wear it like that when you’re wedding dress shopping. It will help you better visualize the entire look. Dresses have different necklines or back designs and having your hair the way you want it will help you better envision the look and help pull things together.
7. Sleep on it
Definitely don’t feel pressured to order your dress that day. The dresses are essentially made to order so it won’t be going anywhere if you need a day or two to think about it. Take some time and scroll through your pictures and google your wedding dress to see others wearing it. It sometimes helps you visualize it to see it on someone else and without it being clipped.
When you’re ready, go back by yourself to try it on one more time. Not having the influences of others’ opinions will help reassure you that it’s the one.
To sum things up, take your time, make sure you feel comfortable and your very best, and lastly, make this process all about YOU. You’re gonna feel amazing after you’ve found the one.
[…] don’t consider the cost of alterations. Make sure you factor this in your budget when you are wedding dress shopping. The cost of alterations ranges anywhere from $150-700 with an average of […]