Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be made much smoother. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when searching for your dream wedding dress.
Booking appointments with bridal boutiques will ensure that you have an expert's uninterrupted attention. This will give you a chance to focus on finding the perfect dress and a knowledgeable consultant will be able to help you find something that fits your style and budget.
Be selective with the people you bring to your dress appointments. Too many opinions can cloud your judgement and cause unnecessary drama. Choose a small group of people whose opinions you truly trust and who will be supportive of your choice.
Trying on dresses in various styles is part of the process. By keeping an open mind, you may be surprised by what you end up loving. Just because a certain style isn't something you would typically wear, doesn't mean it won't look stunning on you.
Wedding dresses can be incredibly pricey, but this doesn't mean you have to overspend. Set a realistic budget and stick to it, but don't sacrifice quality for a lower price tag.
Before your appointment, research different styles to see what you gravitate towards. This will help you narrow down your search and give your consultant a better idea of what you're looking for. It's also a good idea to wear appropriate undergarments and bring any accessories you plan on wearing on your wedding day.
Starting early gives you more time to find your dream dress, have alterations done, and ensure everything is perfect for your big day. Waiting until the last minute can lead to unnecessary stress and scrambling to find the right dress in time.
Photos of you in the dresses you try on will help you remember what you liked and make comparisons between different styles. Just make sure your consultant is okay with you taking pictures, as some bridal shops may have different policies.
While style is important when it comes to your wedding dress, comfort should never be overlooked. Choose a dress that you'll be able to move around in and feel comfortable wearing all day long. This will ensure that you can fully enjoy your special day without being weighed down by an uncomfortable dress.
Do: Make Appointments
If you want to have a hassle-free wedding dress shopping experience, making appointments with bridal boutiques is a must-do. This way, you will have an expert's uninterrupted attention and never have to wait around for help. With an appointment, you can take all the time you need to focus on finding the perfect dress.
When making an appointment, be sure to do it in advance and schedule it during the store's less busy hours. This way, the staff will have more time to dedicate to your needs, and you won't have to worry about competing with other customers for attention.
Another great perk of booking an appointment is that many boutiques offer complementary services, such as coffee, tea, or champagne, to those who come in for a scheduled appointment. You and your guests can take advantage of this service without feeling like you're taking up valuable space in the bridal boutique.
If you want to save time and avoid potential stress, make multiple appointments with multiple boutiques in one day. This way, you can try on various styles and find the perfect dress for you. Just make sure to take notes, photographs of each dress, and consider the pros and cons of each. By making appointments, you will have a seamless and enjoyable wedding shopping experience.
Don't: Bring an Entourage
It's exciting to share the wedding dress shopping experience with your loved ones. However, bringing too many people with you can lead to conflicting opinions and confusion that can cloud your judgment. Additionally, the dress that you love might not necessarily be loved by everyone in your entourage, which can lead to unnecessary drama.
The best way to avoid any drama is to limit your squad to one or two trusted individuals. Choose people who know your style preferences and will provide honest feedback without judgment. You want to ensure that you can focus on finding the dress of your dreams without outside opinions clouding your judgment.
Remember that your wedding dress is your choice, and ultimately, you are the one who will be wearing it on your big day. Keep in mind that your entourage may be biased towards what they like or dislike, and this may not align with your preferences. By limiting your squad, you can ensure that your decision is based solely on your opinion, style, and comfort.
Do: Keep an Open Mind
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it's essential to keep an open mind. Although you may have your heart set on a specific style or silhouette, remember that trying on different styles is part of the process. By keeping an open mind, you may find yourself surprised by what you end up loving.
Wedding dress shopping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it's important to make the most of it. Try on dresses that you never thought you would like and that are out of your comfort zone. Who knows? You may end up falling in love with a dress that you never thought you would.
While trying on different styles, pay attention to how each dress makes you feel. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your stylist or family member that accompanies you. Remember that the goal is to find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
- Keep an open mind while trying on dresses
- Try on various styles that are out of your comfort zone
- Pay attention to how each dress makes you feel
- Ask for feedback from your stylist or family members
By following this advice and keeping an open mind, you're sure to find the perfect wedding dress that makes you feel beautiful on your big day.
Don't: Forget Your Budget
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it can be easy to get caught up in the beauty of the dresses and forget about your budget. Remember, wedding dresses can be quite pricey and overspending is a common mistake that many brides make.
To stay on budget, start by setting a realistic amount that you're willing to spend on your dress. This will prevent you from falling in love with a dress that is way out of your price range. Additionally, make sure to factor in other costs such as alterations, accessories, and taxes.
When shopping for your dress, resist the temptation to overspend. You might find yourself comparing your dress to others and feeling pressure to upgrade, but stick to your budget and remember that quality is key. There are many beautiful dresses available at a range of prices, so don't assume that a higher price tag automatically means a better dress.
One way to save money is to shop during sales or clearance events. Many bridal boutiques offer discounts throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those and schedule your appointment accordingly. Another option is to consider buying a pre-owned dress or renting one.
Ultimately, it's important to stick to your budget but not sacrifice quality. By doing so, you'll be able to find a dress that both looks and feels beautiful on your special day.
Do: Prepare for Your Appointment
Preparing for your wedding dress appointment is a crucial step in finding the perfect dress. Before stepping into the boutique, it's important to have an idea of what you want. By researching different styles, you can get a sense of what trends you like, what fabrics you prefer and understand the overall look that you're going for.
Utilize online resources such as Pinterest and wedding dresses websites to create a mood board of styles that speak to you. This will help the consultant at the boutique better understand your vision and suggest options that will fit your style.
You can also create a list of questions to ask the consultant such as what the typical alteration timeline looks like, if the boutique offers any package deals for bridesmaids or flower girls, and what accessories would look best with your dress. Coming prepared with these questions will ensure that you maximize the time spent with the consultant to create a tailored experience.
Another helpful tip is to bring reference photos or swatches of color schemes for your wedding. This will allow you to see how the dress will fit in with the overall theme of your wedding and can even help the consultant suggest complementary colors or styles.
By preparing for your appointment, you are ensuring that you are setting yourself up for success in finding the perfect wedding dress. Remember that the process can take time, but it's an important part of the journey towards your perfect day.
Don't: Wait Too Long
Waiting until the last minute to start your wedding dress shopping can lead to unnecessary stress and panic. Starting early is crucial to finding your dream dress, allowing ample time for alterations and ensuring everything is perfect on your big day.
By starting early, you can schedule appointments with bridal boutiques and take the time to try on different styles. This way, you can see what looks good on you and narrow down your options. Booking early appointments may also give you access to more options, as popular dresses may have a waiting list.
Waiting too long may also limit your choices, leaving you with less time to find alternative options if your initial picks don't work out. Starting early ensures that you have plenty of time to surf the web, visit different shops, and get a good understanding of what you want on your special day.
Lastly, starting early also gives you ample time to ensure that everything is perfect for your wedding day. This includes scheduling fittings with your seamstress, and tailoring your dress to fit your body type. Making adjustments to your dress takes time, and getting a perfect fit can take several appointments. Starting early ensures that you have enough time to make any necessary changes and ensure everything is perfect.
Don't let waiting too long ruin your wedding dress shopping experience. Start early to maximize your options, ensure everything is perfect and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Do: Take Photos
Another important “do” when it comes to wedding dress shopping is to take photos of the dresses you try on. This can be incredibly helpful as you look back on your appointments and try to remember which styles you liked best. Plus, having photos to reference can make comparing dresses much easier.
When taking photos, it's a good idea to wear minimal makeup and keep your hair in a simple style so that you can focus on the dresses. Most bridal boutiques will allow you to take photos, but it's always good to ask beforehand just to be safe.
If you're feeling particularly organized, you could even create a spreadsheet or document where you keep track of each dress you try on along with its designer, price, and any other important notes. This can be especially helpful if you're planning on visiting more than one boutique or if you're considering dresses from different designers.
Overall, taking photos during your wedding dress appointments is a great way to make the most of your time and ensure that you remember the dresses you liked best. Plus, it's always fun to look back on these photos later on and reminisce about the experience!
Don't: Overlook Comfort
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, it's easy to get caught up in the style and appearance, but it's important not to overlook comfort. You'll be wearing the dress for a long time, so it's essential to choose something that will keep you feeling good from morning to night.
When trying on dresses at the boutique, pay attention to how it feels on your body. Does it itch or pinch? Is the fabric too heavy or too light? Can you breathe comfortably? Answering these questions will help narrow down your options.
Another important aspect to consider is the length of the dress. Are you comfortable walking around in it? Can you sit and dance without restrictions? A dress that is too long or too tight can cause discomfort and affect your ability to enjoy the day fully.
Don't forget to think about the weather and the venue. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, choose a dress made of breathable fabric that will keep you cool. On the other hand, if you're getting married in the winter or in a location with cooler temperatures, opt for a dress that will keep you warm.
In conclusion, comfort should be a top priority when choosing your wedding dress. Don't compromise on how you feel just to look your best. Finding the perfect balance between style and comfort will ensure that you enjoy your special day without any discomfort or distractions!
