Whether you’ve been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were five or are just shopping because the pressure is on its important to have realistic expectations and be prepared. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect gown for your big day.
Bring a couple of trusted friends and limit the entourage this way, you can focus on finding the dress that feels like the best version of yourself.
1. Look for a Reputable Retailer
There are so many benefits to this, from gaining more flexibility in your budget to expanding your options and finding gowns you may not have otherwise considered. winsome brides a trusted retailer ensuring quality and style for your perfect wedding dress and a stress-free shopping experience.
The average time frame for ordering a gown is eight to 12 months but some designers have rush options and best-selling styles that can be ready in less than six weeks. If you’re on a shorter timeline it is still important to book your appointment early.
It’s also crucial to be selective about who you bring to your bridal appointment. Choose only those whose opinion matters to you and who you trust this will allow you to feel confident in your decision and help you stay true to yourself.
2. Read Reviews
Whether you’re looking for dresses on the go or at home, trusting online reviews and social proof will help you narrow your search, save time, and save sanity. Look for boutiques that have a proven track record, heaps of positive feedback and attentive customer service.
While it’s great to get input from family and friends, don’t let their opinions sway you too much. They may not know your personal style and they could end up recommending a dress you’ll never wear. It’s important to find a gown that fits your taste, suits your body type and is in keeping with the tone and vibe of your wedding day.
It’s also helpful to have a clear vision of what you want to look like on your wedding day. If you’re going for a romantic, feminine and beautiful vibe, a blush lace ball gown with a sweetheart neckline might be right up your alley. But if you’re thinking something more modern and edgy, you might be better off with a more fitted silhouette.
3. Keep your Budget in Mind.
It might seem obvious, but it is important to keep your budget in mind when shopping for your wedding dress. Wedding gowns can add up quickly, and it’s easy to fall in love with a dress that you can’t afford. It’s also important to factor in other wedding costs like alterations, undergarments, and accessories when setting your dress budget.
It is also helpful to create a secret Pinterest board where you only pin dresses that match your vision of your perfect wedding gown this will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed buying decision.
It is also important to choose a bridal consultant who you trust and feel comfortable with. It is often better to bring only one or two trusted friends or family members who know your style well to an appointment. This will allow you to focus on finding the dress that feels most authentic to you without compromising your style or feeling overwhelmed by opinions of others. Plus, a limited number of guests will make it more likely that you’ll have privacy and space to truly relax and enjoy your day!
4. Don’t be Afraid to Try on Dresses.
Unless you’re a natural couturier, you’ll probably need to visit a bridal boutique or salon when searching for the dress of your dreams. Bridal stores are usually more likely to carry your preferred designer and offer a range of sizes in dresses. They also have the ability to provide alterations. Call the store in advance to learn about what they have available and if they require an appointment.
When you go to appointments, bring someone you trust to help with your dress selection process. This person can be your cheerleader or someone who will give you an honest opinion. They should know your taste and style well and be willing to go out of their way to make sure you get the dress that makes you feel most like a bride.
Keep an open mind to different styles or silhouettes that deviate from your initial vision. You might discover the perfect gown when you least expect it. It could be a fun, trendy cape like Serena Williams or the classic lace silhouette of Pippa Middleton.
5. Take your Time.
There are so many elements to take into account when searching for your dream gown, and navigating this labyrinth with the right mindset and strategy can help make the process fun and rewarding. Whether you’re looking to save time by shopping online or want to experience the magic of stepping into your gown with friends and family nearby, it’s important to take your time.
Before you go to your first bridal appointment, pore over magazines and online inspiration for the styles and details that speak to you. This can help you learn about the lingo and silhouettes you love so that when you arrive at your dress fitting, you have something to talk about with your designer.
Also consider the venue, time of day, and season you’ll be celebrating in as you do your research. You don’t want to fall in love with a voluminous ball gown only to find out it won’t comply with airport baggage size restrictions. Finally, decide how widely you’ll be sharing your gown picks (if at all). Some brides opt to only show their partner or a select few trusted friends so they can enjoy the magic of seeing their dress for the first time on their big day.