Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding. It’s a journey filled with anticipation, joy, and a touch of anxiety. While every bride dreams of the perfect gown, the process of locating it can be overwhelming. But fear not, because with some organisation and a clear plan, finding your wedding dress can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Below are essential steps to guide you through this important journey.
Let’s get straight to the point
Finding the perfect wedding dress is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming task. Start by deciding your wedding date and venue as these will influence your dress choice. Begin shopping 9-12 months in advance to allow for delivery and alterations. Choose where to shop based on your budget, whether it’s bridal boutiques, department stores, or online retailers. Make appointments in advance and be willing to travel if necessary. Bring a small group of trusted companions, stay comfortable, and trust your bridal consultant. Keep an open mind regarding dress styles and sizes, as wedding dresses run smaller than regular clothing. Take your time with the decision, consider availability, budget for alterations, and compare prices. Trust your instincts when choosing the dress, even if you don’t have an emotional reaction right away.
1. Decide on Your Wedding Date and Venue
Before you begin shopping for your wedding dress, it’s important to have your wedding venue and date locked in. The location and season of your wedding will significantly influence the type of dress you choose. For instance, an outdoor wedding during summer might call for a light, airy gown, while a winter wedding might require something more formal and warm.
2. Create a Shopping Timeline For Your Wedding Dress
Start your search well in advance. Ideally, you should begin looking for your dress about nine to twelve months before the wedding. This allows enough time for ordering, alterations, and fittings. Keep in mind that once you place an order, it can take several months for the dress to arrive, and any adjustments may require additional time.
3. Choose Your Shopping Locations Wisely
Where you shop depends on your budget and personal preferences. Bridal boutiques, department stores, and online retailers all offer unique advantages:
- Speciality Bridal Stores: These boutiques offer a range of designer dresses and personalised service but tend to be on the pricier side.
- Department Stores: Larger stores may offer a good selection of gowns, often at a lower price point. However, they may lack the intimate, personalised experience of a bridal boutique.
- Online Shopping: While convenient, online shopping carries risks. It’s difficult to judge quality and fit without trying on the dress. Be cautious and check return policies if you choose this route.
4. Make Appointments in Advance In Wedding Boutique
If you’re planning to visit a bridal boutique, it’s a good idea to book an appointment. Bridal salons often prioritise customers with appointments, and you’re less likely to feel rushed. However, some larger stores allow walk-ins, which can be convenient if you’re short on time.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Travel
Depending on the designer or style you’re looking for, you may need to travel outside of your local area. High-end designers are sometimes only available in select cities. Weigh the costs and benefits of travelling to a different city or even state to find your dream gown.
6. Eat Before You Shop
Dress shopping can be an all-day event. It’s important to stay energised and focused, so don’t skip meals. Bring snacks and water to stay hydrated and avoid becoming too tired while making decisions.
7. Be Mindful of Your Shopping Companions
It’s tempting to bring your entire bridal party when you shop for your gown, but this can sometimes lead to confusion and too many opinions. It’s often better to bring just one or two trusted individuals, like your maid of honour or mother. These are the people whose opinions matter most and who understand your style.
8. Dress Comfortably
Remember that you’ll be standing, sitting, and moving around in your wedding dress for hours on the big day. When trying on dresses, make sure to sit, stand, and even practice a few dance moves to ensure the gown is as comfortable as it is beautiful.
9. Trust Your Consultant
Bridal consultants are there to guide you. They have experience working with brides of all shapes and sizes, so don’t hesitate to share your preferences with them. However, keep an open mind to their suggestions. Sometimes the dress you never thought you’d love ends up being “the one.”
10. Be Prepared for Different Sizing
Wedding dresses tend to run smaller than regular clothing sizes, so don’t be surprised if you need to size up. It’s important not to fixate on the number on the label. What matters is how the dress makes you feel.
11. Experiment With Different Wedding Dress Styles
Even if you have a particular style in mind, it’s always worth trying on a variety of silhouettes. You might be surprised by how different styles look on your body. From A-line to mermaid, from ball gowns to sheaths, explore all the options before settling on one.
12. Take Your Time
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during your first bridal appointment, especially when you love more than one dress. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision right away. Take notes, snap pictures (if allowed), and think it over. You can always return to the store for a second try-on session.
13. Check Wedding Dress Availability
If you’ve found a dress that you love, don’t hesitate to ask about stock and delivery times. Depending on the designer, some dresses might take several months to arrive. If you’re short on time, inquire about sample dresses or quick-order options.
14. Budget for Wedding Dress Alterations
Alterations are a standard part of buying a wedding dress. Be sure to factor this into your budget when making your purchase. Minor alterations like hemming and adjusting the fit are common, but more extensive modifications can be costly. Discuss alteration fees with your bridal salon before placing an order.
15. Don’t Worry if You Don’t Cry When You Found The Perfect Wedding Dress
Not every bride gets emotional when they find the perfect dress, and that’s okay. If you love the way you look and feel, trust your instincts. The important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
16. Compare Prices Of Wedding Dress
Once you’ve chosen your dream dress, it’s a good idea to compare prices at different stores. Some shops may offer discounts or special promotions, and you might be able to find the same gown for less elsewhere. Be cautious when buying online, though, as counterfeit dresses can sometimes look very different from the originals.
Conclusion
Finding your wedding dress is a journey, and while it might take time, it’s important to enjoy every moment. With careful planning, an open mind, and the support of loved ones, you’ll find the dress that makes you feel like the beautiful bride you are meant to be.
By following these tips and taking a thoughtful approach, you’ll not only find the right wedding dress but also create wonderful memories along the way. Happy shopping!
FAQs About Wedding Dresses
What Size Is Plus Size in Wedding Dresses?
You’re considered a plus-size bride if you normally wear a size 14 or higher, which would be a size 16 in bridal. Most designers do offer plus sizes, but many stores only carry samples in sizes 8, 10 and 12. Call your local bridal store before you go shopping to ensure that they’ll be able to accommodate you.
What Is the Average Size Wedding?
According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding size is currently 131.
What Does the Bride Pay For?
The Bride. Traditionally, the bride is only solely responsible for paying for the groom’s wedding band and wedding gifts for her bridesmaids. However, there are many wedding costs (everything from a coordinator to flowers and décor) that are often shared between the bride and her family.
Why Are Bridal Sizes Different?
Most wedding dresses are not the same size as your street clothes, in fact, they could be up to two sizes different. The reason for this is many wedding dress designers are from other countries and their sizing is different than in the United States.
How Much Do You Tip a Bridal Attendant?
A bridal attendant will assist the bride with her dress and make sure she has everything she needs. Tipping the attendant anywhere from $150 to $200 is acceptable. As for the maître d’, they are responsible for making sure the wedding goes smoothly. Tip the maître d’ anywhere from $200 to $400.
