Saying “Yes to the dress” is a special event of a lifetime for most brides. Your wedding dress sets the tone of your big day and is a beautiful reflection of your personality and style. However the shopping process to find the perfect dress can feel completely overwhelming. Between choosing your style, fabric, silhouettes, to settling on a price, for many brides saying yes to the perfect dress can seem very stressful. Finding your perfect dress is a big deal and we want you to enjoy this beautiful experience without any stress. As you prepare to say yes to your dress, let us help you make your shopping experience enjoyable and easy as possible with these few tips.
- When Should You Purchase Your Dress – Timing is important when it comes to wedding dress shopping. Your wedding dress is custom made just for you with a series of alterations it has to undergo to fit your body perfectly. Therefore it is important that you start researching, scheduling appointments and shopping approximately 10 months in advance prior to your wedding day. Be sure to do your research before you start shopping. Use your weekends to research different styles and designers. Get familiar with the design elements you love. Discover what types of necklines and silhouettes you like. Also get to know specific words such as: Wedding Dress Necklines: Sweetheart, V-neck, Strapless, Scoop, Halter. Wedding Dress Styles: Ball gown, A-line, Trumpet & mermaid, Sheath. Do you know what bustle means? It’s also a great idea to become familiar with wedding dress terms. Taking the time to do your research will give you a better understanding of what to look for, ask for and accurately describe when you walk into your first appointment.
- Prepare Your Budget – After you’ve gotten an idea of the style, brand and elements for your wedding dress, it’s time to prepare your budget. Be sure to factor in the following costs when preparing your dress budget: Cost of alterations, veils, accessories, shoes, undergarments. Having a clear understanding of your budget will help you avoid stress and will help your consultant to pull the right dresses for you to try on. Once you decide to start shopping, be prepared to purchase, you just may find your dress on your first visit. Very importantly, avoid trying on dresses that are over your budget. This is extremely important because you do not want to fall in love with a dress that you cannot afford. There are many beautiful options within your budget, so ask your consultant to only show options within your set budget.
- Choose Your Shopping Day – Before you book your bridal appointment, choose a day you’d like to go shopping. Saturday’s are usually the day most brides choose to go dress shopping so choose a day in the week that’s less busy. You’re more likely to have a more relaxed dress shopping experience.
- Plan and Prepare for the Day – Your wedding dress shopping day is a big deal and you should definitely plan and prepare for the big day. Prep the night before by picking out something cute to wear, go to bed at a decent time so that you’ll be well rested and eat a proper meal so that you won’t be hungry/or get sick. Be careful not to overeat or consume a heavy meal that will bloat you up considering the fact that you’ll be trying on dresses and your consultant will have to size you for your dress. However, get something in your stomach so you can have a wonderful bridal shopping experience. Being hungry can affect your mood and the whole experience.
- What Should You Wear? – Cute and comfortable is definitely our recommendation. Be sure to wear proper undies with NO visible panty lines. Bring along a strapless bra and any shapewear you may want to wear on your wedding day. Proper-fitting undergarments will make a difference as you’ll be able to see the exact shape of the dress. What about your shoes? We’re happy you ask. Wear or bring either the shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day or a similar heel. Knowing your exact heel height is super important for accurate measurements. You will also get a chance to see exactly how your dress will fall and flow on your wedding day.
- Get Your Hair and Makeup Done – It’s your wedding dress shopping day and we want you to glow and shine. So get your makeup done. Very importantly, remember you’ll be trying on wedding gowns in white or champagne so minimal makeup is the way to go. Preferably a look you’d like for your wedding day. We recommend that you style your hair in a way that resembles the look you are desiring for your wedding day also. By doing your hair and makeup you’ll get an idea of how you will look on your wedding day.
- Choose Your Entourage Wisely – We know that all the women in your life are super excited and want to share in this beautiful experience but it’s important that you keep your entourage as small as possible. Remember your wedding dress shopping day should be exciting and stress free. Having a large crowd can cause loads of stress. Everyone’s style is unique and different. Although different opinions can be helpful, having too many could cause confusion and disagreements. It’s your day. You’re the one who will be saying “yes to the dress” so though you’ll respect other opinions, you’re the one who will make the final decision. Invite two or three individuals to accompany you. Choose people who are closest to you, who will support you all the way and who will help make your wedding dress shopping a wonderful experience. A few individuals to consider: your mother, maid of honor, your best friend or your future mother-in-law.
Brides to be, your wedding day is deemed one of the most beautiful days of your life. It’s a day that you only get to experience once and it’s important that you not only enjoy every moment but you will look stunningly beautiful on that day. We love when a bride enjoys not only the wedding day but the engagement period as well this includes saying “Yes to your dress.” As you prepare to say yes to your dress it’s very important that you take the time to research, plan and prepare. This will give you a better wedding dress shopping experience without any stress. Happy Shopping Brides to Be!