The hunt for the perfect wedding dress is in equal parts frightening and exciting. If you're like most women, you've probably never even tried one on, let alone purchased, a bridal gown. Plus, wedding gowns are exorbitantly priced! Yours will likely be the most expensive piece of clothing you've ever bought. Besides that, choosing from so, so, SO many options can be overwhelming, especially when you're by yourself.
With so much pressure honking on your dreams, how on earth do you choose a bridal dress that's supposed to make you look and feel like the most beautiful you've ever been? That is a tough nut to crack. But thankfully, we're here to make the process as easy and fun as possible. We've put together a quick bridal shopping guide that will help you (lovely brides) to pick the right style for your big day. So read on, worry less, and spend more time on the rest of your wedding plans (like tasting the cake or picking a venue).
- Do some research
One of the many helpful ways to find a wedding dress that complements your look is to create a visual file of what you find attractive. You can do that by tearing pages from magazines, exploring Pinterest, browsing bridal boutiques, and looking at what designer wedding dresses look and feel like these days. A designer wedding dress has impeccable stitching, exceptional fabric, intricate detailing, and delicate lacing. Once you have your visual guide ready, move on to the next step.
- The location also matters
Knowing where and when your wedding will take place will help you narrow down your search. Will you hold your ceremony on the beach during the day? Ball gowns with dramatic embellishments and long trains are out. Vows exchanged in a candlelit cathedral? If so, avoid short slip dresses and anything that appears to be appropriate for a cocktail party.
Furthermore, most fabrics are adequate all year. Still, some, such as organdy and linen, are better suited for warm weather, while brocade and velvet are best for winter. So choose your pick of the litter wisely.
- Know your body
The shape you choose depends on the style you prefer, as well as what flatters your body. A fit-and-flare is both modern and classical, and it flatters many body types. In contrast, a simple sheath flatters tall, curvaceous brides. A voluminous ball gown adds spice but can be too much for a petite figure. Mermaid styles, like your favorite pencil skirt, highlight curves.
Bonus tip: Shapewear comes in handy when trying out wedding gowns because it creates a smooth silhouette of your body and eliminates all underwear lines. So don't forget to wear proper undergarments before you try on your dream wedding dress - or even when you're trying out random ones.
- Be cautious of the fabrics
Take note of the fabrics. In addition to silhouette, color, and embellishments, the material significantly impacts how a gown looks on you. A bulkier, more structured fabric (such as taffeta, guipure lace, or silk shantung) will keep its shape and smooth your figure. Unstructured silk and filmy chiffon are less flattering on curvy brides.
- Concentrate on the fit rather than the size
Bridal wear frequently runs smaller than ready-to-wear. If you usually wear an 8, you may need a 12. After all, a gown is simple to put on but difficult and expensive to remove. So disregard the numbers and don't insist on a smaller size because you plan to lose weight before the wedding—order the one that fits now.
- Don't be afraid to try on styles you don't like
During your appointment, put your trust in your consultant. They select gowns for brides daily and better understand their inventory. You might be surprised and choose a dress you wouldn't expect. The more communication you have with your bridal consultant, the better your journey. Make it a point to tell them precisely what you like and dislike about each dress you try on. If you don't like how your waist looks in an A-line dress, you should probably try on a different style. Pre-made dresses or unclaimed dresses (hope not) can be a choice too. Your dream outfit can be in the ready to ship wedding dresses out there.
- Have your measurements taken by a professional
It is crucial to have your measurements taken by a professional. Bridal wear consultants know how to take full body measurements, and the majority of them have a fashion background. So trust your consultant when taking your measurements, especially if they are familiar with the fit of the dress you have chosen.
- Pose for a few photographs
Having a few pictures taken while you're trying on your wedding gown is a great way to see if it looks fabulous on you. If you're shopping with your mom or a group of girlfriends, have them take a few pictures of you from the sides, up top, and back, as well as sitting down. You'll be able to see exactly how you look, even better than in a mirror, making your decision a little easier.
- If it's too much money, don't put it on, honey
If the sky is the limit when it comes to finding your wedding gown, go for it! Test them all out. If not, trying on a dress that's way out of your price range isn't such a good idea. First and foremost, you'll be tormenting yourself. Second, once you've tried on something ultra-luxurious, everything else will pale in comparison. In short, if you cannot afford a particular wedding gown, there is no point in trying it on.
Also, be cautious. Some bridal shops will use this tactic to persuade you to purchase a more expensive gown. Setting your wedding dress budget before you go shopping, as well as being transparent with the storefront when you arrive, will help keep everything on track.
Conclusion
So that concludes our bridal shopping guide; we hope you've taken some notes.
Just know that shopping for a bridal gown doesn't have to be horrendous, but lots of former brides might get in your head by saying they found the process very stressful. But as you can see from the tips mentioned above, it isn't hard. Lastly, we'd like you to understand that wedding dress shopping can act as the perfect excuse for a bit of pampering or downtime with the people you love. So consider pairing your fittings and shopping ventures with your bridesmaids, sisters, or your mother. May the bridal fashion Gods be with you!
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