Having the wedding of your dreams starts with two things, finding your partner for life, and the perfect gown for your special day. You've got the partner-for-life secured, so all that's left is to delve into the bridal fashion world and find the dress to complete your fairytale celebration. I finally did, over the weekend. After going to 3 bridal shops, I found my perfect dress. Now, I want to share all of the tips and tricks of how I found my perfect wedding dress.
Have A Wedding Theme
You should think about how formal or informal the wedding will be before choosing a dress. If it is a more casual summer event or if you are getting married on the beach, you can choose a more relaxed design. For a formal wedding, you might want to choose a more traditional full-length gown.
Visit Bridal Boutiques
There is no need to overwhelm yourself by visiting each and every bridal store. Instead, do your research to find the stores that stock the styles and designers you like. When selecting a bridal boutique, you should consider the location of the store and the amenities it offers. It’s also a good idea to compare the prices of different stores to see what the best deals are in your area. Once you’ve selected a store, make an appointment to visit. This will give you more time to talk to the staff about what you’re looking for and help ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
Limit Friends At Your Dress Fittings
It is a great idea and a fun experience to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to fitting and help you choose the right dress; however, there is no need to bring the entire family and bridal party. Too many opinions can leave you struggling to focus on the styles you like and the dress you feel most comfortable and confident wearing. Make sure your companion is an honest friend and family member that will give you an unbiased opinion and help you to make a good decision.
Figure Out The Type Of Dress You Want
There are many different types of wedding dresses to choose from, each with its own unique style and features. Things to consider are shape, necklines and fabric. For shape, ball gowns are a classic style with a full skirt and fitted bodice. An A-line or straight wedding dress is similar to a ball gown, but with a skirt that flares out slightly from the waist. Mermaid or fit and flare dresses are fitted through the bodice and hips before flaring out at the knee or lower. Column dresses are slim fitted with a straight silhouette that lengthens the body. Tea-length dresses are shorter, often hitting around the mid-calf, and are perfect for more casual or vintage-inspired weddings. There are many necklines to choose from too, V-neck, scoop, strapless, square necklines, etc. Try as many styles as you can to determine what flatters your bust, shoulders and décolletage.
Have A Budget
Wedding dresses are a significant expense and factor for brides on their wedding day. There are several budgeting tips to help keep you in check with your expenses. Firstly, having a wedding budget set in place is important because it will keep you and your partner accountable in your spending. It will also guide your wedding planning decisions you and your fiancé make, such as your venue, wedding bands, photography, etc. Prioritize what’s most important in your dream gown, so you can focus on those features and avoid overspending. Keep alterations and accessories factored into the price of your wedding dress when budgeting for your dress to avoid any unexpected expenses.
Don't Be Afraid To Deviate From The Plan
Many brides end up trying on and falling in love with a style of dress that they never even consider trying. Sometimes it is worth trying other styles before making a decision so that you can find one that suits both your taste and body type. You may be surprised. Also, if you simply are not trying on a dress due to the price, still try it on. Even though it is over budget, it may give you some inspiration or ideas you never even thought of.
Those are all of the tips and tricks I used when wedding dress shopping. I went in with a style and budget in mind after doing my research; however, I still tried on as many dresses as possible to really know what type of dress I truly wanted. I cannot wait to share my wedding photos here of me in my dress. I absolutely love it. I went to Magnolia Laine Bridal and was lucky enough to win a giveaway and had the best experience ever. They also offered me a free wedding veil. I am so grateful. I cannot thank them enough. This is just the start of my wedding blog's. I cannot wait to share more. I even created a special "Wedding" category on my website, so you can see all of my wedding themed blog posts in one place.
Xoxo,
Chey