Congratulations on your engagement—now it’s time to start planning your wedding! From booking your venue and selecting your bridal party to finding your dream wedding dress, there’s a lot to look forward to. While wedding planning is an exciting and joyful time, keeping a few key tips in mind can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Read on for our top ten tips on what to avoid when shopping for your wedding dress.
Ten Common Wedding Dress Shopping Mistakes:
Shopping Without a Wedding Date: While shopping for your bridal gown is one of the most thrilling parts of wedding planning, it’s best to wait until you have a confirmed wedding date and venue. Your wedding date and venue style can significantly influence your dress choice. Buying a dress without this information could lead to regret later, costing you time, money, and peace of mind.
Not Setting a Budget: Budget is crucial when shopping for a wedding dress. Avoid trying on dresses that exceed your budget, as falling in love with a gown you can't afford can lead to disappointment. Don't forget to factor in the cost of accessories and alterations. Clarify with your bridal stylist whether your budget includes these extra costs or if it’s solely for the dress.
Lacking a Sense of Your Preferred Style: It’s helpful to have a general idea of your preferred wedding dress style before your appointment. Researching different silhouettes, fabrics, and wedding dress trends can provide a starting point for your bridal stylist. Bringing a Pinterest board or saved Instagram posts can also be helpful. Even if you change your mind after trying on a few gowns, this process will help narrow down your choices.
Booking Too Many Appointments in One Day: To make the most of your wedding dress shopping experience, avoid scheduling multiple bridal appointments in one day. Research bridal salons ahead of time to choose the best ones for your style and needs. Taking your time during each appointment allows you to fully consider each dress. Don’t forget to eat well and stay hydrated to keep your energy up.
Bringing Too Many People to Your Appointment: While it’s tempting to invite all your friends and family, limit your bridal squad to two or three people who know you well and understand your vision. Too many opinions can lead to confusion and make it difficult for you to focus on how you feel about the dresses. Remember, you can involve others in other aspects of wedding planning if they can’t attend the appointment.
Not Bringing the Right Undergarments and Accessories: To ensure a smooth bridal shopping experience, come prepared with the proper undergarments and accessories. Wear seamless nude underwear and bring any shapewear, accessories, or heirlooms—like a family veil or vintage jewelry—that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps you see how your gown will look with your complete bridal ensemble. Also, bring shoes similar to what you plan to wear; even a few inches can change the way a dress looks on you.
Not Keeping an Open Mind: While having a general idea of your preferred style is helpful, being too rigid can limit your options. Brides often discover they love a different style after trying on several gowns. Trust your bridal stylist’s expertise; they know the dresses well and might suggest something unexpected that you’ll love.
Ordering a Dress for a Different Size: It’s natural to want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, but avoid ordering a gown in a different size than you currently wear. Bodies change differently, and you don’t need added stress during wedding planning. Remember, alterations can adjust the fit. It’s easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
Continuing the Search After Finding Your Dress:Once you’ve found your dream dress, resist the urge to keep looking. Trying on more dresses or scrolling through bridal Instagram accounts can lead to second-guessing and confusion. Consider unfollowing bridal designers and boutiques to avoid this temptation. If you’re struggling to commit, take a break and reflect on your decision.
Not Allowing Enough Time for Alterations: Proper wedding dress alterations are essential for a perfect fit on your big day. Purchase your gown with enough time to schedule alterations, ideally starting around two months before the wedding. Don’t wait until the last minute; it often takes multiple fittings to achieve the perfect fit.
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