How to Find the Perfect Wedding Dress for YOU
Archive pulled from April 18, 2016
Your wedding dress is by far the biggest reveal of the day, so there is a lot to take into consideration. I've always thought finding a dress would be the easy part, because who doesn't like to play dress up? But after researching this topic for today's post, I've found there's a lot more to it than you'd think! Here are a few tips that I've picked up from my recent bride friends who wish they had known these before!
1. Do Your Research: Pinterest anyone? Some of you may have all sorts of dresses pinned from your many years (before you even met the one) of faux wedding planning, but have you ever made sure those models are your same body type? Have your tastes changed since you pinned those? It's worth an hour of your time to go through and make sure you are confident in what you like.
2. Timing: It is recommended that you go dress shopping about eight months before the big day. Too early and you might change your mind. Too late and you won't have time for alterations! If you are one of the lucky ones that has the eight month mark fall before New Years, BONUS! Bridal shops stock up before "engagement season." If not, you may fudge the eight months a bit. Also consider timing of the day when booking your appointment. Am I the only one who HATES shopping after I've eaten a big meal? Also, the earlier in the day you get to the shop, the fewer brides the bridal shop has seen and they will likely be even more bright eyed and bushy tailed than normal!
3. Trends: I know it is very tempting to just go for whats "in" or what designer is the hottest at the moment, but consider what it looks like on you, how it will look in your venue and how it will look in 20 years. (Anyone remember the 80's? *cringe*) I'm not saying todays styles will be cringe worthy in 20 years, I'm just saying if the latest trend is something wayyyyy out of the box, you may regret it down the line. Also if you're wearing a rustic gown in the middle of an extremely fancy venue, the dress may not fit the rest of your wedding day.
4. Bring Your Camera (said the photographer): Lighting and mirrors are amazing in bridal shops (not necessarily a bad thing) so it can be a bit deceiving. See how it will look in your friend's iPhone pictures or a professional camera on the big day.
5. Your Lemmings: I know everyone in your family wants to watch you try on dresses, but too many people trailing behind you on shopping day can be overwhelming and not helpful. Many bridal shops have a limit to the number that can be in a party, so blame it on them if there is someone you'd rather not be there.
6. Nice Bra and Undies: You'll be scantily clad over and over again in the dressing room, why not give yourself a boost of confidence before each dress? A new bra and undies will do just that.
7. Sizing: I was pretty freaked out the first time I tried on a bridesmaids dress... Turns out the sizing is completely different for bridal gowns and they run with higher numbers. Don't freak like I did- you've been fore warned.
8. Sit: Yep that's it. Make sure you can sit in your dress, or you'll be uncomfortable all day.
9. Budget: I know, I know, no one wants to talk about the big B word. Sadly it's something you'll have to take into consideration if you don't want your dad going into cardiac arrest. If you find your dream dress that is $5k over budget (I'm exaggerating for effect) and you have some time, wait! You may be able to purchase it directly from the designer at a trunk show or it may go on sale. You may also be able to find one that's dang close for a lot less money. Much like an engagement ring, you may be able to find more for your money with a less known designer.
10. When You Find it, You'll Know: Much like the man of your dreams, you'll have an aha moment. That doesn't mean you have to cry, though.