Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most exciting yet challenging experiences for many brides.
The dress sets the tone for your special day, making you feel both beautiful and confident.
Whether you’re planning a formal ballroom celebration or a relaxed beach ceremony, your dress should reflect your unique personality, style, and the overall theme of your wedding.
Here are some practical tips to help you find the dress of your dreams, ensuring you look and feel amazing.
Let’s get straight to the point
Selecting a wedding dress can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with some planning, it can be an enjoyable experience. Start by researching styles and visiting boutiques that carry your favourite designs.
Begin your search early, ideally 9 months before the wedding, to allow time for production and alterations.
Consider your body type, venue, and wedding theme when selecting a style, and don’t be afraid to try on different silhouettes.
Keep your budget in mind, limit your entourage to a few trusted people, and trust your instincts when you find “the one.”
Ultimately, the right dress will make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
1. Do Your Research
Browse For Inspiration
Before setting foot in any bridal boutiques, it’s essential to do some homework. Start by browsing bridal magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to gather ideas.
Look for models who share similar body types and skin tones to yours; this will help you visualise how different styles might look on you.
- Magazines: Bridal fashion magazines are filled with inspiration.
- Websites: Online bridal stores often have sections dedicated to showcasing the latest trends.
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram feature countless bridal collections and real brides in their gowns.
Seeing the dresses on similar figures can offer a clearer picture of what might work for you.
Whether you envision yourself in a dramatic ball gown or a sleek sheath, forming a clear vision of what you want makes the search much easier.
Contact Boutiques In Advance
Once you have a few styles in mind, the next step is to find out where you can try them on.
Many designers list stockists on their websites, so check in advance which boutiques carry the dresses you love.
Contact the boutique to confirm that the styles are available, ensuring a smooth and efficient appointment.
2. Start Early
Plan Ahead For Production And Alterations
The earlier you start your search, the better. Ideally, begin looking for your dress nine months before your wedding.
This gives you ample time to explore your options, order the dress, and allow for any necessary alterations. Many wedding dresses are made-to-order, which can take several months to complete.
If your wedding is less than a year away, start even earlier. Rush orders may be available, but they often come with additional costs and limited options.
Align Your Dress With Your Wedding Theme
Choosing a dress should go hand in hand with the overall theme of your wedding.
A formal ballroom event will likely call for a style different from a casual beach ceremony. Keep your venue and theme in mind when trying on dresses. For instance:
- Formal Venue: Satin or lace gowns with structured silhouettes.
- Beach Wedding: Light, flowy dresses like chiffon or tulle are ideal.
- Outdoor Garden: Romantic, airy dresses that capture the natural surroundings.
3. Know Your Body Type
One of the most critical factors in choosing a wedding dress is finding a style that flatters your body type. Different styles enhance or balance certain body shapes, so it’s important to know what works best for you.
Styles For Different Body Types
- Empire Waist Dresses: Perfect for elongating your legs, especially if you are petite or want to appear taller.
- Dropped Waistlines: Ideal for women with shorter torsos as they help create a more balanced figure.
- V-Neck Designs: A great option if you have a fuller bust, as they provide support and enhance your shape.
- Bust Detailing: Adding embellishments to the bust area can create the illusion of a fuller chest, particularly for petite brides.
Fabrics And Comfort
If you’re concerned about certain areas of your body, choose fabrics and designs that accentuate your best features while minimising others.
Avoid bulky fabrics if you’re worried about looking larger, and steer clear of overly revealing dresses unless you’re comfortable wearing them all day. Your comfort matters as much as your appearance on this special day.
4. Consider The Style
While your wedding dress should reflect your personal style, it’s also essential that it matches the overall setting and season of your wedding.
Dress Styles For Different Venues
- Formal Indoor Venue: Opt for traditional gowns with rich fabrics like lace or satin.
- Beach or Outdoor Wedding: Lightweight, flowing gowns such as chiffon or organza offer comfort and style in these settings.
Timeless Vs. Trendy
While trends may be tempting, focus on finding a timeless design that won’t feel outdated in your wedding photos.
Classic lace dresses are a popular and versatile option, offering elegance without the risk of going out of fashion. Personalise your look with accessories that suit your style rather than relying solely on trendy designs.
5. Choose The Right Boutique
Not all bridal boutiques are created equal. Some specialise in certain designers or cater to specific styles of dresses, while others offer a broader range of options.
Research the boutiques that carry the designers you love, and be sure to make an appointment to ensure the staff can dedicate time to you.
Bridal Expos: A Great Starting Point
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider attending bridal expos. These events often showcase various designers and stores, offering a one-stop shop for exploring different styles and meeting bridal experts.
- Tip: Read reviews online to find boutiques that offer exceptional service and experienced consultants who can help you find your dream dress.
6. Limit Your Entourage
It’s tempting to bring all your friends and family along for the shopping experience, but too many opinions can make it difficult to choose the right dress.
Limit your shopping group to one or two trusted individuals, such as your mother or maid of honour. These are the people who will offer honest feedback while supporting your vision.
The Benefits Of A Small Group
Having fewer people involved reduces the chances of conflicting opinions, which can lead to stress and confusion.
The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and confident in your chosen dress, regardless of others’ opinions.
7. Try On Different Styles
Even if you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s wise to try different styles during your appointment. Sometimes, the dress you least expect to love ends up being “the one.”
Explore Different Silhouettes
Experimenting with a variety of silhouettes—such as A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath—will help you find the best fit for your body and your wedding’s overall vibe.
- A-line: Universally flattering for most body types.
- Ball Gown: Creates a dramatic, princess-like effect.
- Mermaid: Enhances curves and offers a sexy, fitted look.
- Sheath: Minimalist and sleek, great for casual or modern weddings.
Trust Your Consultant
Your bridal consultant’s expertise can be invaluable. They’ve helped countless brides find their perfect dress and may suggest options you hadn’t considered.
Trust their guidance, and be open to trying on styles outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised by how much you love a dress that’s entirely different from what you initially envisioned.
8. Stick To Your Budget
Setting A Realistic Budget
It’s easy to get carried away while dress shopping, but it’s essential to set a budget before you begin.
Wedding dresses come in a wide range of prices and don’t forget that alterations, accessories, and shoes can add significantly to the total cost.
- Tip: Let the boutique know your budget upfront to avoid falling in love with a dress that’s out of your price range. Factor in the additional costs of alterations, which are typically required to ensure the perfect fit.
Avoid Overspending
Falling for a gown that exceeds your budget can be heartbreaking, so be realistic about what you can afford.
Keep your financial limits in mind, and focus on finding a dress that not only makes you feel amazing but also fits within your financial plan.
9. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, when you find the right dress, you’ll feel it. Trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision you’re not comfortable with.
If a dress makes you feel beautiful, confident, and aligns with your wedding vision, it’s likely the one.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush the decision-making process. Take the time to sleep on your decision and revisit the dress if needed. Once you’re confident and comfortable, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice.
Conclusion
Choosing your wedding dress is a deeply personal and exciting journey that reflects your style, body type, and the overall theme of your special day.
By doing your research, starting early, and understanding your unique preferences, you’ll be better equipped to find a gown that not only flatters your figure but also makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Keep an open mind, trust your instincts, and the right dress is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
With careful planning and a bit of patience, you’ll find the dress of your dreams and be ready to say “I do” in style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dresses does the average bride try on?
Most brides try on between four and seven gowns and shouldn’t try on more than 10 because it can lead to confusion. Often, a bride is trying on dress after dress because she’s not ready to end the shopping experience and make a real commitment.
How do you pick a gown?
The gown that makes you feel the most beautiful is the gown you should choose. Even if a gown checks off all your criteria, keying in on feelings can help you decide between dresses and lead to that magical moment when you’ve finally found “the one.
Are wedding dress sizes different?
Yes, wedding dress sizing is often different from standard sizing. You may know your dress size usually, but your wedding dress size will likely be different.
Do mothers-in-law go wedding dress shopping?
There’s no rule that you must bring along your future mother-in-law for wedding dress shopping, and you should only consider it an option if you can count on your fiancé’s mom to be respectful, patient, supportive, and encouraging.
What is the best time of year to buy a wedding dress?
A good rule of thumb for when to buy your wedding dress is to shop between 6 to 12 months before the wedding. A year before your wedding is an excellent time to begin looking for a dress; you should already have a date set, and venue booked, so you know when and where the wedding will take place.
