You’re about to partake in the most exciting part of wedding planning — finding your dream dress! Although this is the most exciting part, it can also get a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared. We’d like to help you make sure that it will be a fun and enjoyable experience, so we put together a list of some the most important dos and don’ts of wedding dress shopping.
Do Your Research
Doing pre-shopping research will help you decide what type of dress you’re looking for. There are so many necklines and dress styles to choose from, so if you eliminate what you don’t like ahead of time it will give you more time to try on the dresses you know you will like! It will help both you and the consultant.
Don’t Go Hangry
Being hangry can affect your mood and attitude towards the dresses and everyone around you, so be sure to eat something before you go. If you’re worried about being bloated or feeling blah, eat a smaller and healthy meal. Skip the greasy foods! Also, if you have multiple appointments in a row we suggest you leave a break for lunch, but if you can’t, bring some snacks! Granola bars, yogurt, grapes, etc. This will keep everyone’s mood positive! It will also give you energy throughout the appointment because dress shopping can be exhausting!
Do Establish a Budget
It’s important to establish a budget for your wedding dress especially if you’re on a tight budget. The last thing we want is for you to fall in love with a wedding dress that you can’t afford, or feel guilty about a dress that you purchased and can’t afford.
When setting a budget for a wedding dress consider the extra costs! Such as the cost of alterations, the veil, shoes, and accessories. It’s easy to forget about the extras when you’re so focused on the dress, so remember to spare a little room for the accessories!
Don’t Bring An Entourage
We’ve all seen an episode of “Say Yes to The Dress” when the bride brings in an entourage of people, and we all know what’s going to happen! The looks of the consultant’s face say it all. Don’t do it! There are way too many opinions floating around every detail of every dress that it makes it nearly impossible for you to find one that you like.
Keep it small! Bring two to three of the closest people in your life. You know you will get the best and most honest opinions from them and it will be less stressful. After all, that’s why we’re writing this — so your dress shopping experience will be less stressful and more fun!
Do Wear the Right Undergarments
The wrong undergarments can completely change the look of the dress. It’s very important that you wear undergarments that fit properly, and won’t be seen in a dress. We recommend a nude strapless bra and underwear for the appointment. If you already have the undergarments you will be wearing on your big day it’s best if you wear them to the appointment.
Don’t Go Overboard on The Make-up
Don’t get us wrong, you want to feel good while trying on wedding dresses, but you don’t want to wear too much makeup that you end up purchasing a dress you don’t want because you got makeup on it. You especially don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed, so we recommend an enhanced natural look for you. A little blush and mascara go a long way and then you’ll feel confident in your “I Said Yes!” pictures!
Another tip is to style your hair how you think you’ll want to wear it on your wedding day for a more realistic look. You may love the intricacies of a dress but they may be hidden if you know you want to wear your hair down. Pull it back in a sleek bun if you’re going for a more classic look!
Do Keep an Open Mind
This is one of the most important things on the list of dos and don’ts of wedding dress shopping. You might be thinking that this contradicts what we said about doing your research. We want you to go to your dress appointment prepared, but also with an open mind. What the dress looks like in a picture and on somebody else may not look the same on you. After all, a wedding dress isn’t something we wear in everyday life, so keep an open mind if the way you expect to look in a dress doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned! Come up with a list of must-haves but trust your bridal stylist.
The consultants are there to help you find the perfect dress so be honest with them when you describe what you’re looking for and how you feel in a dress. Just because the experts brought the dress to you doesn’t mean you have to pretend to love them. Just be honest!
This is an exciting time in your life! Take it in and enjoy your time finding your dream look. Keep these dos and don’ts of wedding dress shopping in mind when you start your shopping so your experience is pleasant and memorable!
