How to Shop for a Wedding Dress

Shopping for the perfect gown can be a thrilling adventure, or it can suck the fun right out of you. Here are a few tips to remember before your shopping extravaganza to keep your mood in the former. Wedding dress shopping can be a completely civilized event. 🙂

Photo Courtesy of My Wedding Ideas

Eat something before you go, and eat regularly throughout the day. If you’re hungry, you’ll have less patience, and patience is the one thing you absolutely need when gown shopping.

Know your price range. The fastest way to ruin your experience is to try on a gown (you know, just to see) that is three times your upper price limit. You’ll fall in love and nothing else will do. If your budget is set, on look (and try on) what’s in your range. If you do happen to skip this rule (you know, just because) then consider hiring a seamstress to re-create the gown within your budget.

Make yourself slightly fancy. Take a few extra minutes to doll yourself up a bit before you head out. How you feel about your overall appearance will reflect the gown you see in the mirror.

Photo Courtesy of Aisle Style

Bring the right underpants and shoes. In fact, bring a couple of options. If you haven’t settled on a dress style, consider bringing a strapless bra, a push-up bra, any slimming shapewear you might want, along with similar undergarments you’re likely to wear on your big day. Shoe height is also important, consider bringing varying heights to get a good feel of the overall presentation.

Keep an open mind. Even if you think it won’t look good on you, try it on. You’ve got the day, enjoy it. You won’t know for sure that something doesn’t work until you have it on your body. You may just be surprised.

Photo Courtesy of Helena Fortley

Don’t bring everyone you know. Too many people means too many differing opinions and tastes. You will know the dress yourself, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Bring a BFF or two who know you and your style well so they can confirm what you already know.

Most importantly, let yourself enjoy the process. If the day is a bust, don’t be discouraged, there are plenty more styles and options for you to consider. Your gown is out there and you will be the bride you’ve always dreamed of being. 🙂

– Catherine Thorpe