Choosing your wedding dress is a magical occasion that should be filled with excitement, joy, and love! You’ve already found your perfect match, and now it’s time to find “the one” wedding gown that makes you feel the best version of yourself. In this post, we will walk through the essential steps to having a fantastic wedding dress shopping experience because some stress can also be involved. From researching and preparing to finding the right bridal shop and bringing along a supportive entourage, we’ve got you covered. Ready to embark on the adventure of finding your wedding dress?
Prepare to Go Wedding Dress Shopping
It’s essential to do your research before starting your journey to find the perfect gown. Start by finding wedding dress inspiration that appeals to you. Next, set a realistic budget aligning with your vision for your wedding day. When it’s time to try on dresses, schedule appointments at bridal shops in advance to ensure personalized styling and attention. Bring a small group of trusted friends to help cheer you on! And finally, trust your instincts as you select your dress. Let’s dive into each step a little deeper so you can have a fun and stress-free wedding dress shopping experience:
Learn About Current Wedding Dress Styles
As you search for the perfect wedding dress, look into current wedding dress trends and the available styles. There is truly a style to flatter everyone—ballgowns, a-line dresses, mermaid gowns, sheath dresses, etc. Look into additional options you might be interested in, like bold sleeves, floral appliques, and nontraditional lengths and colors. Start saving some of your dress inspiration to share with your stylist at your bridal shop appointment. Want to learn more about wedding dress styles? Read this guide!
Decide on Your Budget
How much of your overall wedding budget will you set aside for your wedding dress? Each bride is different, so it’s important to look realistically at the price of your style of gowns. Then decide if your budget has any wiggle room if you find “the one” but it’s a little more than you were planning to pay. Don’t forget to set aside some of your budget for alterations! Most gowns must be customized to fit you perfectly, so expect to pay your bridal shop or a local seamstress to make some adjustments. If you want a more budget-friendly dress option, look into trunk sales at local boutiques. Or see if some higher-end shops have an outlet where they sell discontinued dresses or try-on models. Many cities have used dress boutiques where you can find lots of options of dresses that were worn once or sometimes not worn at all. You can still have a magical dress-shopping experience while staying within your budget!
Choose a Bridal Shop
The next step is to choose where you will do your shopping! Choosing the right shop is crucial because it will set the stage for you to find “the one”! You may be able to narrow your choices down after looking at your style and budget. Start by researching local boutiques and reading reviews from past brides who have shopped there. Look for bridal shops with a wide selection of dresses from different designers in different styles and sizes. If you still have a few questions, contact the shop and ask about things like their styling process. Booking an appointment at a shop with experienced stylists will affect your experience. A consultant with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process and offer valuable insights will help you feel confident you’re making the right choice. Research a shop’s policies regarding alterations, delivery timelines, and return/exchange options. Once you’ve done your research, book your consultation! You’ll be one step closer to finding your dream dress.
Bring a Supportive Entourage
A supportive entourage cheering you on as you try on wedding dresses will greatly enhance your shopping experience! Carefully choosing the individuals who will accompany you on this special part of your wedding planning journey is a must. It’s typically best to select a small group of family members and friends whose opinions truly matter to you. Make sure the ones you choose know your personal style, understand your preferences, and are prepared to share supportive feedback and advocate your choices. Remember that too many opinions can make the decision-making process overwhelming, whereas having a balanced mix of personalities who cheer you on and give you honest feedback will alleviate stress. The focus should always be on making you feel beautiful and confident. By bringing a supportive group of friends and family members who understand and respect your vision, you’ll create a positive atmosphere that will make your experience enjoyable and memorable.
Be Open to Different Styles
At this point, you’ve done hours of research, but you probably haven’t tried on many wedding dresses. So try to keep an open mind as you see how different styles fit you. Explore various silhouettes and fits to see how they flatter your body. And try a few different necklines to find what suits you best. And even if you have strong ideas of your fabric preference, be open to suggestions from your stylist. You never know which dress will make you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself until you try it!
Listen to Your Heart
When making your decision, listen to your heart and go with your gut. While it can be helpful to consider others’ opinions, you are the one who will be wearing the dress. Trust and pay attention to your instincts and how the dress makes you feel. When you finally find the gown that instantly brings a smile to your face and sparks real joy, you may have found the one! Remember that your dress should reflect your personality. Memories from your wedding day will last forever, and having the right gown can help you enjoy your day to a fuller extent and love the photos and videos you walk away with from your big day.
Celebrate!
The last step to having the best wedding dress shopping experience possible is to celebrate the moment when you find “the one”! Pop some champagne with your loved ones and soak in this special moment leading up to your big day. Looking for more wedding planning tips and tricks from a Wichita wedding photographer? Browse more articles on the blog!
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