Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day—but it can also feel a little overwhelming. After all, you want your gown to be perfect, and that’s a tall order given the sheer number of styles, designers, and boutiques to choose from. We’re here to make wedding dress shopping as stress-free as it can be for you. Read on for practical tips to make the process as smooth and productive as possible.
Know What You Want
Before you book an appointment at a bridal boutique, you should choose a wedding dress style you’re most interested in. Otherwise, you might spend your valuable appointment time trying on designs that don’t flatter or interest you. Put together a Pinterest board or phone photo album of your dream dresses so you can search for something similar.
View Dresses Within Your Budget
Budgets are an unfortunate reality for most brides, so you don’t want to fall in love with a dress outside of your price range. This will either make you spend more than you’re comfortable with or leave you disappointed with the gown you end up affording.
Save your time and your heart by being clear with shops about your budget and having them show you dresses only within that range.
Pro Tip: Remember to factor in the cost of accessories and alterations when setting your dress budget.
Seek Out the Right Support
The people at the boutique you visit and the crew you bring with you are integral to supporting and elevating your dress shopping experience.
For one, the shop’s bridal consultant will be your styling advisor and expert. Knowing how to choose the right bridal consultant will land you with a kind, helpful, knowledgeable professional who will help you find the dress of your dreams.
Likewise, bring some trusted friends and family along. They can advocate for your wishes, give you honest opinions about each look, and support you emotionally throughout the experience.
Trust the Process and Take Your Time
Buying a wedding dress is unlike shopping for any other outfit. If you don’t feel completely at home in a gown, it’s okay to keep looking, even if it’s your hundredth try-on. Lean on your bridal consultant and your helping crew, but trust your gut above all else. Finding your dream dress isn’t a race. Allow plenty of time for shopping, alterations, and fittings, and start early so you can fully enjoy the experience without rushing.
Celebrate the Experience
Dress shopping is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so savor it! Take pictures, pop some bubbly, and make memories with the special people you’ve chosen to share this process with. When the day comes and you walk down the aisle, you’ll not only feel amazing in your dress but also remember all the joy and excitement that went into finding it.
Ultimately, you can make wedding dress shopping stress-free with a bit of planning and the right mindset. Rely on your vision, stay within your budget, lean on your support crew, and most importantly, have fun!
