It's recommended that you begin to look for your wedding dress 6-9 months before your wedding.
Hopefully you already have an idea of what you want your dress to look like, so what should you do as you shop for one?
Hopefully you already have an idea of what you want your dress to look like, so what should you do as you shop for one?
Tips for Looking
- Bring photos of the type of gown you're looking for with you.
- Limit your possy. Try not to bring more than four with you. From watching "Say Yes to the Dress," this provides unnecessary problems because they all have opinions separate from the bride. Drama ladies, drama. This is for you. So bring your closest friend, your mom, perhaps your future mother-in-law. Choose wisely!
- Have a budget and stick to it. You don't want to try on a gown well over your budget. This causes tears. Do you really want to make yourself cry because you can't afford it?
- Try on a few more, even if you think you've found it. By seeing other dresses after wearing "the one," it strengthens that resolution that you really have found your dress. The others that don't compare support your decision. Ladies, do not go overboard with this! My dress was the second one I tried on, but I tried a total of 10 to make sure. This also allows you to fully enjoy the experience. You only get to try on wedding dresses once in your life! (Hopefully)
Budget Friendlier Options
Don't want to pay full price for a gown? Here are some alternatives to bridal salons:
- Checkout online consignment stores like Etsy or SmartBride.
- Ebay. My friend got a never worn Alfred Angelo dress from the Disney Collection for a couple hundred versus the original $1600 price tag.
- Ask a friend or relative. Loved their dress? Ask if you can wear it for your wedding. Perhaps a seamstress can update their dress, but ask permission first!
- Wedding Festivals. Bridal salons in your area often offer discounts to those who attend. David's Bridal gave me a $50 dollar off coupon. Dimitra Designs gave me 50% off my wedding gown. It's definitely worth a shot! Don't know what what festivals are? Here's the scoop.
Don't Know What Style Dress You Want Yet?
That's fine too! Check out this wedding dress info graph to learn which style dress will flatter your body type. Don't forget to use sites like Pinterest to find inspiration and save those photos for reference. You should also check out bridal shops online to get an idea of the prices the dresses you like will be.
Most importantly- breathe. Don't settle for a dress that you like, choose the one that you love. Happy hunting!
- Adina
Most importantly- breathe. Don't settle for a dress that you like, choose the one that you love. Happy hunting!
- Adina