Week 6: Here’s How To Shop For Your Wedding Dress

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Shopping for your wedding dress

As you continue your wedding planning journey, ensure that shopping for your wedding dress is a successful experience thanks to these top secret tips.

Create Bridal Style Boards

First and foremost, before hitting the shops you should take inspiration from the glossy pages of bridal magazines *ahem*, designer websites and online platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest to start gathering ideas on what your dream dress could be.  This is a great way to show your bridal consultant what you’re looking for and she can pull out similar styles in the boutique to show you once you begin appointments.

Source Your Favourite Designers

Before venturing to your local bridal boutiques as soon you’ve got engaged, it’s important to do your research.  Once you have trawled through wedding blogs, websites and magazines to source your favourite styles, you must check to see if any local bridal boutiques stock your favourite designers, and if they cater to your size. This can often be found on the bridal boutiques company website, or alternatively by calling the store.  It’s worth remembering that not all bridal boutiques will stock curvy sample sizes, so it’s best to check with the boutique beforehand. However, many offer a service where you can order in your size (if available) for a small fee.

Wedding Dress Planning

Embrace Your Body

The best way to ensure you find a dress that flatters your figure and you feel comfortable in, is to consider your body shape. Consider necklines, waistlines, length, sleeves/straps and trains. Although many brides are determined to lose weight for their big day – don’t put yourself under pressure – work with what you’ve got and flaunt it with confidence. There are certain aspects to consider e.g. if you are shorter, opt for an A-Line dress to appear taller, or perhaps consider a fitted fishtail to flatter you if you are taller.

Personal Style

Many bridal sales consultants will begin your appointment by asking you what your preference in neckline and fit of a dress is; one of the best ways to gauge this for yourself is to think about what you would normally wear on a night on the tiles with the girls, or what you have worn to previous formal events.  You will begin to realise what you feel the most comfortable in, and which shapes or necklines that flatter you the most. Ultimately this is one of the most important factors of choosing your bridal gown, as reflecting your personal style will make you feel the most confident.

Your Shopping Kit

Invest in some good quality shape-wear or nude underwear and wear them to your bridal appointments to get the best indication of what a gown would look like on the day, as well as making you feel great!  A good-fitting bra and tummy control is a must, however with the right dress you may not need either at all, as many curvy collections have fabulous built-in corsetry to cinch in your silhouette. Also pack a pair of shoes similar in heel height to those you will be wearing on the day, this will allow you to get a better idea of the overall finished look.

Wedding dress shopping

Don’t Bring an Entourage

Bringing a huge entourage of people to your bridal appointments can be confusing, overwhelming and stressful for many brides. We recommend bringing along two-four of your nearest and dearest style advisors to avoid conflicting opinions. Regardless of opinion, trust your instincts and go for a gown that makes you feel fabulous!

Bridal Beauty

For an extra kick of confidence, have your hair and make-up done before attending your bridal fittings once you have chosen your dream gown. With many salons now offering a ‘pre bridal’ package, this is a great way to see how everything will look on the day.

Consider Time Frames

Typically (although not strictly) bridal boutiques would recommend purchasing a dress around eight months before your wedding date. This is five months for the dress to be made and two months allowance for shipping and alterations. However, this can often be more. It’s best to start shopping one year before the wedding to avail of the latest collections straight off the catwalks, start too early and you may regret choosing a ‘last season dress’. You can of course order your dress in a shorter amount of time, however don’t leave it too late that you make a hasty decision and panic purchase! 

Wedding Dresses Planning

Know Your Budget

This point may be at the end, but really your wedding dress budget should be one of your first considerations prior to shopping for your dress. Knowing how much you have to spend – and any movement on this should you fall in love with a dress that is slightly outside of budget – is important. For example, there is no point in trying on dresses from designers more than twice your budget because this will only lead to disappointment. Remember, you also need to factor in the cost of alterations to your dress as well and any accessories such as a veil, bridal belt, tiara, etc.

And The Rest…

After you find your dream dress you can then turn your attention to the bridesmaids, flower girls, page boys, groomsmen and the groom’s attire. Again, know your budget for the rest of the wedding attire and don’t get carried away with your spending. Groomswear can be hired even if the groom wishes to get a bespoke suit made and flower girls look great in pretty high street bridal styles that won’t break your budget and will complement your wedding style. 

This is part of our Ultimate 12 Week. Click here for…

Week 1: Budgeting

Week 2: Setting Your Style

Week 3: Choosing Your Venue  

Week 4: Limiting Your Guest List & Seating Plan Etiquette

Week 5: Choosing Your Bridesmaids & Their Duties

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