You finally got engaged and now you get to plan for your big day. Finding cheap wedding dresses may be on your to do list, but finding the perfect wedding dress is always the mission. Follow these 12 tips and you will be well on your way to choosing your wedding dress with no problems or hassles.
Magazines/Internet
Get some ideas before you even think about going shopping. If you have an idea of what you like and don’t like it will be easier to find similar dresses once you get to the store. It will also help your consultant find dresses you will like.
Set a Budget
It is so easy to want to go hog wild on your wedding dress. It is your wedding day after all and hopefully will only happen once in your life. However, if you spend more than you should on your dress you will have to scrimp on something else. Before you even set foot in a bridal shop know how much you can and can not spend on your dress. The flowers will thank you.
Leave time for the dress to arrive
Make sure you leave more than enough time for the dress to be sent out, made and returned to you. This process usually takes at least 4 to 6 months so plan accordingly. If you don’t have that much time to wait you might try an “off the rack” store or even think about renting your bridal gown.
Have a general idea of the styles you like
This goes along with number one. If you have no idea what you want or like it will be difficult once you get in a store filled with wedding dresses to find something that you like. It will also make it more difficult for the consultant to help you find the perfect dress, as she has no guidelines about what to bring you.
Have an open mind
Even though it’s important to have a good idea of what you’re looking for it’s also good to have an open mind. Remember your bridal consultant does this every day. She is also very familiar with the dresses in her shop and will be able to find things you might not have thought of. This is her profession, trust her and keep an open mind when she brings you dresses you didn’t really have in mind. It might be your perfect dress.
Look at your behind
Everyone else is going to have a good look. When the bride is walking up the aisle and standing at the altar the view everyone else has is of your backside. Make sure whatever style dress you decide on looks good from the back. Also make sure the veil you choose doesn’t “cut you in half”.
Be practical
Think about your venue and where you will be holding your reception. If you are having your wedding in a small church or other small space you probably do not want to choose a huge dress. It will be very difficult to move around and you risk tearing your dress. If you are having your wedding on the beach you probably do not want to choose a ballgown, it’s just not practical for walking in the sand.
Think about the season
When is your wedding going to be held? If it’s in the winter you may want to consider a long sleeve dress or at least something with a little bit of sleeve. As well if you are having your dress in the middle of summer you will want to alter your choices as well.
Take 1-2 people with you
Don’t take your whole entourage. It’s not feasible for the boutique and you will get more opinions than you really need. You will probably have to take your mom, then choose one other friend to take, especially if you and your mom have differing tastes. Having 2 people with you will allow you to get a couple of opinions as well as views from all angles.
Try on the veil
Try on your veil while you are trying on your dress. This will give you a full picture of the whole look. You also want to make sure your veil works well with the dress you have chosen.
Think about your accessories
Make sure they are going to fit together. You want to think about necklines if you have a particular necklace you plan on wearing. Also if you are wearing a tiara, you want to make sure it will look right with your veil. Also think about your shoes, and other jewelry ~ you want to get a feel for the whole picture while you are there, and before you have purchased.
Planning to lose weight?
Be realistic. Think about the time you have before your wedding, and how much you can reasonably lose between now and then. Remember, it is much easier to take a dress in and can be almost impossible to let one out. If you buy a dress in a size expecting to lose the weight and then you don’t it can be a nightmare.
There you go. 12 tips to help you find your perfect wedding dress. Good luck, and remember this is supposed to be fun! Let go and laugh a little, it’s a once in a lifetime experience, enjoy it.