The most exciting part of wedding planning is quite possibly wedding dress shopping – and rightfully so! Many brides start dreaming of their wedding day at a very young age, with visions of walking down the aisle in a beautiful white dress. But finding that perfect dress can cause unwelcome stress. After weeks, if not months of dress hunting and budget negotiations and alterations, the stress and drama of it all can start to pile up. So today, we have some helpful tips to help you breeze through the process of wedding dress shopping with as little stress as possible.
Start early, stay calm
The moment you say “yes” to forever, the search for the perfect wedding dress begins. Starting the process early allows you to explore various styles, designers, and boutiques without the looming pressure of time constraints. Ordering a wedding dress at a boutique can take up to eight months, and you’ll need an additional two months for alterations, so our first tip is to start wedding dress shopping one year before your wedding.
By giving yourself ample time, you open the door to a stress-free and enjoyable journey towards finding ‘the one’ because you have plenty of time to shop around. Plus, you won’t have to worry about incurring extra rush fees or rushing through alterations.
Set a realistic budget
Wedding planning often comes with many decisions, and budgeting is a crucial aspect that should be considered. Setting a realistic budget for your wedding dress helps narrow down your options, making the selection process more manageable and enjoyable. Knowing your financial boundaries allows you to focus on dresses within your price range, eliminating the stress and disappointment of falling in love with a gown that may be beyond your budget.
There are exquisite dresses available at various price points, and a thoughtful budget ensures you find a gown that not only suits your style but also aligns with your financial goals for the big day. Remember that alterations, accessories, and other details may contribute to the overall cost, so it’s essential to consider these factors when establishing your budget.
Limit the entourage
The company you keep while wedding dress shopping can significantly impact the experience. Invite a select group of friends and family whose opinions you value and trust. A supportive and positive entourage can turn an ordinary shopping trip into a cherished memory.
However, avoid overcrowding the dressing room with too many conflicting opinions. While feedback is valuable, the ultimate decision should reflect your preferences and make you feel confident and beautiful. Trust your instincts and embrace the joyous atmosphere surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Prioritize comfort and style
Finding the perfect wedding dress isn’t just about it being pretty – it’s also about how it makes you feel. So, make sure to also prioritize comfort without compromising style, and consider the season, venue, and personal preferences when selecting fabrics and silhouettes.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the traditional bridal box. Modern brides are embracing unconventional styles, from jumpsuits to tea-length dresses, as they prioritize both comfort and style. The key is to find a balance that complements your individuality while ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout the day.
Schedule appointments
Scheduling appointments at bridal boutiques before wedding dress shopping is a game-changer. Think of it as your VIP pass to a stress-free and personalized experience.
Booking in advance ensures that you get the undivided attention of the boutique staff, allowing them to focus solely on helping you find the dress of your dreams. It’s not just about snagging a fitting room; it’s about having the expertise and guidance of seasoned professionals who can navigate the vast array of styles with you.
Plus, with a scheduled appointment, you avoid the chaos and potential disappointment of walking into a bustling boutique without a plan – especially when shopping on a Saturday, the busiest day of the week for bridal boutiques. Imagine showing up at a boutique hoping to find your perfect wedding dress only to be told they are booked solid and can’t get you in. Crushing, right? Talk about adding stress!
Your dedicated appointment time sets the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable exploration of dresses, turning your shopping experience into a memorable event rather than a heartbreaking experience.
Research in advance
Doing some pre-boutique homework can make all the difference in having a stress-free wedding dress shopping experience. Use Today’s Bride magazine, todaysbride.ca, @todaysbridemag, our Pinterest and other social platforms to find inspiration and get a feel for the type of wedding dress silhouette that you like (ballgown, mermaid, A-line, etc). This gives the boutique’s staff or bridal stylist a much-needed starting point. But make sure to always communicate openly with your stylist about what it is that you like about each dress style. Some brides may save a photo on Pinterest because they love the silhouette, while others may only like the neckline, fabric or colour.
The more specific you can be with your stylist, the easier it will be for them to select the right dresses for you to try on. The less time you spend trying on gowns you don’t like, the more enjoyable and stress-free your wedding dress shopping experience will be.
Have an open mind
Our biggest tip for wedding dress shopping is to have an open mind and be ready to find the perfect dress on day one. Having an open mind means you can trust your bridal stylist to listen to what you like (and, more importantly, the things you don’t like) and allow them to select gowns that match what you’re saying or how you’re acting. This will help eliminate trying on the wrong gowns and a quicker journey to the perfect dress.
And remember those inspirational images we mentioned? It’s okay not to love those styles when you try them on, it actually happens quite often. What you thought you liked from the start may end up being completely different in the end.
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