Getting engaged and planning a wedding are exhilarating times, but one of the most anticipated parts is shopping for that iconic wedding dress. Whether you have dreamt of it since childhood or just want something pretty to say “I do” in, wedding dress shopping excites us all. But with thousands of dresses to choose from, tons of local shops, different silhouettes, prices and, of course, the opinions of family and friends, it can get stressful quickly. Here are a few tips on how to keep your cool during wedding dress shopping.
Set budget
Wedding dresses can range in price from the low hundreds to five figures. To ensure you don’t fall in love with a dress beyond your means, setting a budget before you start shopping is crucial. By establishing a clear spending limit, you can confidently explore options within your financial comfort zone. This way, you’ll find a gown that complements your style and fits comfortably within your budget. Remember, the allure of a wedding dress lies not in its price tag but in how it makes you feel on your special day.
Select bridal boutiques
Depending on where you live, there may be many bridal boutiques. And while you may be tempted to visit them all, that can add to the stress of wedding dress shopping. Why? Because there will be too many gowns to choose from, clouding your mind and making it hard to narrow it down to just one.
Do a little research online, select two or three boutiques to visit, and try on bridal gowns. This will allow you to see a great selection of dresses but won’t be too confusing, enabling you to enjoy the process and find the perfect gown for your big day.
Research silhouettes and styles
Another helpful tip for preventing wedding dress shopping from becoming stressful is having an idea of the dress style you “like” before you begin shopping. We put like in quotes because often, what you like when you start shopping is not what you end up with. But it is a great place to start because it gives the stylist at the bridal store a good idea on which dresses to pull for you to try on. You can explore wedding dress designer websites, social media feeds and Pinterest. Save your favourites, and make sure to show your bridal stylist at the beginning of your appointment.
Make an appointment
This is one of the biggest tips for stress-free wedding dress shopping: make an appointment at the bridal boutique. We know you’ll be excited just to get out there and hit every boutique to try on gown after gown, but you may be turned away and heartbroken without an appointment.
There’s nothing worse than getting your tribe together to shop and find the perfect dress, only to find out the boutique is booked solid and doesn’t have room to let you try gowns on. So, make appointments ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Keep an open mind
Keeping an open mind while shopping for your wedding dress can significantly contribute to a stress-free experience. Although you may have a specific vision, being flexible and receptive to trying different styles can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Allow your bridal stylist to suggest and present styles outside your original vision. This will open your eyes to styles you may never have thought would be the perfect dress.
Often, brides fall in love with something completely different from their photos or original vision. And that’s okay. Just trust the process and your stylist. Try on different silhouettes, colours, fabrics, and embellishments with an open mind and let the gowns speak to you.
And remember, the wedding dress you ultimately choose should make you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically yourself on your special day. So, don’t be stuck on a pretty picture thinking it’s the best for you; trust your instincts and enjoy the journey of finding your dream dress without unnecessary stress.
Who you bring
When shopping for your wedding dress, it’s essential to consider carefully who you bring along for the experience. While it can be tempting to invite everyone, it’s best to keep your entourage small and intimate.
Choose a few trusted individuals whose opinions you value and who understand your style and preferences. Whether it’s your close family members or best friends, having a supportive and understanding group by your side can make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you, ensuring your wedding dress shopping experience is memorable and stress-free.
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