A wedding dress is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. It is a symbol of your love and commitment to each other, but it also sets the tone for your entire day. So, if you want to ensure that you pick the perfect gown for your big day, keep these tips in mind:
Start Your Search Early
It’s recommended that brides begin their dress shopping 8-12 months before the wedding date, so that designers have ample time to complete the final design and source all of the fabric for the dress. This allows you to avoid rush fees that can cost as much as 30 percent of the price of the dress.
Choose the Style You’re Most Attracted to
The wedding dress is the most iconic piece of bridal wear, so it’s important that you find a style you’ll love. There are a variety of styles to choose from, including ball gowns, A-line dresses and mermaid gowns.
Look for dresses that flatter your figure and don’t accentuate any problem areas. This will allow you to have a beautiful, feminine dress that isn’t causing you any issues on the big day.
Shop Around the Stores
Before you go wedding dress shopping, make sure that the place has everything you need in terms of inventory. Call the boutique or salon ahead of time to find out what they have in stock and make an appointment with a consultant to try on dresses.
If you’re shopping on a budget, don’t let the salesperson pressure you into buying something that isn’t within your budget. Instead, ask them to give you a few choices of dresses that they think are within your range.
Browse the Internet, bridal magazines and Pinterest to find dresses that you’re inspired by. Take pictures of the ones that you like and save them to a folder on your computer. You can then use these as references when you’re trying on wedding gowns.
Consider Choosing a Style That Will Be Comfortable For You
The type of material that you’ll be wearing will be a major factor in your comfort level. Lighter-weight fabrics like chiffon are great for hot weather, while heavier satins and silks can be worn in cooler temperatures.
Remember that you’ll be spending 4-10 hours in your gown on your wedding day, so it’s important that you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. If you don’t feel good in your dress, you’re unlikely to be able to enjoy your wedding day.
Embroidery and Beading
While embellishments aren’t required for most bridal dresses, they can add to the overall look of your dress and help you stand out from the crowd. They are also a great way to personalize your dress and make it unique to you.
Consider a Bustle
If you’re planning on having a train, you might want to consider a bustle. Often done with buttons, hooks or ribbons, a bustle makes it easier for you to move around in a long train.