Searching for the perfect wedding gown can be a fun, yet daunting experience. Before I started the process, I asked friends for tips. I had no idea what style I wanted, which was causing me a bit of stress, but I wanted it to be an enjoyable process. I also wanted to feel my best for the appointments.
My friends gave me some great advice that I wouldn’t have thought about otherwise:
- Think about your undergarments because you’ll pretty much be undressing in front of strangers (as they help you in and out of your dress).
- Do your hair and makeup. You don’t have to get fancy, but put in a little effort. If you go in looking like a hot mess, you’ll feel like a mess, and may misjudge the dresses.
- And my own tip: you don’t need to go crazy with a wedding diet for dress shopping, but try to stick to a healthy lean/non-bloating diet the week leading up to your appointments. Have you ever had one of those days where you feel blah and like nothing in your closet looks right? Avoid that feeling during wedding dress shopping because that’s a real bummer.
Beyond those tips, I went to a good friend of mine who runs her own bridal styling and planning business, Davia of Maragold Bridal. Here are her expert tips to make the shopping experience a memorable and happy one.
It’s About YOU
The most important thing to remember when shopping for your bridal gown is that this is no one’s gown but your own. Bring along people whose opinions you value, but it is not their wedding or their body. Focus on how you feel when you’re wearing the gown. Your family and friends only want you to be happy, even if they don’t love the same lace/beading/neckline/train/
Think About The Budget
Set a budget and stick with it. It can be tempting to try on a gown outside your budget “just for fun,” but it’s very risky. If you fall in love with that high price-tag gown, you may have to cut something else out of your wedding. There will be plenty of gowns within your budget, no matter how big or small, and sticking to that number can reduce the stress of the decision.
Don’t forget to factor in the extras. Accessories like shoes, jewelry and hairpieces, as well as alterations can add up quickly. Think about your entire look when setting your budget, and make sure to shop for gowns accordingly. Want to spend $5000 total on your look? Look for gowns within the $3500 range so you have enough cushion for your veil, shoes, jewelry and alterations (which can cost as much as $1000 depending on where you live and the complexity of your gown).
Go Nude (in color, that is)
Think about your undergarments before you go shopping – but not only because you’ll likely be undressing in front of strangers. Are you planning on wearing shapewear on your wedding day? Wear that to your appointment. Looking for backless styles? Plan to go braless or get a stick-on style like the NuBra. Wear colors close to your skin tone; you most likely won’t walk down the aisle with a hot pink bra strap sticking out of your dress, so don’t sport it when heading to your appointments.
The Final Choice
Is it down to two gowns? Flip a coin! If whatever you land on doesn’t feel right, then you know it’s the other one!
Still struggling to find your dream dress? Maragold Bridal was born out of Davia‘s many years as a designer, bridal consultant and event planner. Davia offers consulting, personal shopping and styling services for the bride, groom, and entire wedding party. You can read more about her services HERE and follow her on Insta at @maragoldbridal for wedding styling inspo.
Thanks Davia for the tips! For my fellow former brides and brides-to-be, what struggles did you face when searching for a dress? Got tips to share? Please share them below.
