Are you about to tie the knot? This is the day that most women have been looking forward to since they were little kids. Every bride-to-be wants to have a great wedding. That’s why they do everything; they look for advice, assistance, and support to make their ideal wedding a reality.
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, most brides don’t seem to grasp the significance of selecting the ideal gown. But, this is not the way to shop for a perfect wedding dress. Remember, you’ll only wear that gown once in your life. Moreover, your groom could still want to marry you even if you showed up in a regular outfit, but you already know that one of the most important days of your life deserves an incredibly spectacular gown.
Undoubtedly, there are numerous wedding things to attend to, but it’s also critical that you devote sufficient time to finding the ideal wedding dress for you. We’ve compiled a list of crucial things to think about before going wedding dress shopping in this post.
23 Things to Consider While Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress
1. Set a budget and stick to it
The first and foremost thing that you should be doing before you go wedding day shopping is setting a budget. Though budgets for bridal dresses are rarely exact, more often than not, brides end up spending more than they anticipated.
The point is that having a budget in mind can help you resist the impulse to overspend on your one-of-a-kind gown. Try your hardest to stick to your wedding dress budget. If you start a bit early, you can even locate a terrific deal that will help you save a few dollars on your dress.
Know that your wedding outfit budget does not only contain the gown. Your veil or headpiece, jewelry, and shoes, as well as undergarments and modifications, will all add to your total cost. So, don’t miss to consider these costs.
2. Find the ideal group of people to accompany you
Do you get tired of going to your groom for every advice all the time? Find a female friend who will gladly accompany you for wedding dress shopping.
Moreover, if your husband isn’t a fashionista, he won’t be much help when it comes to finding the right wedding dress. Find a female companion you can trust for second and third perspectives.
3. Keep your crew small
Bringing a large group to the salon for gown shopping is a BIG NO-NO. Yes, you read it right. There is no point in taking too many people along to shop for your wedding dress. Many brides believe that having a large group of people with them when shopping for a gown is beneficial, which is totally untrue. Many people simply mean many confusions. So, avoid this situation.
Enlist the assistance of one or two of your closest friends or family members to begin your quest. This way, you may pick the gown that best fits your personality and style without feeling rushed by too many comments.
4. Do enough research
You can go gown shopping without any planning, but going prepared can help you find the dress of your dreams. Yes, never underestimate the importance of research and planning ahead of time. It can be really beneficial to you. Fortunately, we live in the internet age, so locating anything, from a bridal shop to a wedding gown, is simple. Simply look for the best bridal shops in your area. Read about them on their website. You can even pin your favorite outfits and choose the type of dress you want.
5. Take an appointment in advance
Yes, this is yet another important step while you go wedding dress shopping. Don’t just enter unannounced to any shop. You might get lucky and get a salesperson just by coming in; however, making an appointment is the sure shot way to get an hour or so of uninterrupted attention.
6. Take into account the color of your gown
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the color of the wedding gown. You can keep to tradition and wear white, but if you want to add some color to your gown, go ahead and choose the appropriate shade. Rather than wearing conventional white wedding gowns, a growing number of modern brides are opting for colored gowns. If you want, you can choose an eye-catching colored gown to stand out.
7. Consider the season
When choosing your wedding dress color, don’t miss to consider the season. Every season has its own vibe, and dressing in colors that match the season only enhances your overall style. You can, however, go with whatever looks best on your skin. Also, be ready for any unpleasant reactions from your regular guests, particularly the elderly. Remember, it’s your wedding, so you can wear any color you choose.
8. Find the ideal length for your wedding gown
When it comes to choosing the appropriate wedding dress length, there’s a simple rule to follow: base your dress length on the formality of the ceremony. Yes, depending on the style of the ceremony and where it will be held, wedding gowns can be either short or long. Floor-length is the way to go if you’re planning a formal ceremony.
If it’s going to be an ultra-formal wedding, you might want to consider adding a cathedral train to your gown. You can wear whichever hemline you like the most at a casual wedding. Remember, short or very short wedding gowns are recommended for casual and outdoor weddings. It is to keep your outfit from getting muddy.
9. Look for the best deals
Of all, a wedding is an expensive affair, with costs ranging from wedding décor to wedding attire. As a result, finding the best deals is not a problem. Most bridal boutiques hold annual or festival sales during which you can save a great deal. However, in order to receive the finest deals, you must be extra vigilant. You’ll need to start planning at least a year ahead of time.
10. Skip the first day of any sample sale
This is a really, really, very important point to consider while you go wedding dress shopping. As humans, we can’t resist buying anything. We know you also would want to rush in as soon as the doors open. But, understand that sample sale shopping on the first day can be intimidating and congested. So it’s best to call ahead to inquire about the sale’s duration. After that, choose one of the subsequent dates to go for wedding dress shopping.
11. Choose the most appealing and acceptable sleeve length and style for your dress
You may ignore this, but it is crucial to consider the sleeve length and style while buying your wedding dress. For instance, if you’re too conscious about your arms or shoulders, you should keep them covered. There are a variety of sleeve styles and lengths to select from; simply choose the one that best suits the event while also making you feel beautiful and at ease in your gown.
Moreover, a winter wedding may not be the greatest time to wear a halter, plunging, and backless gown. And if you do, you’ll have to wear over clothing.
12. Look for a suitable fabric
Don’t forget that the fabric you choose can have a significant impact the overall appearance of your gown. Hence, it is important to choose the right fabric for your gown. There are a plethora of fabrics to pick from. If you’re not familiar with different fabric types, ask your wedding planner or the manager of the bridal store to assist you in distinguishing between the various fabric kinds available.
If you get itchy or uncomfortable when wearing crisp and net-like materials, opt for the breezy and lightweight options. The goal is to find a fabric that is both visually appealing and pleasant to wear.
13. Choose the appropriate skirt and dress shape for your body type
Every woman has unique body stats that makes her body structure. That is why it is important to take into account your physical aspects, overall body shape, and problem areas when deciding on a skirt type and dress shape.
A ball gown, for example, might balance your proportions if you’ve got an inverted triangle body shape, with prominent shoulders and petite hips. It will enhance your overall figure.
14. Choose the most flattering neckline
The neckline of your wedding gown has a significant impact on its overall appearance. You have a lot of neckline options, but it’s all about selecting the one that’s the most appropriate and flattering for your body type. Consider your assets, body shape, and problem areas when choosing your wedding gown neckline.
The strapless gown is an ideal neckline choice if you want to show off your arms, shoulders, and noticeable collar bones. If your bust is on the flat side, a bateau neckline will help to accentuate your bust.
15. Consider going shopping during weekdays
You might wonder why it’s so necessary to shop on a specific day. But, believe it or not, it’s indispensable, incredibly if you despise being rushed while shopping. So, try to schedule an appointment for the morning or afternoon of a weekday. The busiest days at wedding salons are Saturdays and Sundays, so avoid them if you want to get the uninterrupted attention of the salesman at the bridal store.
16. Decide on a wedding train
It is crucial to decide whether or not you need a wedding train. Choose your train length pragmatically if you really want to have a train that follows you about gracefully.
Remember that a bridal train entails additional fabric and detailing, which means you’ll have to spend more money on your wedding gown. You won’t need a train unless your wedding is highly formal. Also, keep in mind that your wedding train may limit your mobility. And if you plan on doing a lot of dancing and walking following the wedding ceremony, go for a detachable bridal train.
17. Right detailing for your wedding dress
If you think your gown needs a little more glitz and glitter, add some embellishments and decorations to provide a special touch to your gown. Adding extra glitz and glitter to your dress is a terrific way to make it even more unique and fashionable.
For instance, you can get additional beads and embroidery done on your plain gown. And if you prefer a more feminine dress, consider adding a bow, ribbons, etc., to your gown. It will give your gown the extra boost it needs to become an outstanding and unique wedding gown. If you find it difficult to decide, ask your wedding gown designer to assist you in selecting the appropriate details for your gown.
18. Decide on over clothing for your wedding gown
If you’re planning to wear a strapless, A-Line princess gown at your winter wedding, then you’ll need over clothing for it. Get a nice coat or bolero for it; it will keep you warm during the ceremony. And even if it is a wedding in springs or summers, some churches ask brides to dress modestly for their wedding ceremony. If the same condition applies to you as well, you’ll need over clothing for your ceremony. Of course, you can remove these over clothes on your way to the reception and flaunt the full splendor of your wedding gown.
19. Be cautious about wedding gown sizing and changes
Wedding dress sizing and changes are important to consider. You might already know your size, but they will measure you for accurate sizing when you go to the bridal boutique. Don’t be startled if they tell you you’re a size or two larger than you anticipated.
Bridal boutiques and high-street stores use different methods to determine your dress size. The biggest dimension of your body determines your dress size. For instance, your wedding dress size will be determined by your hip size. If you have large hips and a smaller bust area, your dress will be sized accordingly. So, when you receive your wedding gown, check to see if any modifications are required for a proper fit. These modifications are required to attain the perfect fit.
20. Be wary of hidden costs
More often than not, bridal stores do not charge for modifications and dress sizing. So you have to be wary about the hidden costs. To evaluate if you’re getting a good deal or a bad deal, ask the boutique owner for estimates on how much you’ll have to pay for clothing changes. It is to avoid any surprises later.
21. Be realistic
When it comes to wedding gown purchasing, this is critical. Frequently, ladies have unrealistic expectations about their wedding gowns. They obtain ideas from the internet or from movies or television shows, and they wish to dress in the same way, regardless of their assets or body shapes. Don’t create unreasonable goals for yourself; it will just cause you to worry. When choosing a dress, it’s best to be realistic and think about your attributes and body type.
22. Be patient
Besides money, bridal shopping needs time and a lot of effort. If you tend to become impatient with every small thing, then shopping is not your cup of tea. You may even come empty-handed on certain occasions. You may not find the right dress at first, but that’s not the end of the world. You don’t have to give up on your dreams. Give yourself time to select the best dress. If you fail to find the right dress for yourself in one store, no worries, go to the next. This is how it is! You don’t have to lose hope or get discouraged by this small thing.
23. Be happy
This is, without a doubt, critical. Enjoy yourself while you search for the right wedding gown!! It will help you make the best choice of your wedding dress, believe you me!
Putting it all together…
So there you have it: the 23 things you should know before you go wedding dress shopping. Follow them to make your search for the right wedding gown more fun and less stressful.
Remember that bridal shopping needs a lot of time, effort, and patience. Do not rush your decision. Also, don’t keep waiting for eternity to buy your dress. As a rule of thumb, you should buy your wedding dress at least four to six months prior to your wedding. It is to ensure timely modifications and alterations.
