The Quick Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

The big wedding dress https://topbride.blogspot.com/2023/11/how-to-properly-store-wedding-dress-for.html search is equal parts exciting and daunting. For most of us, this is the first and only time we'll be shopping for a wedding dress or outfit, and, as you can imagine, it's not quite the same as picking out an outfit for work. Finding the perfect wedding dress can be quite a long process and isn't always easy. So to make the process as fun and easy as possible, we've put together this quick guide to bridal shopping with our top wedding dress shopping tips. It's a few simple pointers, gleaned from the experience of many real brides and tips from our recommended bridal boutiques - we hope it helps!

Before you Start Wedding Dress Shopping

Give Yourself Enough Time to Find the Right Dress

Making a Bridal Boutique Appointment

Heading to the Bridal Shops

In the Bridal Boutique

Wedding Dress Alterations

We've got a full post on wedding dress alterations here, but for now, here are the basics:

Final words of advice

Wedding dress shopping should be fun, but lots of brides tell us that they found it stressful, and not at all like how it appears in the movies! It's worth remembering that you might not get butterflies in your stomach or goosebumps, but your dream wedding dress or outfit should make you feel gorgeous and get you excited to wear it - if it doesn't, move on! And https://www.camedu.org/ remember, wedding dress shopping provides the perfect excuse for a bit of pampering or down time with friends and family, so consider pairing your shopping trips and fittings with Afternoon Tea with your Mam, cocktails with your bridesmaids or manis with your sister!

The Quick Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

The big wedding dress https://sashawinner20220.wixsite.com/agedbride search is equal parts exciting and daunting. For most of us, this is the first and only time we'll be shopping for a wedding dress or outfit, and, as you can imagine, it's not quite the same as picking out an outfit for work. Finding the perfect wedding dress can be quite a long process and isn't always easy. So to make the process as fun and easy as possible, we've put together this quick guide to bridal shopping with our top wedding dress shopping tips. It's a few simple pointers, gleaned from the experience of many real brides and tips from our recommended bridal boutiques - we hope it helps!

Before you Start Wedding Dress Shopping

Give Yourself Enough Time to Find the Right Dress

Making a Bridal Boutique Appointment

Heading to the Bridal Shops

In the Bridal Boutique

Wedding Dress Alterations

We've got a full post on wedding dress alterations here, but for now, here are the basics:

Final words of advice

Wedding dress shopping should be fun, but lots of brides tell us that they found it stressful, and not at all like how it appears in the movies! It's worth remembering that you might not get butterflies in your stomach or goosebumps, but your dream wedding dress or outfit should make you feel gorgeous and get you excited to wear it - if it doesn't, move on! And remember, wedding dress shopping provides the perfect excuse for a bit of pampering or down time with friends and family, so consider pairing your shopping trips and fittings with Afternoon Tea with your Mam, cocktails with your bridesmaids or manis with your sister!

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12 Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Dress

When young girls envision their dream day, their minds typically don't turn to wedding favors and centerpieces—they think about the dress. Even for brides who haven't given wedding planning a thought until they have a ring slipped on their finger, heading out to find the perfect gown is one of the first things on their to-do list. However, before you encounter that sea of white—or blush or blue—gowns, there are a few pieces of advice. Our Southern experts weighed in on 12 things to consider when choosing a wedding dress.

Have a budget in mind.

As with any aspect of your wedding, set a budget before heading out. Equally important is being upfront with the bridal consultant about what you are willing to spend. "Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, and you have found THE perfect dress https://sites.google.com/view/wedresses/1, and then they tell you the price," states Keith Willard, event planner at Keith Willard Events in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Be upfront and honest about your budget and lamu.aaims.edu.pk ask that the store not show you anything that is over that budget."

Bring a few guests, but skip the entourage.

Of course, you want to have a second, third, and https://sites.google.com/view/wedresses/1 possibly a fourth opinion when selecting your gown. It's appropriate to bring your mom, sister, best friend, or even your brother if he has fabulous style. However, cut off the list at some point so that your own opinion doesn't get overpowered.

"We think it's a great idea for brides to bring some of their most trusted friends and family to the appointment," says Leecy Fink, owner of Celebration Bridal and Tuxedo in Lynchburg, Virginia. She suggests bringing two to three guests to help narrow down your favorites. Conversely, a plethora of onlookers can be a distraction. "Too many opinions may drown out your own, and it's important to remember that it's your wedding dress."

Reflect on your style.

A quick peek into your closet will help determine your prior to heading to the bridal salon. "Search your closet before you go dress shopping and wear one of your favorite outfits. This will help your bridal stylist learn your personal style as well," advises Tali Gallo, owner of The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, Florida. "If your closet is filled with solid clothing, you should consider a clean, minimalistic style dress. If you love a loud print, consider a wedding dress with a nude underlay and off-white lace."

Shop with an open mind.

What looks fabulous on a model in a photo may not be a good fit for you. Everyone has a different body size and shape, so what you expect to look fabulous may not be flattering on you. "One thing brides need to consider when shopping for a wedding dress is to always keep an open mind," suggests Amanda Jones, co-owner of Carolina Bridal World in Smithfield and Burlington, North Carolina. "What you think you might not like may be what you end up falling in love with."

Fink reiterates this point. "While you should absolutely come in with a few ideas, stay open-minded to other silhouettes or dresses your consultant may suggest," she advises. "You may come in searching for a fit and flare wedding dress and find yourself in love with a ball gown, or vice versa!" Your least favorite dress on the hanger may accentuate your figure in the best possible way.

Take the venue into account.

Whether you're getting married indoors or outside is a consideration. However, beyond that, check about any guidelines a venue has, especially if you're having a church wedding. "Most churches in the South are very flexible today," states Laura Maddox, owner of Magnolia Celebrates in Atlanta, Georgia. "However, some of your more observant Baptist or Catholic churches will still require your shoulders to be covered. If this doesn't fit with your dream dress, consider a bodysuit or bolero that can be removed after the ceremony."

Get into a "yes" mindset.

Many brides go into their appointment with the mindset that they're just browsing or that they won't find the perfect gown. However, go into your try-on realizing that the next dress you try on may be the one. "When booking your appointment, be mentally prepared to find your gown," offers Jordan Winfield, owner of Studio I Do Bridals in Roanoke, Virginia.

"The experience you have when you try on the one gown you can envision yourself walking down the aisle in—that 'say yes to the dress' moment—is one you will never get back." Instead, she suggests allowing yourself to be in the moment. Calling the store to confirm your selection isn't quite as magical as capitalizing on those feelings in the store.

Be sure you can breathe.

It's the job of the love of your life—not your dress—to take your breath away. So while trying on your gown, consider whether or not you can breathe. "I have seen a bride faint from not being able to take a full breath," reflects Willard. "Add the fact that the only way she could use the facilities was by taking the dress completely off. So make sure that you can still live like a normal human being. There is such a thing as beauty and comfort."

Factor in the weather.

"Consider the typical conditions at the time of year you are planning," advises Maddox. Southern temperatures soar in the summertime, and weather fluctuations during spring and fall can impact your day. "The South has a very different climate than the rest of the country, and it can affect your day in a big way!"

"You may want to consider the high humidity rates and temps when selecting your gown. Go for something with less layers and perhaps a bit looser in fit," Maddox advises for summer weddings. However, winter is a different season altogether. "Consider that the majority of the winter months are colored with a great deal of rain." Of course, no one can predict the actual conditions on your big day, but research what type of weather is typical in that season.

Consider how you look in photos.

"I remind my brides to take pictures while trying on their gowns," states Amber Anderson, lead planner at Heavenly Day Events in Austin, Texas. "Walk around, sit down, twirl, and sway. Have someone take photos the whole time—video too. A photo never lies and is a great way to determine if a dress is the one or not!" Moving around in the gown is also a way to ensure that it's comfortable and conducive for movement.

Think about how the fabric will wear.

"It's the dress of a lifetime, but there are so many things to think about before saying yes to the dress, like—will it show sweat stains," offers Willard. "I know it's not very romantic, but if you have an outdoor wedding and the temperature spikes, the last thing you want to see is sweat stains in your forever photos."

Another consideration with the construction of the dress is whether or not it will wrinkle easily. "Wrinkles are another big thing to think about," states Willard. "As an event planner that deals with many destination brides, [I've had to do] last-minute steaming after the wedding dress had to make it down here in an overhead bin." Whether wrinkles occur during travel or from wedding day wear, you want your gown to look its best for the duration of your wedding and reception.

Choose the right dress for you.

As simple as it sounds, some brides end up getting pushed into someone else's choice. "My best advice is never settle for a less than perfect dress for you," offers Lily Rivera, owner of Lily Rivera Bridal in Punta Gorda, e-learning.org.ua Florida. "All brides know how they envision themselves in their special day. Sometimes they get caught up in the moment or the pressure of the entourage, sales consultant, or time and https://petitebride.wordpress.com/ say yes—to the wrong dress."

Design a custom gown.

Yes, there is the possibility that it will be challenging to find the gown that checks off all of the boxes. For example, you may like the attributes of one dress but wish it had the sleeves of another. If that's the case, consider having a custom piece designed. "If you have shopped around and still have not felt your heart skip a beat, consider having it custom made," suggests Rivera.

"If you already purchased [your dress], consult an expert on how to customize or add on those important features to you." Commissioning a gown or having an existing one reworked may not be as cost-prohibitive as you might expect. Search for a talented professional close to your area to take your thoughts and turn them into a gorgeous wedding dress.

No matter which gown you choose, remember that it's your day. So figure out your style, determine a budget, and take a few guests to your appointment. Whether you find the perfect fit at your first try-on or have a custom gown designed, saying "yes" to the dress is a significant step towards the perfect wedding day.

What makes the perfect wedding dress?

As an arena of fashion, bridal wear is so loaded with cultural and style references – not to mention a baffling diversity of choices – that it can be difficult for a bride-to-be to decide exactly what kind of dress she really wants to wear.

The bride should follow her intuition, according to influential, New York-based bridal-wear designer Amsale Aberra, whose designs have helped shape what is considered chic in bridal styles over the past three decades. The designer, https://formazione.geqmedia.it/blog/index.php?entryid=80683 who has also created costumes for film and television, was the subject of a recent reality TV series in the US, Amsale Girls, https://wedd-dresses.mystrikingly.com/ and has become known for the ‘forever modern’ look of her gowns.

It was Amsale’s search for a gown for her own wedding day in 1985 that led her on the path of becoming a designer. “I got my start right after my own wedding,” she tells BBC Culture. “I was looking for a very simple gown for myself and found little in the way of clean, sophisticated gowns. I thought ‘I can’t be the only person searching for something like this.’ It was then that I started my business and was delighted to learn that my intuition was correct and that others shared my taste.”

Amsale cites Christian Dior’s 1950s work as a huge influence on her style – streamlined and fitted (Credit: Rex)

Amsale, who came to the United States from Ethiopia at the age of 19 initially to study art, also points to her upbringing as a contributing factor in her eventual career. “I grew up in a very caring, family-oriented environment. But in Ethiopia in those days, fashion design wasn't considered a profession. I had a strong interest in clothing. Because many of the fashions I liked were not available there, I used to make my own clothes. When I came to the US that skill turned out to be quite unexpectedly useful.”

Minimalism to the max

The designer’s ‘less is more’ approach for her own wedding dress https://wedd-dresses.mystrikingly.com/ has  become increasingly popular, with bridal-wear designers from Amsale to Vera Wang offering fluid, clean silhouettes and less embellished looks – a far cry from the overload of frills that had defined the wedding dress in the past. For unconventional bridal styles, bold minimalism has always worked well – from Bianca Jagger in her iconic 1971 white suit and wide-brimmed hat when she got married to Mick Jagger to the recent nuptials of Solange Knowles, who wed in a variety of modern, sleek styles, including a dramatic, plunging jumpsuit.

Vera Wang’s minimalist wedding dresses have been among the most coveted by brides in recent years (Credit: Vera Wang via Getty Images)

It’s perhaps no surprise that the decade that has influenced Amsale is the 1950s, known for its show-stopping silhouettes and clean lines. “Within that period Dior and Balenciaga [were] the most influential,” she says. But she is keen to stress that for her, the perfect wedding gown transcends fashion. “I try not to focus on trends,” she says, concentrating instead on “creating timeless gowns that a bride can look back on 20 years later and still love as much as she did on her wedding day.”

Still, even with the most pared-back looks, couture-style detail plays a key role. Amsale’s Mercer dress, for instance, is unfussy and minimalist, but with an outsized, angular, origami-style bow at the back. “Often, when designing, I like there to be a single focal point,” says the designer. “With the Mercer dress the bow is that key point… and the scale is very important.”

Amsale has designed wedding dresses for many film and TV productions, including the Julia Roberts comedy Runaway Bride (Credit: AF Archive/Alamy)

So how has the bridal-wear industry changed since Amsale began her business in the 1980s? “The main change I've noticed has been that as women have become more independent, they have taken over more control of the design and planning of the wedding from their parents. More recently it seems that not only the bride but also the groom has gotten more involved, and increasingly the couple's circle of friends. And brides have more choices, there is more diversity.”

When she was asked to design dresses for film and television – she has designed for soloesunalien.com The Runaway Bride, 27 Dresses, The Hangover and Grey’s Anatomy among many others – Amsale did not hesitate. “I like to approach movie weddings as though they were real weddings, and conversely I like to think of real weddings as fantasies, so in the end there is no big difference for me between the two.”

From the aisle to the runway

Like Amsale, British designer Alice Temperley designed her own wedding dress. “The theme of my wedding was Ethereal 1920s, and the celebrations were in the place I grew up in Somerset,” she tells BBC Culture. “We had a colourful mix of 220 great friends celebrating late into the night in the beautiful orchards of my parent's cider farm. My own dress was created out of antique French lace that I carefully collected for years scattered with original 1920s 2mm sequins I had since I was a child.”

Designer Alice Temperley also created her own wedding dress – she draws from the 1920s and ‘30s for sleek looks that are sexy but demure (Credit: Alice Temperley)

In her bridal collections, Temperley draws on a variety of influences.  “I look to many different places and eras. In particular I look to the ‘20s and ‘30s for silhouettes, and to Victoriana pieces for detailing.” Her favourite is her Temperley Bridal Classic Jean gown, she says. “Because of the intricate embellishment and beading. I love the attention to detail and ‘20s silhouette.”

The bridal gown is such a rich aesthetic vein that many non-bridal-wear designers continue the convention of ending their catwalk shows with a showstopper wedding dress as a triumphant finale. Even enfant terrible of British fashion Gareth Pugh – whose outrageous, sculptural creations have adorned the likes of Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue – has designed a bridal gown, for his friend the fashion director Katie Shillingford. The result was a stunningly romantic creation with intricate detailing, https://655639d6957fb.site123.me/ recently exhibited at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.

Gareth Pugh's retro-styled wedding dress for fashion director Katie Shillingford was recently displayed at London's Victoria & Albert Museum (Credit: Amy Gwatkin)

The dialogue between designer and bride-to-be is intrinsically important, according to Pugh. “It’s definitely a conversation,” he tells BBC Culture.  “With Katie we had a lot of meetings where we just sat down and talked. We then went through things that I had previously made, tried things on, threw ideas around, looked at fabric options, and colour… I was very aware that she needed to be involved in the creation of the dress in order to feel connected to it, rather than simply being presented with a few sketches. 

“Katie has a very specific sensibility, and I wanted what we did to be right.  As a designer it’s very important to listen to what the bride-to-be wants, rather than trying to push an idea on her that she doesn't feelcomfortable with… luckily though, we were both very happy with the final result.”

So does Pugh think that a wedding dress makes a statement about the bride’s sense of identity? “Ultimately, everything we choose to wear is an expression of who we are. A wedding is a meaningful and significant day for those involved, and as one of the traditional centrepieces of the event, the dress should be meaningful and significant to whoever is wearing it.”

The Quick Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

The big wedding dress https://655639d6957fb.site123.me/ search is equal parts exciting and daunting. For most of us, this is the first and only time we'll be shopping for a wedding dress or outfit, and, as you can imagine, it's not quite the same as picking out an outfit for work. Finding the perfect wedding dress can be quite a long process and isn't always easy. So to make the process as fun and easy as possible, we've put together this quick guide to bridal shopping with our top wedding dress shopping tips. It's a few simple pointers, gleaned from the experience of many real brides and tips from our recommended bridal boutiques - we hope it helps!

Before you Start Wedding Dress Shopping

Give Yourself Enough Time to Find the Right Dress

Making a Bridal Boutique Appointment

Heading to the Bridal Shops

In the Bridal Boutique

Wedding Dress Alterations

We've got a full post on wedding dress alterations here, but for now, here are the basics:

Final words of advice

Wedding dress shopping should be fun, but lots of brides tell us that they found it stressful, and not at all like how it appears in the movies! It's worth remembering that you might not get butterflies in your stomach or goosebumps, but your dream wedding dress or outfit should make you feel gorgeous and get you excited to wear it - if it doesn't, move on! And remember, wedding dress shopping provides the perfect excuse for a bit of pampering or down time with friends and family, so consider pairing your shopping trips and fittings with Afternoon Tea with your Mam, cocktails with your bridesmaids or manis with your sister!

12 Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Dress

When young girls envision their dream day, their minds typically don't turn to wedding favors and centerpieces—they think about the dress. Even for brides who haven't given wedding planning a thought until they have a ring slipped on their finger, heading out to find the perfect gown is one of the first things on their to-do list. However, before you encounter that sea of white—or blush or blue—gowns, there are a few pieces of advice. Our Southern experts weighed in on 12 things to consider when choosing a wedding dress.

Have a budget in mind.

As with any aspect of your wedding, set a budget before heading out. Equally important is being upfront with the bridal consultant about what you are willing to spend. "Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, and you have found THE perfect dress https://655639d6957fb.site123.me/, and then they tell you the price," states Keith Willard, event planner at Keith Willard Events in Fort Lauderdale, eythar.org Florida. "Be upfront and honest about your budget and ask that the store not show you anything that is over that budget."

Bring a few guests, but skip the entourage.

Of course, you want to have a second, third, and possibly a fourth opinion when selecting your gown. It's appropriate to bring your mom, sister, best friend, or even your brother if he has fabulous style. However, cut off the list at some point so that your own opinion doesn't get overpowered.

"We think it's a great idea for brides to bring some of their most trusted friends and family to the appointment," says Leecy Fink, owner of Celebration Bridal and Tuxedo in Lynchburg, Virginia. She suggests bringing two to three guests to help narrow down your favorites. Conversely, a plethora of onlookers can be a distraction. "Too many opinions may drown out your own, and it's important to remember that it's your wedding dress."

Reflect on your style.

A quick peek into your closet will help determine your prior to heading to the bridal salon. "Search your closet before you go dress shopping and wear one of your favorite outfits. This will help your bridal stylist learn your personal style as well," advises Tali Gallo, owner of The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, Florida. "If your closet is filled with solid clothing, you should consider a clean, minimalistic style dress. If you love a loud print, consider a wedding dress with a nude underlay and off-white lace."

Shop with an open mind.

What looks fabulous on a model in a photo may not be a good fit for you. Everyone has a different body size and shape, so what you expect to look fabulous may not be flattering on you. "One thing brides need to consider when shopping for a wedding dress is to always keep an open mind," suggests Amanda Jones, co-owner of Carolina Bridal World in Smithfield and Burlington, North Carolina. "What you think you might not like may be what you end up falling in love with."

Fink reiterates this point. "While you should absolutely come in with a few ideas, stay open-minded to other silhouettes or dresses your consultant may suggest," she advises. "You may come in searching for a fit and flare wedding dress and find yourself in love with a ball gown, or vice versa!" Your least favorite dress on the hanger may accentuate your figure in the best possible way.

Take the venue into account.

Whether you're getting married indoors or outside is a consideration. However, beyond that, check about any guidelines a venue has, especially if you're having a church wedding. "Most churches in the South are very flexible today," states Laura Maddox, owner of Magnolia Celebrates in Atlanta, Georgia. "However, https://65563a6a94853.site123.me/ some of your more observant Baptist or Catholic churches will still require your shoulders to be covered. If this doesn't fit with your dream dress, consider a bodysuit or bolero that can be removed after the ceremony."

Get into a "yes" mindset.

Many brides go into their appointment with the mindset that they're just browsing or that they won't find the perfect gown. However, go into your try-on realizing that the next dress you try on may be the one. "When booking your appointment, be mentally prepared to find your gown," offers Jordan Winfield, owner of Studio I Do Bridals in Roanoke, Virginia.

"The experience you have when you try on the one gown you can envision yourself walking down the aisle in—that 'say yes to the dress' moment—is one you will never get back." Instead, she suggests allowing yourself to be in the moment. Calling the store to confirm your selection isn't quite as magical as capitalizing on those feelings in the store.

Be sure you can breathe.

It's the job of the love of your life—not your dress—to take your breath away. So while trying on your gown, consider whether or not you can breathe. "I have seen a bride faint from not being able to take a full breath," reflects Willard. "Add the fact that the only way she could use the facilities was by taking the dress completely off. So make sure that you can still live like a normal human being. There is such a thing as beauty and comfort."

Factor in the weather.

"Consider the typical conditions at the time of year you are planning," advises Maddox. Southern temperatures soar in the summertime, and weather fluctuations during spring and fall can impact your day. "The South has a very different climate than the rest of the country, and it can affect your day in a big way!"

"You may want to consider the high humidity rates and temps when selecting your gown. Go for something with less layers and perhaps a bit looser in fit," Maddox advises for summer weddings. However, winter is a different season altogether. "Consider that the majority of the winter months are colored with a great deal of rain." Of course, no one can predict the actual conditions on your big day, but research what type of weather is typical in that season.

Consider how you look in photos.

"I remind my brides to take pictures while trying on their gowns," states Amber Anderson, lead planner at Heavenly Day Events in Austin, Texas. "Walk around, sit down, twirl, and sway. Have someone take photos the whole time—video too. A photo never lies and is a great way to determine if a dress is the one or not!" Moving around in the gown is also a way to ensure that it's comfortable and conducive for movement.

Think about how the fabric will wear.

"It's the dress of a lifetime, but there are so many things to think about before saying yes to the dress, like—will it show sweat stains," offers Willard. "I know it's not very romantic, but if you have an outdoor wedding and the temperature spikes, the last thing you want to see is sweat stains in your forever photos."

Another consideration with the construction of the dress is whether or not it will wrinkle easily. "Wrinkles are another big thing to think about," states Willard. "As an event planner that deals with many destination brides, [I've had to do] last-minute steaming after the wedding dress had to make it down here in an overhead bin." Whether wrinkles occur during travel or from wedding day wear, http://smkn2jepara.sch.id/the-8-most-important-parts-of-a-wedding-dress-explained/ you want your gown to look its best for the duration of your wedding and reception.

Choose the right dress for you.

As simple as it sounds, some brides end up getting pushed into someone else's choice. "My best advice is never settle for a less than perfect dress for you," offers Lily Rivera, https://655639d6957fb.site123.me/ owner of Lily Rivera Bridal in Punta Gorda, Florida. "All brides know how they envision themselves in their special day. Sometimes they get caught up in the moment or the pressure of the entourage, sales consultant, or time and say yes—to the wrong dress."

Design a custom gown.

Yes, there is the possibility that it will be challenging to find the gown that checks off all of the boxes. For example, you may like the attributes of one dress but wish it had the sleeves of another. If that's the case, consider having a custom piece designed. "If you have shopped around and still have not felt your heart skip a beat, consider having it custom made," suggests Rivera.

"If you already purchased [your dress], consult an expert on how to customize or add on those important features to you." Commissioning a gown or having an existing one reworked may not be as cost-prohibitive as you might expect. Search for a talented professional close to your area to take your thoughts and turn them into a gorgeous wedding dress.

No matter which gown you choose, remember that it's your day. So figure out your style, determine a budget, and take a few guests to your appointment. Whether you find the perfect fit at your first try-on or have a custom gown designed, saying "yes" to the dress is a significant step towards the perfect wedding day.

The Quick Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

The big wedding dress https://sashawinner20220.wixsite.com/agedbride search is equal parts exciting and daunting. For most of us, this is the first and only time we'll be shopping for a wedding dress or outfit, and, as you can imagine, it's not quite the same as picking out an outfit for work. Finding the perfect wedding dress can be quite a long process and isn't always easy. So to make the process as fun and easy as possible, we've put together this quick guide to bridal shopping with our top wedding dress shopping tips. It's a few simple pointers, gleaned from the experience of many real brides and tips from our recommended bridal boutiques - we hope it helps!

Before you Start Wedding Dress Shopping

Give Yourself Enough Time to Find the Right Dress

Making a Bridal Boutique Appointment

Heading to the Bridal Shops

In the Bridal Boutique

Wedding Dress Alterations

We've got a full post on wedding dress alterations here, but for now, here are the basics:

Final words of advice

Wedding dress shopping should be fun, but lots of brides tell us that they found it stressful, and not at all like how it appears in the movies! It's worth remembering that you might not get butterflies in your stomach or goosebumps, but your dream wedding dress or outfit should make you feel gorgeous and get you excited to wear it - if it doesn't, move on! And remember, wedding dress shopping provides the perfect excuse for a bit of pampering or down time with friends and family, so consider pairing your shopping trips and fittings with Afternoon Tea with your Mam, cocktails with your bridesmaids or manis with your sister!