Say Yes to the Dress: Tips for Finding Your Wedding Dress

Finding your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning.

You may already have a dream board full of dresses, styles, fabrics, necklines, sleeves, trains, and inspiration photos. You may know exactly what you want, or you may have no idea where to begin. Either way, figuring out where to shop and how to prepare for the appointment can feel like a lot of work before you ever try on the first dress.

Wedding dress shopping should be special. It should be fun, memorable, and full of people who make you feel loved and beautiful. It can also become overwhelming if there are too many opinions, no budget, or too much pressure to make a decision before you are ready.

Here is a simple guide to help you have a stress-free day and find your perfect wedding dress.

Who Should You Invite to Go with You?

This decision may be harder than you think.

It is critical to have people with you who will encourage and support what you are looking for. Wedding dress shopping can be emotional, and the people in the room can shape the whole experience. Choose people who know you, love you, and can celebrate your style without making the appointment about their opinions.

Even though some people might expect you to invite them, do not feel pressured to invite someone who will not make you feel loved and beautiful. This is your wedding dress, and you are the one who will walk down the aisle in it.

It is also important to remember that too many opinions can make the day more difficult. A large group may sound fun at first, but it can quickly become overwhelming when everyone has something different to say. One person loves lace. Another wants sparkle. Someone else thinks you should try a ball gown. Someone else has strong feelings about sleeves. Before long, you may feel like you are shopping for everyone except yourself.

Try to create an intimate group of people to go with you. Invite the people who will help you feel calm, confident, and excited.

What Should You Bring with You?

Make sure you feel comfortable and prepared while dress shopping.

Bring photos or ideas of what you are looking for, even if you are not completely sure. Inspiration pictures can help the bridal consultant understand your style. You may love the neckline of one dress, the skirt of another, and the fabric of a third. You do not have to know all the right words. Pictures can help explain what you like.

Do not forget to bring shoes similar to what you may wear on your wedding day. They do not have to be the exact shoes, but something close in height can help you get a better sense of how the dress will feel when you walk. A dress can look one way barefoot and another way with heels or wedding shoes.

If you have accessories you know you want to incorporate, bring those as well. Maybe you already have a veil, earrings, necklace, hairpiece, family jewelry, or something meaningful you plan to wear. Seeing those pieces with the dress can help you imagine the full look.

Another helpful tip is to bring a variety of undergarments, so you have options when trying on different dress styles. Some dresses may require a strapless bra, a different shapewear style, or a smoother fit underneath. The goal is to feel comfortable and ready to picture yourself on the wedding day. You want to set yourself up to feel ready to say yes to the dress.

Establish a Budget Before You Go

Before you go shopping, establish a budget.

There is nothing worse than trying on a dress that you ultimately cannot afford. It can make every other dress feel disappointing and add unnecessary stress to what should be a joyful experience.

Only look at dresses you can afford so you do not leave disappointed or pressured. Make sure you also consider alterations, accessories, shoes, the veil, jewelry, and any cleaning or preservation costs after the wedding. The price tag on the dress may not be the final cost of the full bridal look.

A budget does not take away the magic. It helps you shop with confidence.

When you know your budget, tell the bridal consultant before you start trying on dresses. A good consultant can help you find beautiful options within your price range and keep the appointment focused on dresses that actually work for you.

Remember That You Do Not Have to Leave with a Dress

Even though emotions are high and the pressure may be on, you do not have to leave with a dress.

The option to go back or try other shops is always there. Most bridal stores have strict return policies, so you want to feel confident before making a final decision. If you are unsure, take a breath. Ask questions. Try the dress on again. Walk around. Sit down if possible. Picture yourself wearing it for the ceremony, photos, and reception.

It is okay to love a dress and still need a little time.

It is also okay if the first appointment does not end with a big “yes” moment. Some brides find the dress quickly. Others need more time. Both experiences are normal.

The goal is not to force the moment. The goal is to find a dress that feels right for you.

Enjoy the Experience

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional. Wedding dress shopping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it can bring up a lot of feelings. You may feel excited, nervous, sentimental, surprised, or even a little stressed.

Try to have fun.

Take pictures if the shop allows it. Celebrate the dresses that make you feel beautiful. Laugh at the ones that are absolutely not your style. Let the people with you enjoy the moment, but remember that the final decision is yours. Your wedding dress should help you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to walk into one of the most meaningful days of your life.

Good luck with your search for the perfect wedding dress!

Blog post written by my daughter, Elizabeth Squirek. Check out her blog at https://somethingtoowineabout.wordpress.com/

Article Picture: AS Photography

Article Image Photo by Terje Sollie

Article Image: Photo by Jill Wellington