Heโs popped the questions and you were only too delighted to accept. Now you have to start planning for the big day and the most important part of the whole wedding: your wedding dress. Wedding dress shopping is different than any kind of shopping youโve ever done before, not to mention the fact that your bridal gown will probably be the most expensive dress you ever buy. It makes sense then, to take your time and make sure you get the perfect dress for your special day. Here are some things you should know before you go wedding dress shopping.
Consider a Pre-owned Wedding Dress
If youโre on a tight budget, buying a pre-owned wedding dress might be a good option for you. Although pre-owned bridal gowns have already been worn once, they are in pristine condition so no one will ever know. The main advantage of pre-owned wedding dresses is that they are offered at deep discounts, so you can still have a perfect day at an affordable cost. You may also find pre-owned wedding dresses that have never been worn and still carry the tags. These are dresses that belonged to brides who found a different dress they liked more and were unable to return the original to the store. If you want to find out more about pre-owned dresses, check out ย PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, for both the bride, the bridesmaids and even the mother of the bride.
Take your Time Shopping
You best friend may have fallen in love with the first dress she tried, but donโt assume it will work out the same way for you. It can take many hours to find the perfect fit. Donโt be disheartened if you have to make several appointments and try on lots of bridal dresses. But do give yourself plenty of time. Sometimes you may have to make an appointment several weeks or a month in advance, so make sure youโre not rushing around at the last minute tearing your hair out trying to find the right dress.
One way you can save yourself some time is by looking at dresses online before you begin shopping. This will give you a general idea of what styles are available and you can start choosing the ones you like most. Save pictures of dresses you would like to try and make a note of particular designers whose styles you like best.
Keep your Budget in Mind
Setting a budget is important, though not always easy, but once youโve set it, you must stick to it. Start by finding a few dresses you like and checking their price tag. This will give you a starting point. Donโt try dresses that are beyond your budget, no matter how much you like them. This will only leave you feeling disappointed.
Donโt Take your Entourage
When you go bridal gown shopping, take one or two significant people with you, like your mother or you maid of honor. Donโt be tempted to take all your friends along, this will only make it overwhelming when you have to listen to all their comments on every dress you try on. Keep it simple and only take someone whose opinion you can really trust.
Feel Good About your Body
Nobodyโs perfect but everybody has great unique features. Donโt expect that youโre going to look just like the model in the bridal magazines. You will need to try out different shapes and styles until you find one that will accentuate your figure. Donโt forget the comfort factor. No matter how great you look in a dress, if you donโt feel good itโs going to spoil your wedding day.
Take the Right Undergarments
Make sure you have your favorite strapless bra with you when you go to try on wedding dresses. Most bridal shops will have a few there but you canโt guarantee theyโll have your size. If you plan on wearing a body shaper on the big day, take that along with you too. When you go for your first fitting, you will need to wear the undergarments you will be wearing on your wedding day – here are some ideas on Pinterest. Also, donโt forget to take heels.
Most experts recommend you start looking for your wedding dress around eight months before your special day. This will give you plenty of time for alterations once you have found one. However, donโt rush out and buy your dress too early or you might end up second-guessing your decision without having the option to return it.
Lydia Haynes has experience of working in a bridal boutique, and as a newlywed herself shares her tips and tricks when it comes to picking the dress. Read her articles on wedding, fashion and women’s lifestyle blogs.