A wedding gown is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. You want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and the right designer can help you do that.
While you should bring in a few ideas, remain open to other silhouettes and dresses your consultant may suggest. You never know when you’ll find a gown that makes your heart skip a beat.
Identify Your Style
Keeping your style in mind as you shop will help narrow down what kind of dress you want. Bridal consultants say they see brides often come in with a set idea of what they want but once they try on gowns they fall in love with something completely different than what they originally expected.
For example, if you have a pear-shaped body with larger hips and thighs but a smaller bust, a dress with a flared skirt that flows through the waistline will accentuate your curves. The fabric of the dress is also important.
Create a Visual File of Your Favorite Dresses
Having a visual file can help you find your wedding dress. You can create a Pinterest board or put pictures together of the dresses you like best.
Consider your location and the type of event you are having when choosing a dress. You want your dress to match the style of your wedding, not clash with it.
Choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and reflects your style. A good designer can work with you to bring these two elements together.
Make an Appointment to Try on Gowns
The best way to find your dream dress is to make an appointment at Winsome brides wedding dresses. Call ahead to find out which designers they carry and what their price ranges are.
Try to bring one or two people whose opinions you trust, such as your mom, maid of honor or a trusted friend. A bigger entourage may lead to more disagreements about what you should wear on your big day.
Ask for Recommendations
It’s a great idea to bring along your mom, sister or best friend to help you find your dream dress. However, be careful to avoid bringing too many people too many opinions can confuse the process.
You should also make a budget and set a price for your gown. Having this in mind will prevent you from falling in love with something that’s out of your range and feeling disheartened. The fabric of the dress and amount of detailing will impact the cost, too.
Make a Budget
It’s also a good idea to create a budget before you head out shopping and be upfront about it with the bridal consultants. It’s easy to fall in love with a dress that costs more than your budget allows, and that can lead to stress and heartache down the road.
It’s helpful to call salons in advance to find out which designers they carry and their price ranges. This will save you time and prevent you from having sticker shock at your first appointment!
Go to Multiple Stores
Once you have an idea of the style of dress that works for your silhouette, make a few appointments at bridal shops. Bridal shops don’t carry gowns on display the way retail stores do so they require an appointment for a bridal consultant to help you select dresses and try them on.
Keep an open mind. Bridal consultants often see brides come in with a set idea of what they want, and then fall for something completely different that they hadn’t considered before.
Find a Designer You Love
It’s a good idea to start looking for your gown early. If you wait, you may have a hard time finding something you love. You could also get wedding dress shopping fatigue and settle for something less than perfect.
Bring a few trusted friends to your bridal appointment instead of an entourage. Having too many opinions can be distracting and confusing.
Be open to silhouettes you don’t expect. You might come in searching for a fit and flare dress, but you might fall in love with a ball gown!
Ask for a Quote
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, it’s important to remember that this is your day. While you should take the opinions of your loved ones into consideration, your gown should be a reflection of your style.
Before you go shopping, start pinning your favorite dresses on Pinterest and making note of the details. This will help you narrow down your options when you arrive at the salon. Also, make sure to bring your budget with you so that the consultants can help guide you in the right direction.
Make a Decision
A lot of brides get caught up in making everyone else happy and forget that their wedding is about them. Keep this in mind as you browse and find gowns that make you feel unique and special.
Also, remember to be open-minded to silhouettes that your consultant may suggest. You never know, your dream dress may be hiding in the form of a fitted mermaid style or an embellished ball gown!
