(Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision for Zico/AP Images)
I said yes to a dress! I can’t dish out too many details, because the groom wants to be surprised on the wedding day — but, I’m excited!
For me, dress shopping was all about finding the gown I’d love to meet my husband in for the first time.
Plus, visiting bridal shops with my mom, dad and future mother-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt, was a blast — we made memories.
With that said, wedding dress shopping can be a little overwhelming. At the first appointment I went to, the consultant kept pulling gowns off the rack and asking me if I liked them. “I’m sorry, I don’t really know what that will look like on,” was my repeated answer.
Shopping for the right gown is a process. You need to figure out what you like and how to verbalize that to a bridal shop consultant. It’s not as easy as you would think.
I put together a list of tips I learned through the shopping process that might help recently engaged ladies looking for a wedding dress:
Start looking early: Most wedding dress shops advise ordering your wedding dress eight months before the wedding. Before you completely freak out, know that if your wedding day is approaching in more like six months, there are ways to get your dress in time.
Stick to a budget: You need to go into bridal shops with a price in mind. Don’t slip on a dress that is $1,000 over your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a gown you can’t buy. Fast fact: According to a recent TheKnot.com survey, the average wedding dress costs $1,211 (the average cost of a wedding is $28,427).
Make an appointment: You can walk into a bridal shop and try on wedding gowns, but you might not get the help you need (or the dressing room, mirrors or space you’d like). This is true especially on weekends. Just call ahead, schedule an appointment with a bridal consultant. It’s almost always free and you’ll get the attention that you need.
Bring some examples of dresses you like: It’s worth your time to browse dresses on Pinterest or purchase a few bridal magazines. Consultants need to get to know your style and your likes and dislikes. Don’t think that you need to find a photo of your perfect dress; just show them some elements you like (like a corset back or a sweetheart neckline).
Try on everything: At most wedding appointments, the consultant wants to you to try on three dresses and choose one. Even if you feel strongly that one of those dresses is the one for you, ask to try on a few more. For your own peace of mind, you need to exhaust your options. You want to confirm that you are making the right choice.
When you find the one, you know: I tried on a lot of beautiful dresses. Some were absolutely stunning. But, when I found the one, I knew it. It’s 100 percent true that you will know. If you found a beautiful dress that will work for your wedding and style, that’s great — but, don’t get it if you don’t feel it’s the one.
