For most women, they have spent a lot of time over the years thinking about their wedding dress, maybe even since they were a child! Whether wedding dress shopping is something you’ve looked forward to from a young age or if you are just looking forward to having a look and trying on a few designs, you’ll want to make sure you’re 100% happy with it!
The entire process of planning a wedding can be stressful enough without adding addition stress on top of that in relation to the dress, so here is a quick guide to minimise stress and maximise the enjoyment!
Make Sure You Allow Plenty Of Time
Wedding dress shopping is probably the most exciting part of the entire planning process. Be sure to allow yourself enough time for the gown to be made and altered as necessary, don’t make the mistake of leaving it too late. Ideally, the wedding dress should be chosen at least 6-9 months before the wedding. Is this longer than you thought? Well keep in mind the dress needs to be made, shipped, and altered to fit your body correctly as well as a little extra time to avoid added stress if something does not go exactly to plan or to the time line.
With this being said, don’t choose a dress you’re not 100% happy with to ensure you stick to your desired or recommended timeline. If you have your eye on a design but want to have a think or try on other designs, that’s fine! Just be sure to check with the retail assistant how far in advance that particular dress needs to be ordered in advance.
Go In Open Minded
Most brides will have a pretty good idea about styles they like and have a vision of the kind of dress they see themselves wearing on their special day – this is a great starting point! By being open minded and willing to try on other designs it will make the entire experience more exciting.
If you have a strapless in mind but see a beautiful gown with sleeves, don’t be afraid to try it on! Who knows, maybe your dream dress is a dress you’ve never dreamt of at all.
Ask For Help
The retail assistances in boutiques are there to help you! They aren’t just there to help you with sizing but they can also assist you with picking out styles to try on, as well as which styles and designs will fit your body type perfectly. Don’t be afraid to use their professional experience and wealthy of knowledge to your advantage, get in there and ask questions, ask for their advice and ask for their guidance.
Keep The Group Small
Did you picture yourself heading into a bridal boutique with your mum, sisters, mother in-law, sister in-law and bridal squad? This may seem like a good idea initially but having too many people around while you’re trying on dresses and trying to make decisions can cause frustration, confusion and unnecessary stress! Don’t focus on other people’s styles and visions of you as a bride, of course take ideas and opinions into account but this is YOUR DAY and YOUR DRESS.
How to avoid this? Might we suggest bringing two or three people whose opinions you truly value. This will ensure you still feel supported and have fun, just without the unnecessary stress.
