Trying on wedding dresses is supposed to be one of the easiest and most fun parts about planning a wedding. However, after multiple appointments trying on gowns and never finding “the one”, it can become a frustrating process. Here are some tips to make your first wedding dress try on appointment a success.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Pinterest and Instagram can be a great tool when it comes to finding wedding dress inspiration. Get a general idea of your likes and dislikes, and come prepared with images that you can show your bridal consultant when you arrive. Check out our blog posts and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for wedding inspiration and to check out the latest styles from the designers we carry.
KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Decide on a budget for your wedding dress that does not include alterations and accessories. Once you set a budget, do not try on dresses that are outside of that budget if you know there isn’t any wiggle room. Trying on a dress that is impossible to afford will only be torturing yourself if you happen to fall in love with it. Remember, there is a dress for every bride and for every budget.
CHOOSE YOUR CROWD WISELY
We find that it is in the best interest of the bride to have a small group of supportive individuals with them who know them well and have their best interest at heart. Often, brides can become overwhelmed by too many opinions. Limiting the number of people you bring with you can make the decision making process easier.
UNDERGARMENTS
Nude, seamless underwear will be the least distracting when you are trying on wedding dresses. Most of the dresses that we carry at Bella Bridal Gallery have bra cups and corsets built in to them, but if you know that you feel your best in a specific bra or Spanx, then bring those with you as well. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like your best self when you are trying on gowns.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Remember, we are here to help you! Be honest with us about your budget and what you like and don’t like. Even if your friends or your mother in law disagrees with your opinion, yours is the only one that truly matters, and we will always be on your side. We know our inventory well and we may be able to pull a gown for you that you wouldn’t have normally picked out. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try on a wild card. You might surprise yourself once you start trying things on.
TRUNK SHOW SHOPPING!
Trunk shows are opportunities to view, try on, and purchase the newest wedding dresses from designer’s latest collections. There is often exclusive, promotional pricing given for trunk show dresses, and sometimes the designer or a representative for the company will come during the trunk shows to answer any questions you might have, and help you find your perfect gown.
WHEN YOU FIND A DRESS YOU LOVE, STOP LOOKING
Wedding dress shopping is supposed to be fun, and most importantly, easy. A professional bridal consultant will know how to help you find your dream wedding dress. Don’t feel like you need to go on a long, stressful hunt for the best dress. Most brides find their wedding dress the first time they go shopping. If you suffer from a fear of missing out, or you find yourself wondering if there is something better out there, know that your search could go on forever. There are many beautiful gowns. The most important thing is that you find one that you LOVE and that you want to get married in. Once that happens, say YES and stop looking.
DON’T TRUST CELL PHONE PICTURES
After you say yes to your dress, it can be tempting to go overboard taking pictures of yourself in the sample gown for you to look back on later. A professional photographer and camera will be able to capture the details of your gown in a way that a cell phone won’t be able to. Bad lighting, weird angles, and red clips will not do your wedding dress any justice. Don’t second guess your dress due to an unflattering cell phone picture.
HAVE FUN!
Wedding dress shopping should be fun! Enjoy the experience of finding your dream dress, and don’t make it a long, arduous process. Cherish the memories you make during this time. Once you find your dream dress, it's only going to continue to get better once it is the proper size, color, and altered to fit your perfectly.
