Wedding Tip of the Week: Dress Shopping

Today’s tips come from a fantastic article on AisleDash.  While their list includes 17 items, I’ve narrowed it down to 10, and thrown in a bit of my own thoughts along the way…

1. Keep your wedding location (and date) in mind. Your wedding venue will help determine both the style and the formality of your wedding dress, so it’s important to know where and when you are getting married before you make an appointment. For example, if you’re getting married in a garden, you may want a shorter train to avoid grass stains, or if your wedding will be on the beach, choose a fabric that will keep you cool, such as cotton.
** Also keep in mind what accessories you’ll be using – shawls, furs, gloves.

2. Stick to your budget. Determine how much you want (and can afford) to spend on your wedding dress and be realistic. You don’t want to fall head over heels for a dress that is not an option. Remember that in addition to the cost of your wedding dress, you will need to pay for alterations, headpieces, shoes and jewelry.

3. Keep an open mind. Wedding dresses look very different on a hanger than they do on a body, so don’t be afraid to try on something that at first glance you don’t think will work for you.
** And do not be sad if the dress or style you had your heart set on does not look as good on you as you imagined – don’t worry, just like finding the right guy, the “right” dress is out there for you.

4. Remember to wear nude undergarments. Seamless and nude-colored undergarments will lie flat and undetectable under your dress, and will prevent visible panty lines under figure-hugging gowns.

5. Dress for your body type. Try on wedding dresses in silhouettes and fabrics that will flatter your figure. Consider the rear view: You’ll be spending a lot of time with your back to your guests, so make sure the dress you choose flatters you from every angle.

6. Start shopping nine months in advance. Begin wedding dress shopping at least six to nine months before your wedding day. Designers may need several months to make your gown, and if they don’t have enough lead time, you will incur rush charges. Once your dress is delivered to the salon, you will need enough time for several fittings (over the course of six to eight weeks) with a seamstress who will make sure you get the perfect fit.

7. Wedding dress sizes run small. Don’t be alarmed when, after your measurements are taken, the actual gown ordered is two sizes bigger than your normal clothing size. Wedding dresses are designed on a different measurement chart.
** So TRUE – do not even look at the label, buy what fits and do NOT, under any circumstance, let that size tag dictate how you feel in that beautiful gown.

8. Buy or order a dress that fits you now. Whether you are planning on losing 5, 10 or 15 pounds before your wedding day, it’s important that you purchase or order a wedding dress that fits your current size. It’s much easier for a seamstress to take in a dress than to let one out.
**MUCH easier: A seamstress may be able to take in a dress up to three sizes but does not have the magical ability to increase the dress size.

9. Bring a buddy. Ask your mom, sister and/or best friend to go shopping with you. You may want their opinions, but remember that their personal styles may be different from yours, and if so, take their advice with a grain of salt.
**Note – you 100 percent want to do this.  Searching for a wedding dress is an all-around emotional experience.  Make sure you bring a supportive (but preferably not overbearing) friend or family member, and don’t bring too many people too.  It can be tough to listen to too many voices at once.

10. Buy the dress you love. Not the one your mom, best friend and sales consultant love. You’ll feel when it’s right. Just like the guy, you’ll know. Stay true to your personal style: This is your wedding and you should feel comfortable and look like yourself. If your style is simple, this is not the time to wear an overly beaded dress. You want to look back at your pictures and love what you wore.

Most of all, remember that putting on your wedding dress is NOT about transforming you into someone else/making you look like someone else.  It is about making you look like the best and most beautiful YOU for this important day (and guess what, this will happen no matter what you wear because love is the prettiest look around!). Most of all, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again – but do not burn yourself out.  It is easy to go into dress overload, so take your time and start your dress search early and most of all enjoy it!

Searching for your dress locally? Be sure to check out Bridal Trousseau in Branford and The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton.

Are you planning your wedding? Newly married or engaged?  Share your news in the Announcements!