Shopping to buy a wedding dress is one of the most exciting events that will happen in the build up to your big day. Try keeping these tips in mind to make sure you find the dress of your dreams.
Do your Research
This will probably be the most important shopping trip of your life! There’s a few things to take into consideration when looking for your perfect wedding dress. Research needs to be done in advance, just to give yourself an idea of what’s on offer. By the time you go shopping for your dress, you will already have a good idea of what you are looking for. You can get lots of inspiration from wedding magazines and sites like Pinterest.
Shop Early
Don’t leave wedding dress shopping until the last minute, especially if you’re getting a custom-made dress. Most brides start hunting for their dream dress about 6 to 8 months before the big day. You will be lucky if you find your perfect gown on your first visit to a bridal boutique. It is always best to leave a few months to shop. This will give you time to try on different styles and designs, giving you the opportunity to think on what you want without feeling under pressure. It is likely that your dress will need alterations to make sure it fits you perfectly, another reason why you need to be organised and start shopping early.
Stick to your Budget
Wedding dresses are expensive. Depending on what you want, it can cost from £1,500 to £5,000 and upwards. Be honest about what you can afford and stick to it! It is easy to get carried away looking at bridal magazines advertising beautiful designer dresses. Remember there may be similar designs out there, for a fraction of the designer price. There are always sales in bridal shops, so you could also consider a vintage or second-hand dress. Ring around a few local bridal boutiques, tell them your budget and set an appointment. They will help you find something similar within your price range.
Bring your Nearest and Dearest
It is best to bring along only 1 or 2 close friends or relatives for wedding dress shopping, as any more than this can be a hindrance. It may seem like a good idea to invite more to come along with you, but too many opinions can make things confusing. It can also be a little overwhelming when there are too many people, so keep your group small.
Wear the Right Underwear
To make sure you have a great silhouette, wearing the right underwear when shopping for you dress is very important.
Carrie at Caroline Clark Bridal Boutique explains:
“We suggest wearing underwear as close to the underwear you are planning to wear on your wedding day, as this will impact on how the dress sits. Think neutral, and if you wish, shape supporting, A strapless bra is always worth bringing to any appointments to provide support or modesty if needed.”
