HOW TO MAKE WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING A BREEZE
After all the years spent watching brides find the gown of their dreams on “Yes to the Dress”, now it’s your turn! So, where do you start? Before you hit every bridal store within a fifty-mile radius of you, we have some suggestions that can help make the process easier on both you and your wallet.
Social Media Scavenger Hunt: Pin away! Glance at all of the options you have to choose from before heading into to your first shop. Do you like more of a classic look? How about sleeves or no sleeves? Is there such a thing as too much glitter? By looking through different websites and social media platforms, you can have a better understanding of both what is out there and what your taste best aligns with.
Budget Before Browsing: Once you have a style, cut, or simply a general idea of what you are looking for, nail down a budget that is realistic, and you can stick to. It becomes infinitely more difficult to create a budget when you try on any dress, including ones that will fall outside of your range. Make it easier on you and your stylist to narrow down your options. This will also help you in your search for stores as you can find ones that have options that mirror your ideal price point.
The Earlier, The Better: Giving yourself enough time to not rush into choosing a dress is key not only for you, but for those who will be altering and making your dress. It can take quite a long time to have a dress made, tailored, and fit perfectly to you prior to the big day. It also allows for multiple fittings to ensure your dress is neither too tight or too loose. You only get one day in it (and it’s a long one!) therefore it is crucial to have it fit you like a glove.
Make Appointments: Once you’ve narrowed down your stores, call and make appointments. This way, you’re sure to have the undivided attention of a stylist, and you can invite the selected few, if you so wish, to accompany you to the appointments. Having a set time allows for you to give the shop an idea of what you’re looking for ahead of time so it’s less stress day of. It also gives your shopping partners to free up their schedule or reserve time.
Your Bride Tribe: As mentioned above, this is a completely optional step. If you do better solo or with just one other close confidant, keep it small and private. However, if you do prefer to have multiple opinions, think carefully about whom you invite. You want to be surrounded by people who are both uplifting and honest. Curate a mix that will make the process easier on you rather than a challenge as this is all about you and what you are looking for!
Bring the Necessities: Come prepared with the proper items including proper under garment for different styles, proper shoes, and hair accessories. With different styles comes different required pieces such as strapless bras or higher heels. Keeping these small details in mind can make trying on the dresses not only easier but more realistic to what it would actually look like.
Be Open! While going in with ideas is a great start, don’t be afraid to try something on that is outside your comfort zone. If it catches your eye, it’s worth a try. You never know until you have it one. On the flipside, some of the dresses you might have loved on Pinterest you might not love once you try them on. Overall, an open mind makes for an easier time!
Trust your gut: At the end of the day, this is YOUR day. So, if you know it’s the one as soon as you put it on, don’t doubt yourself. Trust your instincts and go with the one that you can imagine yourself walking down the aisle in and that makes you feel as beautiful as you are! While the opinions of others can be helpful, be confident in yourself to make the final choice!
Now that you have you have some tricks up your sleeve, happy hunting! Once you find the right fit (besides your fiancé), Savvy will be right behind you, ready to fluff your train.