Deborah Chan
There are many considerations to make when it comes to choosing a wedding dress. While some brides prefer to wear one dress for the entire day, others opt for a more comfortable option for the reception, especially if the ceremony dress has a long train. The average cost of a wedding dress is $2,000, but prices vary depending on the designer and style. It is recommended to start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before the wedding date, as it takes around four to six months to make a wedding dress. It is also important to budget for alterations, which can range in price. To find the perfect dress, it is suggested to compile a visual file of favourite wedding dresses and identify common themes. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a dress that expresses your personality and makes you feel confident and authentic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start shopping for a wedding dress | 9 months to a year before the wedding date |
| Average time taken to find a wedding dress | 10 months |
| Average time taken to make a wedding dress | 4-6 months |
| Average number of fittings | 3 |
| Average number of dresses tried on before selection | 7 |
| Average cost of a wedding dress | $2,000 |
| Percentage of the overall budget spent on attire | 7% |
| Tips for choosing a wedding dress | Do research, be open-minded, choose a dress that expresses your personality, consider the venue and theme, set a budget, be mindful of the consultant's time |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for a wedding dress
First, determine how much you're willing to spend on your wedding dress. This should be a clear, set budget that you establish before you start shopping. The dress typically accounts for about 6%-10% of the overall wedding budget. If you have a maximum price point in mind, you can adjust your spending on other items like floral arrangements, food, music, or the venue to allocate more funds to your dress.
Next, consider the various costs that go into a wedding dress beyond the price tag. Alterations are a crucial aspect to ensure the perfect fit, and they can cost between $100 and $300, or even up to $500-$1,000 for major changes. To save on alterations, consider finding a brand that offers custom or made-to-measure sizing. Additionally, accessories like veils, shoes, and jewelry can add another $200 to $500 to your total. If you want to splurge on your dress, consider opting for less expensive accessories or forgoing certain items.
To find your dream dress within your budget, start your search early, ideally between nine months to a year before your wedding date. Compile a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses to determine your bridal style, but keep an open mind as you may end up falling for a completely different style. When trying on dresses, avoid those that are over budget to prevent any heartache. Off-the-rack options can offer stunning designs at a fraction of the price and eliminate the waiting period for made-to-order dresses.
Lastly, there are several ways to save money on your wedding dress. Sample sales and trunk shows can offer significant discounts, and you can also browse affordable wedding dresses online. If you love a particular designer, consider attending their trunk show or sample sale to purchase your dream dress for less. By employing these budgeting strategies, you can find a wedding dress that fits both your vision and your financial plan.
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Researching fashion trends
When it comes to researching fashion trends for your wedding dress, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, start by compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. This can include tearing pages out of magazines, saving Instagram posts, creating a Pinterest board, browsing online bridal boutiques, and noting celebrity looks you love. From there, try to identify common themes among the dresses you've chosen. Do they feature open backs, embellishments, lace, or voluminous silhouettes? This will help you narrow down your style preferences and bring you one step closer to finding your dream dress.
It's also important to consider your wedding venue and theme when researching fashion trends for your wedding dress. You don't want your dress to clash with your overall wedding aesthetic. For example, if you're having a garden-themed wedding, you might opt for a flowy, bohemian-style dress. If your wedding is more formal, you might choose a classic, elegant gown. Additionally, consider the time of year and the weather. You'll want a dress that will keep you comfortable and looking your best throughout the day.
Another aspect to consider is your budget. Wedding dresses can range widely in price, and you don't want to fall in love with a dress that's outside your financial comfort zone. Be sure to factor in not just the cost of the gown but also any alterations, accessories, and add-ons that will complete your look. It's also worth noting that some boutiques offer discounts during trunk shows, and sample sales can be a great way to score a designer gown at a fraction of the original price.
Lastly, don't be afraid to step into a bridal salon and try on different dresses. Hangers can be deceiving, and you won't truly know how a dress looks until you try it on. Be open-minded during this process, as you may fall in love with a style you never considered before. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and authentically you.
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Booking appointments
Before your first appointment, it is a good idea to do some research and prepare. This includes deciding on a budget, compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses, and identifying common themes and styles that you like. It is also helpful to research bridal salons, including their designer selection, price point, and sample sizes.
When booking appointments, it is recommended to limit your crew to two or three close friends or family members whose opinions you value. This will help you feel less pressured by too many opinions. It is also important to show up on time for your appointment, as the consultant may have other appointments booked before and after yours.
If you are on a budget, there are a few tips to keep in mind. You can visit a trunk show to get a discount, or look for sample sales at bridal salons, where you can find designer gowns at a lower price. It is also a good idea to finalize your wedding dress budget before booking appointments, so you can choose boutiques that fit your price range.
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Allowing time for alterations
Wedding dress shopping can be a wonderful, stress-free experience with a little upfront research and preparation. One of the most important aspects of this research is allowing time for alterations.
Firstly, it is recommended that you start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This allows for a good amount of relaxation for the shopping experience. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it's important to head to a bridal salon sooner rather than later to get the process started. At the three-month mark, your dress should be finished and at the salon. Ideally, you should have your first fitting scheduled at least six to eight weeks before your wedding. This gives you time to work with your seamstress to make any minor tweaks, such as changing the neckline or trim of the train. You'll also need to account for anywhere from one to three alterations sessions before the wedding day to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
If you're having a short engagement, there are still options for finding a wedding dress with enough time for alterations. Many local wedding dress shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns, ready-to-wear elopement looks, and wedding dress rentals are also good options for quick purchases. If you need alterations in a time crunch, it's still possible, but there may be additional rush fees involved.
To save time, you can also shop online for wedding dresses. This allows you to cut down on time spent visiting salons. However, if you can't try the gowns on in person, make sure you check the return policy to ensure you're entitled to a full refund if it doesn't look right.
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Choosing the right silhouette
First, it's important to understand what a wedding dress silhouette is. In the world of fashion, a silhouette refers to the outline of a garment. This could be loose and flowing, like a sheath dress, or fitted and flaring, like a ballgown.
Different silhouettes suit different body types. For example, a sheath silhouette is excellent for tall, slim brides, while a ballgown silhouette is perfect for brides who want to accentuate their waistline and minimise their hips and lower tummy area. If you have an hourglass or rectangle shape, consider a sheath silhouette with a sash or belt to highlight your waist. Fit and flare gowns are another option, hugging your body in all the right places and creating the perfect curves, while also accentuating your smaller areas. For those who want a more modern look, a slip dress is a great choice, with its minimalist and chic aesthetic.
However, it's important to keep in mind that comfort and how the gown makes you feel are the most important factors when choosing a silhouette. Bridal designer Krésha Bajaj recommends prioritising these aspects when making your decision. So, while it's helpful to consider which silhouettes suit your body type, ultimately you should choose the gown that makes you feel confident and happy.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for a wedding dress between eight and ten months before your wedding date. This will give you ample time to browse, decide, and make any necessary alterations.
It is important to find a gown that expresses who you are as a bride. You can browse Pinterest or 'real weddings' on bridal directories for inspiration, but ultimately, you should choose a dress that reflects your personality and venue. It is also crucial to dress for your body type and feel confident and comfortable in your choice.
No, it is perfectly acceptable to buy your wedding dress online. However, if you choose to do so, be sure to check the return policy to ensure you can get a refund if the dress doesn't meet your expectations.
There is no requirement to have two wedding dresses. Some brides opt for a second dress for the reception if their ceremony dress is constricting or difficult to move around in, especially if they want to dance. Ultimately, it is a personal preference, and you can choose to wear one dress for the entire day if you wish.
