Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting but daunting experience, and it can be hard to know where to start. It's important to consider your timeline, budget, and the people you bring with you. It's a good idea to do some research online and create a mood board to get a sense of the style you're after. When it comes to the appointment, wear something simple and bring hair ties, a variety of underwear, and pictures of dresses you like.
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What You'll Learn
Keep it simple
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. To make the process as enjoyable and productive as possible, it's important to carefully consider what to wear. The key is to keep it simple, comfortable, and practical. Opt for a simple, loose-fitting dress or a button-up shirt that is easy to take on and off. This will ensure that you can quickly slip in and out of gowns without messing up your hair or makeup. Avoid excessive jewellery or accessories that could snag on delicate fabrics or interfere with the silhouette of the dresses.
When it comes to underwear, opt for nude or skin-toned seamless styles that will be invisible under most wedding dresses. Avoid bold colours, patterns, or colourful underwear that might show through lighter or sheer fabrics and distract from the dress itself. While some wedding dresses include built-in support, making a bra unnecessary, it's a good idea to bring a few bra options, such as a comfortable nude T-shirt bra or a strapless bra, depending on the style of dress you plan to try on. You may also want to bring shapewear to see how certain dresses look with and without it.
For shoes, bring a pair of heels similar in height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day to get a realistic idea of how each gown's length will look and feel. However, don't forget to also pack a pair of comfortable flats, as you'll likely be standing and walking for a significant portion of the appointment. To make trying on dresses easier, go barefoot or wear socks to protect your feet and give you a little extra lift.
Lastly, consider your hair and makeup. You may want to emulate the hairstyle you plan to wear on your wedding day or schedule a hair or makeup trial on the same day as your appointment to enhance the dress shopping experience. A little bit of makeup can boost your confidence, but it's important to strike a balance and avoid excessive makeup that could stain the dresses. Bring hair ties to keep your hair out of the way when changing, and leave any chunky jewellery at home, opting for simple earrings or small hoops instead.
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Wear a loose dress
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it is important to keep things simple. Wearing a loose dress is a great option as it is easy to take on and off, making the appointment simpler. It is also a good idea to wear something that allows you to try on different styles of wedding dresses. For example, Samantha Grindell from Business Insider wore a dress that allowed her to wear a T-shirt bra and also packed an additional strapless bra, bike shorts, no-show underwear, and shapewear. This allowed her to envision herself on her wedding day without any panty lines or colourful underwear peeking through. She also wanted to see how the wedding dresses would look with and without shapewear.
It is also important to bring a variety of undergarments, hair ties, and inspiration pictures to your appointment. You may also want to bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, or a pair of shoes with a similar heel height, so you can see how the dresses look with a little extra height. If you plan to wear heels, hair ties will also come in handy as they will help your consultant get you in and out of dresses quickly, especially those with intricate backs or strap detailing.
It is recommended to treat your appointment like a trial run, so arrive in the hairstyle and makeup look that you intend to wear on your wedding day. This will allow you to see the full effect of each dress that you try on. Additionally, if you have a specific venue in mind, bring photos of the ceremony and reception site to the appointment so your consultant can pick styles that are suitable for the location.
Lastly, remember that most gowns can be altered, so it is better to order a larger size than to be stuck with a zipper that won't close. However, shopping true to size is always the best option.
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Bring hair ties
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it's important to be prepared. One of the key items to bring with you is hair ties. Here's why this small item can make a big difference:
Firstly, hair ties allow you to easily tie up your hair and try on different hairstyles that you might want to pair with your dress. If you plan on wearing your hair up on your wedding day, it's beneficial to try on dresses with your hair in a similar style. This will help you envision the complete look and ensure that your hairstyle complements the dress. It's a good idea to emulate the hairstyle you're considering for the big day, as this creates a more comprehensive vision. You can even schedule a hair trial on the same day as your dress appointment to truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Secondly, hair ties come in handy when trying on gowns. During wedding dress shopping, you'll be donning various dresses, and having your hair up can make this process smoother and quicker. It's easier to slip in and out of gowns when your hair is neatly tied back. It also prevents your hair from getting tangled or caught in zippers and delicate fabrics. This simple step can enhance your overall experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient.
Additionally, having hair ties allows you to focus on the details of each dress. With your hair neatly secured, you can better visualise how the dress flatters your face and neckline. It becomes easier to imagine yourself walking down the aisle with elegance and grace. The right hairstyle, even if it's a simple updo, can accentuate the intricate back details, elegant necklines, or statement earrings that pair beautifully with your gown.
Furthermore, hair ties contribute to a more organised and stress-free shopping experience. Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, so having practical items like hair ties ensures that you feel prepared and ready for the appointment. It's one less thing to worry about, and it helps you focus on the excitement of finding your dream dress. It's all about creating a seamless and enjoyable process, where you can comfortably try on different styles and make informed decisions.
Lastly, hair ties can be a part of your wedding dress shopping survival kit. Along with extra undergarments, shapewear, and inspiration pictures, hair ties are essential. They ensure that you feel confident and comfortable throughout the appointment. It's the little things that can make a significant difference in your overall experience, and hair ties are definitely one of those small yet impactful considerations. So, as you prepare for this exciting journey, remember to pack those hair ties and embrace the magic of finding your perfect wedding dress.
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Pack extra underwear
Packing extra underwear is an important part of preparing for wedding dress shopping. While it may seem unnecessary, bringing a few pairs of underwear that match your skin tone can be extremely helpful. This is because certain types of underwear, such as neon-coloured thongs, can be visible through the fabric of a wedding dress, which can be distracting and take away from the overall appearance of the gown. By packing extra underwear, you can ensure that you have the right type of underwear for each dress you try on, avoiding any unwanted distractions.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the level of support and comfort you desire. Some brides may prefer to go commando on their wedding day, but for hygiene reasons, most bridal boutiques require brides to wear underwear when trying on gowns. In such cases, no-show underwear that matches your skin tone is a good option to avoid visible panty lines. If you feel you need extra support, consider packing shapewear or a longline bra.
Furthermore, the type of underwear you choose can impact your overall comfort during the fitting. It is important to select underwear that does not ride up, bunch, or produce visible lines. Uncomfortable underwear can interfere with the gown's structure and cause you to spend more time adjusting your underwear than focusing on the dress. By packing extra underwear, you can ensure you have a backup option if the first pair does not provide the desired level of comfort or support.
Lastly, it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to wedding dress shopping. You may want to try on a variety of dress styles, and having extra underwear options allows you to be prepared for any dress silhouette or fabric. For example, if you try on a dress with cutouts or sheer portions, underwear that matches your skin tone can help you envision the final look on your wedding day.
In conclusion, packing extra underwear is a simple yet crucial step in preparing for wedding dress shopping. It ensures that you have the right type of underwear for each dress, maintains your comfort and confidence during the fitting, and allows you to focus on finding your dream wedding dress without any unwanted distractions.
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Choose your company wisely
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, and it can be difficult to know where to start. It's important to choose your company wisely when going wedding dress shopping, as they can significantly impact how the appointment goes. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
Firstly, it's essential to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Wedding dress shopping can be an emotional rollercoaster, and you'll want to have people by your side who will lift you up and provide honest and constructive opinions. Choose individuals who understand your style, vision, and personality. Their input can help guide you towards finding a dress that reflects the elevated version of yourself that you want to present on your special day.
Secondly, consider the number of people you bring. While you may want to include several friends and family members, it's important to strike a balance. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and may cloud your judgment. One suggestion is to involve your loved ones in other aspects of the process, such as accessories appointments or final fittings, so that everyone feels included without overwhelming you during the initial dress selection.
Additionally, be mindful of the dynamics between the people you invite. Wedding dress shopping is meant to be a fun and exciting experience, so avoid bringing individuals who may create tension or stress. Choose companions who get along and respect each other's opinions, creating a harmonious environment that allows you to make clear-headed decisions.
Lastly, be selective about who accompanies you to the appointment. While it may be tempting to bring your entire bridal party, consider their individual personalities and how they might influence the dynamic. For example, if one of your bridesmaids tends to be overly critical or has very different taste from yours, they might unintentionally dampen your experience or steer you in a direction that doesn't align with your vision.
Remember, wedding dress shopping is about finding a dress that makes you feel gorgeous and excited. Choose your company wisely to ensure that their presence enhances your experience rather than complicates it. By surrounding yourself with the right people, you'll be well on your way to a memorable and enjoyable wedding dress shopping journey.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to keep it simple when it comes to your shopping outfit. Wear something you can easily slip on and off, like a loose dress. You might also want to wear a T-shirt bra and pack extra undergarments in a range of styles and colours, so you can see how they look with different dresses.
It's a good idea to get some inspiration before you go shopping. Look online on Pinterest, Instagram, or in magazines, and save images of dresses you like. You can also browse the websites of boutiques and designers to see if they stock anything similar. When you go for your appointment, bring your saved images to show the consultant.
Boutiques can get very busy, especially at weekends, in the evenings, or in January, so book your appointment well in advance. You should also consider how long you have until your wedding. You'll need a few weeks for alterations, so the gown will need to be finished at least two months before your wedding date.
Wedding dress shopping can be an emotional experience, so bring people you trust. It's important to be careful about who you bring, as they can have a big impact on how the appointment goes. If you want to involve several friends or family members, consider bringing different people to accessories appointments or final fittings to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
