Rhiannon Hendricks
Finding a wedding dress can be a stressful experience, especially if you're short on time. The process can be overwhelming, with so many options to choose from, and it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry, there are ways to find your dream dress quickly. First, consider the type of wedding you're having. Is it a casual city hall wedding or a glamorous ballroom event? This will help narrow down your dress options. Then, determine your bridal style by compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Look at magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, and celebrity looks for inspiration. Identify common themes among the dresses you like, such as embellishments, lace, or open backs. Next, decide whether you want to shop online or in-store. Online retailers like Grace Loves Lace provide detailed size and fit information, and some offer virtual stylists. If you prefer a physical store, you can book an appointment with a bridal shop near you, where an expert can guide you through the process. Keep in mind that your wedding dress size may be larger than your usual clothing size, so get measured by a bridal stylist. Finally, trust your gut and say yes to a dress that makes you feel beautiful and like the best version of yourself!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time spent searching | Don't spend more than 10% of your engagement searching for your dress. For a 3-month engagement, this equates to 9 days. |
| Planning timeline | Most guides recommend buying your gown 9 months before the wedding. However, if you're planning a short engagement, you can still find a dress you love in 6 months or less. |
| Budget | Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average dress in the US costing $2,000-$4,000. Consider your budget when shopping. |
| Size | Wedding dress sizes are typically two to four sizes larger than everyday clothing sizes. Get measured by a bridal stylist to determine your size. |
| Inspiration | Compile a visual file of your favorite wedding dresses from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, and celebrity looks. Identify a theme among the dresses you like, such as embellishment, lace, or an open back. |
| Online shopping | Online gown providers often offer detailed size and fit information, and some provide virtual stylists. You can also rent a dress from sites like Rent the Runway or Borrowing Magnolia. |
| In-person shopping | Visit bridal boutiques and salons to try on dresses and get expert guidance. David's Bridal offers a free appointment with a personal stylist to help you find your perfect dress. |
| Customization | Discuss your wedding details with your designer, including your color palette, theme, floral arrangements, and venue. This will help them create a bespoke gown that complements your vision. |
| Off-the-rack options | If you're in a time crunch, consider shopping off-the-rack. Many designers offer rush options and best-selling styles that are immediately available. |
| Trust your gut | If you try on a dress and love it, say yes! The longer you take to decide, the more you may overthink and second-guess yourself. |
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What You'll Learn
Get inspired by browsing Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal boutiques online
There are many ways to find inspiration for your wedding dress online. A popular way to start is by creating a Pinterest board. You can save all your favourite looks and styles to the board and then identify any themes that emerge. Are you drawn to embellished gowns, lacy numbers, or voluminous skirts? Do you prefer open backs or strapless necklines? Once you have a clearer idea of what you like, you can start to narrow down your search.
Instagram is another great source of wedding dress inspiration. There are numerous bridal boutiques and designers showcasing their collections on Instagram, many of which cater to a range of styles, sizes, and budgets. David's Bridal, for example, is the largest bridal store in the United States and has an extensive selection of dresses on its Instagram feed. For vintage/boho/earthy wedding dress inspiration, check out Hues of Vintage. For Parisian elegance, Sam Wall's wedding dresses are a must-see. Her collection, Samuelle Couture, features hand-cut, embroidered, and sewn gowns that showcase her impeccable eye for detail. If you're looking for something a little more fashion-forward and edgy, designer Katharine Polk's Instagram account, Houghton, is a great source of unique bridal looks.
You can also find inspiration from real brides on Instagram. Accounts like Weddings on Point curate wedding inspiration from all over Instagram, including hair, makeup, décor, and wedding dresses. Similarly, THE Dress Tribe features a range of bridal styles, from casual to fancy, and even includes vintage dresses. If you're looking for a plus-size wedding dress, Luxe Bridal is a plus-size bridal boutique based in Eagan, Minnesota, with a fun, diverse, and joyful aesthetic.
Pinterest and Instagram are excellent tools for discovering wedding dress inspiration and narrowing down your style preferences. With so many options to explore, you're sure to find looks that capture your imagination and help guide your search for the perfect wedding dress.
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Identify your bridal style and the overarching theme
Identifying your bridal style and the overarching theme is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. It ensures that your wedding day is a unique celebration of your personality, taste, and love story. Here are some tips to help you define your bridal style and theme:
Compile a Visual File of Wedding Dress Inspiration:
Start by creating a visual file of wedding dresses that catch your eye. This can be done by tearing pages out of magazines, saving Instagram posts, or creating a Pinterest board. Include celebrity looks and online bridal boutique dresses that you love. This will help you identify any recurring elements or themes in the dresses you're drawn to. Are they embellished, lacy, or voluminous? Do they feature open backs or strapless necklines?
Reflect Your Personality and Taste:
Your bridal style should be an expression of your personality and taste. Consider what makes you unique and how you can incorporate your favourite fashion choices into your wedding day look. Ask yourself what type of silhouette or neckline would make you feel confident and comfortable. Do you prefer sleek, silky fabrics or textured lace? Are there specific colours or themes that resonate with you?
Choose a Theme That Suits Your Vision:
The theme you choose will help guide your bridal style and overall wedding aesthetic. Consider a romantic theme with soft hues, delicate lighting, and blooms for a fairy tale-inspired celebration. If you're a nature lover, a boho or garden party theme with floral pastel decorations might be perfect. For a playful and colourful vibe, a whimsical theme with quirky elements could be ideal.
Venue and Season:
The venue and season of your wedding can also influence your bridal style and theme. For example, if you're getting married in a regal château, a glamorous theme with crystal chandeliers and gold details might be a stunning choice. On the other hand, a beach or forest venue might inspire a more rustic or boho theme. Consider the atmosphere and energy you want to create, and choose a theme that aligns with it.
Prioritize Comfort:
While style is important, comfort is key. Choose a silhouette that not only looks stunning but also allows you to move and celebrate with ease. Consider the venue and activities planned for your wedding day, and select a dress style that will make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the festivities.
Remember, your bridal style and theme should ultimately reflect your authentic self and the vision you have for your special day. Enjoy the process of exploration and inspiration as you narrow down your unique bridal style!
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Understand your wedding dress size and get measured by a bridal stylist
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unsure about your wedding dress size. Understanding your wedding dress size and getting measured by a bridal stylist can help you find a wedding dress fast.
Bridal sizing often runs two to four sizes larger than regular clothing sizes. This is because wedding dresses are made with the assumption that they will be altered to fit the wearer perfectly. Therefore, your wedding dress size may differ from designer to designer, and it is important to refer to a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart. The most accurate way to determine your wedding dress size is to take your measurements and then compare them to the designer's size chart.
Your bridal stylist will take three key measurements: your bust, waist, and hips. The waist is measured above the belly button, at the area that forms a crease when you bend to one side. The hip measurement is taken at the widest point of your hips and bottom. Based on these three measurements, your bridal stylist will refer to the designer's size chart to determine the best size for you.
It is important to note that you should not order a dress size smaller than your body measurements, even if you plan to lose weight before your wedding. It is much easier to take in a dress than to try to expand it, as there is only so much extra fabric in the seams to work with.
By understanding your wedding dress size and working with a bridal stylist, you can streamline the process of finding your dream wedding dress and ensure that it will fit you perfectly on your big day.
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Explore online gown providers, sample sales, and rental options
If you're short on time, there are several options for finding a wedding dress quickly. One option is to explore online gown providers. Many websites offer a wide range of designer wedding dresses that cater to different styles, themes, and budgets. For example, websites like Avery Austin offer unique, salon-quality styles without the typical price tag, and allow you to try on several dresses for a small fee. This can be a convenient way to find a dress from the comfort of your own home.
Another option is to consider renting a wedding dress. Websites such as The Dress Outlet offer a range of luxurious wedding dresses for rental, with various lengths, designs, and styles to choose from. Renting a dress can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option, and it eliminates the need for alterations or storage after the wedding.
Additionally, you may want to look into sample sales, where you can purchase gowns that have been used for try-on in stores. These dresses are usually discounted and sold as-is, requiring minor repairs or cleaning. Sample gowns are typically only available in select sizes, and sales are often final without the option for returns or exchanges. However, this can be a great way to find a unique dress at a lower price.
When exploring these options, it's important to keep in mind that the wedding dress size may be larger than your usual clothing size, as these garments are made with the assumption that alterations will be made. It's recommended to get measured by a bridal stylist to ensure an accurate fit. With these options, you can find a wedding dress that suits your style, budget, and timeline, even if you're working with a tight schedule.
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Trust your gut and keep it fun
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, with so many options available. It's easy to get distracted and caught up in the pressure. But it's important to remember that it should ultimately be about what makes you happy and what feels right. Trust your gut instinct—it rarely steers you wrong. If a dress feels right, and you know in your heart that it's the one, go with it.
To help guide your search, it's a good idea to compile a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you love. Identify an overarching theme—are the gowns you've chosen embellished, lacy, or voluminous? Do they have open backs or strapless necklines? This will help you determine your bridal style.
It's also important to keep an open mind and trust your bridal consultant. They are experts in their field and can suggest options that capture your personal style, complement your body type, and are within your budget. If you're feeling unsure, don't be afraid to seek unbiased feedback from trusted friends or family members. Send them a photo of you in the dress and ask for their honest opinion.
To make the process more enjoyable, consider inviting your bridal party, mother, sister, or best friend to your appointment. They can offer support and make the experience more fun and relaxed. It's also helpful to remember that it's okay to take your time. There are thousands of bridal designs available, so don't feel pressured to make a hasty decision. Enjoy the journey of finding the perfect dress that makes your heart sing!
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Frequently asked questions
To determine your bridal style, compile a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you love. Then, identify an overarching theme. Do you prefer embellished, lacy, or voluminous gowns? Do they have open backs or strapless necklines? You can also take a wedding dress quiz for style recommendations.
If you're on a short timeline, most designers offer rush options and best-selling styles that are immediately available. You can also shop off-the-rack or online. Websites like ASOS offer pay-later options, allowing you to try on multiple dresses at home before deciding.
Wedding dresses are often two to four sizes larger than everyday clothing because they are made with the assumption that they'll be altered. Get measured by a bridal stylist to figure out your size.
