George Boyle
Shopping for a wedding dress can be a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. The pressure to find the perfect look is heightened by the fact that a wedding dress is likely to be the most expensive garment you will ever buy. To make the process easier, it is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress as soon as you have chosen your venue, and ideally about 12 months before your wedding day. This gives you time to find your dream dress, and then another nine months for alterations and customisations. It's a good idea to do some research before you start trying on dresses, to get a sense of the styles you like, and to be mindful that you may need to be flexible with your choices. It's also important to set a budget and stick to it, bearing in mind that you will need to factor in the cost of accessories and alterations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to buy | 12 months before the wedding or shortly after the wedding date and venue are finalized |
| Number of stores visited | 2 |
| Number of dresses tried on | 7 |
| Preparation | Eat a light meal, drink water, and get enough rest |
| Budget | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Online stores | Lulus, ASOS, Reformation, Meshki, David's Bridal |
| In-person stores | Kleinfeld Bridal, David's Bridal |
| Determining style | Compile a visual file of favorite wedding dresses, identify a theme, keep an open mind |
| Appointment guests | 2-3 people |
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What You'll Learn
Dress code: Black-tie, semi-formal, casual, festive, and white-tie
Black-tie
The black-tie dress code is reserved for formal evening events. Women typically wear floor-length gowns, fancy cocktail dresses, or dressy pantsuits, while men wear tuxedos or formal suits. All colors except for white or anything close to white are appropriate for women, and black is the safest color choice for men.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal attire is typically worn at evening events, where darker, more formal colors are preferred. For daytime affairs, light hues and airy fabrics are more common. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits, while men wear dress shirts and slacks, with the option to wear a tie.
Casual
Casual wedding attire usually indicates that the wedding will take place outdoors or on the beach, resulting in a more laid-back atmosphere and dress code. Women often wear tropical dresses with sandals or wedges, and a sunhat if the wedding is outdoors. Men typically wear guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts, or linen shirts and pants.
Festive
Festive attire is a newer dress code that encourages guests to experiment with bold colors, textures, and statement accessories while maintaining a chic and celebratory look. Women can wear cocktail party attire featuring bright colors, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes, while men wear patterned or textured suits with bright ties or creative pocket squares.
White-tie
The white-tie dress code is the most formal wedding attire, even more formal than black-tie. Women wear floor-length evening gowns with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch, while men wear tuxedos with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal shoes.
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Location: Beach, backyard, destination, and indoor/outdoor
Beach
For a beach wedding, it's best to go for a lightweight, flowy dress. You want to avoid too much volume as flying fabrics can be hard to manage in coastal winds. Opt for breathable fabrics such as organza, tulle, chiffon, or silk. If you're a minimalist bride, a simple wedding dress with a halter neckline and soft crepe fabric is a good choice. For a more formal look, go for a princess cut with a voluminous tulle skirt and an intricate lace bodice.
Backyard
Backyard weddings tend to be more relaxed and intimate. As a guest, it's best to opt for comfortable, weather-appropriate attire that's slightly more elevated than everyday wear. Avoid long trains and heels, especially if the venue surface is grass, gravel, or wood. For summer, go for breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and chiffon. For spring, light fabrics and playful prints are a good choice. If you're the host, a floral dress, maxi dress, wrap dress, or midi dress are all suitable options.
Destination
If you're travelling to your wedding destination, you'll need to consider how to transport your dress. Some brides choose to carry it on the plane with them, while others opt for shipping it to their location. If you're flying, check with the airline as some may accommodate your dress in their closets, while others may allow you to place it on top of carry-on luggage overhead if you pay for carry-on space. Alternatively, you can fold your dress into a vacuum-sealed bag and place it in your carry-on luggage.
Indoor/Outdoor
For an indoor/outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the venue and the season. For an outdoor setting, go for a dress with a natural, elegant look. Floral patterns, pastel hues, and flutter sleeves blend beautifully with outdoor surroundings. For an indoor setting, you can opt for darker tones and dressier styles, especially if the event is in the evening.
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Season: Summer, spring, fall, and winter
Summer
Summer is one of the hottest seasons for fashion. When choosing a summer wedding guest dress, go bold with vibrant colours and prints. From neon hues to botanical patterns, nothing is off-limits. For a black-tie event, opt for a floor-length gown in a vibrant colour or print of your choice. If you're looking for a timeless summer wedding guest dress, try Reformation for classic, understated looks made from high-quality sustainable materials.
Spring
Spring is all about embracing the season with bright colours, unexpected florals, and glamorous silhouettes. For a black-tie wedding, a floral appliqué gown with an elegant black colour is a stylish option. If you're looking for something more affordable, Lulus offers stylish and affordable spring dresses, including beautiful black-tie gowns and fun floral frocks, most of which are under $100. For a timeless investment gown or a statement boho dress, check out Anthropologie Weddings.
Fall
For a fall wedding, jewel tones, midi, or maxi lengths are perfect for guests. Black is also a great option for a fall wedding guest dress.
Winter
For a winter wedding, layers are key. A long-sleeve lace gown will keep you warm, while a vintage-inspired tulle ball gown in an off-white hue is perfect for a fairy-tale beach wedding. If you're looking for something more dramatic, a long-sleeve ball gown with lace embroidery and a plunging neckline is a regal option. For a modern-day, regal-inspired look, buttons trailing down the back, like this Camellia Bridal gown, are a stylish choice. And if you're getting married around Halloween, a black dress is a daring but appropriate option.
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Skin: How much to show and how to stay comfortable
Deciding how much skin to show on your wedding day depends on your personal preference, comfort, and the wedding venue.
If you're religious, you might want to opt for a more conservative look. You could choose a dress with bare shoulders, a little back, and no cleavage. This is also a good option if you're having a church wedding, as you'll be surrounded by your family and your partner's family, who may have conservative older relatives.
If you're getting married in a hot climate, you might want to show more skin to stay comfortable. However, you should still consider the amount of support you'll need. For example, if you're well-endowed, you might want to avoid a strapless dress that could require a strapless bra. Similarly, if your dress is low-cut, you might find yourself having to hoist it up throughout the day.
You might also want to consider the amount of movement you'll be doing throughout the day. If your dress has a long train, you might trip over it while walking or dancing. If you're planning on sitting a lot, you might want to consider a dress that doesn't ride up when you're seated.
Ultimately, the amount of skin you show is up to you. You should choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
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$107.99
$79.99 $97.97
Where to buy: Lulus, Nordstrom, Nuuly, Petal & Pup, and Rent the Runway
There are many places to buy wedding dresses, including Lulus, Nordstrom, Nuuly, Petal & Pup, and Rent the Runway. Each of these options offers a unique set of benefits and features to consider when choosing where to purchase your wedding dress.
Lulus is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. Their website allows you to curate a collection of your favourite dresses by clicking a heart icon. This feature can be useful for narrowing down your options and saving your favourite choices for future reference.
Nordstrom is a well-known retailer that offers a range of wedding dresses and related services. While their specific offerings may vary by location, they often have in-store wedding suites or wedding shops that provide a curated selection of wedding dresses and personalised assistance from their in-house stylists.
Nuuly is an online dress rental platform that offers a unique approach to wedding dress shopping. For a monthly subscription fee of $98, you can rent any six items from their extensive collection of styles and brands. This option is ideal for those who want a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional dress purchasing. Nuuly also offers the option to purchase rented items if you fall in love with a particular dress.
Petal & Pup is an online fashion retailer that offers a range of women's clothing, including options for wedding guests. While they may not specifically cater to wedding dresses, they have a selection of white dresses that could potentially serve as wedding outfits, depending on your preferences and style.
Rent the Runway is another online rental platform that offers a clothing subscription service. They provide access to designer fashion at a discounted rate. While they do not exclusively focus on wedding dresses, they have a dedicated section for wedding guest dresses, indicating that their offerings could include options suitable for weddings.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress right after you select your wedding venue. Most bridal stylists recommend buying your gown nine months ahead of your wedding.
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?
ASOS, Lulus, and Meshki are all great options for buying wedding dresses online. They offer trendy yet affordable wedding dresses with fast and convenient shipping and returns.
Eat a light meal before trying on wedding dresses and drink plenty of water. Be sure to bring any undergarments that you plan on wearing under your dress to your appointment. It is also recommended to bring only two or three close friends or family members to help you try on dresses and provide their opinions.
