Finding The Perfect Wedding Dress: Prep Tips

how to prep to try on wedding dresses

Trying on wedding dresses is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. To make the most of your bridal appointment, it's a good idea to do some preparation beforehand. This includes researching different dress styles to get an idea of what you might like, as well as what might not suit you. It's also beneficial to recreate the hairstyle you plan to have on your wedding day and wear similar underwear and shoes to the ones you'll be wearing on the day. This will help you get a better idea of how the dress will look. It's also important to keep an open mind and be willing to try on different styles, as you may be surprised by what you end up liking. Finally, remember to eat something before your appointment to keep your energy and mood up!

Characteristics Values
Research Do some research beforehand to establish a baseline of likes and dislikes—for example, preferred silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics.
Be open-minded Try on a variety of gowns, including styles outside your comfort zone, to see what you feel most comfortable in.
Timing Weekends tend to be busy, while weekdays are quieter and more relaxed. Choose the environment you think you'll thrive in best.
Company The fewer people, the better—too many opinions can be overwhelming.
Clothing Wear something comfortable and easy to change in and out of, like a flowy dress or a midi skirt with a blouse.
Undergarments Wear or bring the underwear and shapewear you plan to wear on your wedding day.
Shoes Bring shoes similar to what you'll wear on your wedding day.
Hair and makeup Style your hair similarly to how you plan to on your wedding day. Avoid spray tanning beforehand.
Food Eat something before you go to stay energised and motivated during the appointment.

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Do your research, but keep an open mind

While trying on wedding dresses is undoubtedly exciting, it can also be overwhelming. It is therefore a good idea to do some research and preparation beforehand. This will help you to feel more confident during your bridal appointment.

Start by browsing wedding dress trends on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok, and screenshotting or saving your favourites. You can also look into different designers and styles, such as your preferred silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics. This will give you a good baseline of likes and dislikes, and help your stylist to understand your vision.

However, while it is a good idea to do your research, it is also important to keep an open mind. Bridal gowns are made in silhouettes that are not worn in everyday life, so you might be surprised by what you like when you try it on. Be prepared to try on a variety of gowns, including some that are different from your initial vision. This will help you to see what you feel most comfortable in, and you might end up falling in love with a completely different style than you expected!

It is also worth bearing in mind that wedding dresses tend to run small, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size than you usually would. Similarly, don't feel pressured to buy a dress just from one shopping experience—take your time and enjoy the process!

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Wear comfortable clothing and minimal makeup

When preparing to try on wedding dresses, it's important to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of. Opt for flowy dresses, midi skirts, blouses, leggings, yoga pants, or loose-fitting tops. Avoid excessive layers, intricate buttons, tight or complicated pieces, and jeans, as they can be difficult and time-consuming to change out of.

Makeup is a personal choice when trying on wedding dresses, but it's recommended to wear minimal or light, natural makeup. This prevents makeup from transferring onto the gowns and gives you a better idea of your wedding day look. You can enhance your complexion with a touch of foundation, mascara, and a neutral lip colour. If you plan to wear a particular hairstyle on your wedding day, consider recreating it for your dress appointment to see how it complements the dress's neckline and shoulders.

It is also suggested to wear minimalistic jewellery to avoid snagging delicate fabrics and interfering with the gowns' zippers or lace. Small, simple earrings or a thin bracelet can be a good choice. Additionally, bring a hair tie or clip if you have long hair, so you can pull it back and get a clearer view of the upper part of the dress and its intricate details.

Overall, the key is to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared during your bridal appointment. Wear clothing and makeup that makes you feel good and helps you focus on finding the perfect dress.

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Wear the right underwear and shoes

When it comes to choosing what to wear underneath your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, comfort and confidence are key. You want to feel comfortable and confident during your bridal appointment, so opt for underwear that makes you feel good. If you're choosing a style with cutouts or sheer portions, consider choosing underwear that matches your skin tone to give you an idea of what your dress will look like on the day and to avoid any visible panty lines.

Additionally, many wedding dresses have built-in structural elements such as boning, padding, and corsetry, which can provide support and make wearing a bra unnecessary. However, if you feel you need extra support, you can bring a strapless bra and shapewear with you. Do not wear them to the appointment, but bring them along so you can try on dresses with and without them to decide what works best for you. For brides with larger cup sizes, a longline bra or a more structured style may be a good option.

As for shoes, bring a pair of heeled shoes similar to the height you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you see how the gown will fit and flow with the heels. You don't need to bring your exact wedding shoes, but something with a similar heel height will be helpful.

Overall, the key is to keep your base simple and comfortable so that you can easily try on different dresses and get a true preview of your final bridal look.

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Don't spray tan beforehand

When preparing to try on wedding dresses, it is important to keep in mind that spray tanning should be the last step in your beauty routine. Here are several reasons why you should not spray tan beforehand:

Firstly, getting a spray tan before trying on wedding dresses can result in unwanted streaks and the risk of colour transfer onto the gowns. The solution needs time to settle and fully develop, usually around two to three days. Getting a spray tan too close to your appointment can lead to the colour bleeding onto the dresses, even if it is a clear solution. This is not only unsightly but also disrespectful to the bridal shop, as they may have to get the dress cleaned, and you could be held responsible for the cost.

Secondly, spray tans can be tricky, especially for first-timers. A spray tan that is too dark can look hyper-contrasted against a white or light-coloured wedding dress. It is essential to do your research, choose a reputable salon, and communicate your desired outcome clearly. A trial run a few days before your wedding dress appointment will allow you to test the colour and ensure it complements the dresses rather than clashes with them.

Thirdly, spray tans require specific aftercare to ensure they last and look their best. Wearing dark, loose-fitting clothing after your spray tan is crucial to avoid smudging or rubbing off the solution. Tight or restrictive clothing can create friction and leave an unwanted finish. Flowy dresses or loose pants are ideal for ensuring your tan stays intact. Additionally, showering strategically is important, usually waiting eight to ten hours before showering for the first time after a spray tan.

Lastly, spray tans should be the final step in your beauty routine, after completing other treatments such as manicures, pedicures, and hair removal. This ensures that your spray tan does not interfere with these other aspects of your overall look.

In conclusion, while a spray tan can enhance your complexion and give you a radiant glow, it is essential to time it correctly and not spray tan beforehand when trying on wedding dresses.

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Eat beforehand and be mindful of the stylist's time

Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. It's important to prepare beforehand to make the most of your appointment and be mindful of the stylist's time.

One crucial aspect of preparation is eating beforehand. Wedding dress appointments can be lengthy, and you want to ensure you have the energy to make it through. It's recommended to eat a healthy breakfast and bring a small snack to keep your energy and mood up. Shopping on an empty stomach may leave you feeling exhausted and 'hangry', which is not ideal when making such an important decision.

Bridal stylists spend a significant amount of time with each bride, usually between one and a half to two hours. It's essential to respect their time by arriving on time and being mindful of the appointment duration. Bridal boutiques often have multiple brides booked in a day, so being punctual is crucial to ensure you get the most out of your experience. It's also important to note that wedding dress shopping is different from regular clothes shopping, and stylists are experts in their field. They can provide valuable suggestions, so it's beneficial to keep an open mind and trust their recommendations.

Additionally, when preparing for your appointment, consider what you'll wear underneath the dresses. Shaping undergarments can affect how a dress looks on you, and you want to ensure you feel comfortable and confident during your appointment. It's also a good idea to be mindful of the boutique's policies, such as their photo-taking rules, to ensure you don't accidentally cause any issues.

Frequently asked questions

It's helpful to do some research beforehand to establish a baseline of likes and dislikes. Browse wedding dress trends on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok and screenshot your favourites to show your stylist.

Wear something comfortable and easy to change in and out of. Avoid excessive layers and outfits with intricate buttons. A flowy dress or a midi skirt with a blouse are good options.

If you have an idea of your wedding hairstyle, try to recreate it for your appointment. This will give you a more realistic image of how you will look with your chosen dress. Avoid spray tanning or self-tanning before your appointment, as this may rub off on the dresses.

Wear whatever undergarments make you feel comfortable. Many brides wear a strapless bra or nipple covers, but many also forgo a bra altogether as wedding dresses often have built-in support. If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, it's a good idea to wear it to your appointment to ensure a perfect fit.

If you know what shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day, bring them along to see how they look with the dresses. It's also beneficial to bring snacks to keep your energy up during what can be a long and exhausting process.

Bonus Tip:

Keep an open mind and be willing to try on a variety of styles. You may be surprised by what you end up loving!

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