Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation, it can be memorable for all the right reasons. Before you start, it's important to consider the type of wedding you're having, the venue, and the themes, so you can choose a dress that suits the occasion. You should also be aware that bridal sizing is often smaller than high-street sizing, so don't be alarmed if your wedding dress size is a few sizes up from your usual. It's also a good idea to read reviews of bridal boutiques and ask married or engaged friends for recommendations. When it comes to trying on dresses, it's best to book appointments at a few select shops within a five-mile radius of each other, and bring along a small group of trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for the wedding dress to arrive in store | 8-6 months |
| Time to find the dream dress | 12-18 months before the wedding |
| Number of people to bring along | 1-2 people |
| Type of people to bring along | People who are honest, kind, sensitive, and know you well |
| Clothing to wear | Nude seamless underwear |
| Booking appointments | Book appointments in shops within a 5-mile radius of each other |
| Reviews | Read the reviews of the shop |
| Budget | Be clear about the budget |
| Sizing | The bridal industry follows outdated size charts |
| Trying on dresses | Try on numerous styles |
| Sales techniques | Don't fall for the hard sell techniques shops will undoubtedly try on you |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
What to consider before shopping
Wedding dress shopping can be stressful and confusing, so it's important to be prepared. Here are some things to consider before you start shopping:
Timing
It can take up to six months for a wedding dress to arrive in store, so it's recommended to start looking for your dress 12-18 months before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time for fittings and accessory shopping. However, don't panic if you don't have that much time, as boutiques can often work with shorter timeframes.
Budget
Be upfront about your budget with the bridal shops you visit. This will help them pull the right dresses for you to try on, and avoid confusion about pricing.
Research
Read reviews of bridal boutiques before visiting, and ask married or engaged friends for recommendations. You can also browse bridal publications and create a mood board of dresses, venues, themes, and other elements of your wedding to get a sense of your style and what you're looking for in a dress.
Company
Consider who you want to bring with you to your bridal appointments. It's important to choose someone who knows you well, will be honest and sensitive to your feelings, and will help you make a decision that's right for you. Keep your group small, as bringing too many people can result in a wasted appointment.
Size
The bridal industry uses outdated size charts, so don't be surprised or discouraged if the size of your wedding dress is larger than the size you usually wear. Remember that sizing is not a reflection of you or your body; everyone is unique.
The Ultimate Guide to Describing Your Dream Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choosing who to bring
If you do decide to bring people along, it's best to keep the group small. Many bridal shops have guest limits, so be sure to check before inviting anyone. A small group of around one to four people is usually recommended. Consider the mix of the group, too, and whether they will get along with each other.
It's important to only invite people who will support you no matter what dress you pick. Avoid bringing anyone who easily upsets you or who doesn't listen well. You want people who will add to your shopping day and make it more enjoyable. Traditionally, the mother of the bride, sisters, and close friends are involved. If someone is paying for your dress, you may want to include them, too. If you have a large family, you could designate someone to send photos or FaceTime them so they feel included.
Remember, at the end of the day, what you think and what you like are the only things that matter.
Enhance Your Wedding Dress with Lights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting but often stressful experience. To prepare, it's important to do your research, know your budget, and be open to different styles. Here are some tips on how to get ready for your wedding dress shopping journey:
Do Your Research
Before visiting any bridal boutiques, it's a good idea to read reviews online. Check if the shop has any reviews and, if not, be cautious. Don't be fooled by a fancy website or Google listing. You can also ask your married or engaged friends for recommendations. Additionally, start putting together a mood board with venues, themes, and dresses that you like to help you and the boutique staff understand your style and vision for your big day.
Know Your Budget
Be upfront about your budget when booking appointments and visiting boutiques. Pricing in the bridal industry can be confusing, so discussing your budget will help the staff pull the right dresses for you to try on. Don't fall for hard sell techniques, and be wary of shops that charge you to try on dresses. Instead, look out for sample sales and discounts to get your dream dress at a fraction of the cost.
Understand Sizing
The bridal industry uses outdated size charts, so don't be surprised or disheartened if your wedding dress size is larger than your usual size. Sizing can run up to 2-3 sizes smaller than your regular clothing size. Remember that size is just a number, and everyone is unique and beautiful.
Choose Your Company Wisely
Consider who you want to bring with you to your appointments. It's important to have someone you trust to be honest and sensitive to your feelings. Bringing too many people can result in wasted appointments, as they may have different tastes and be focused on their preferences. It's recommended to bring someone who knows you well, like a close friend or family member.
Plan Ahead
Start your wedding dress shopping early to give yourself plenty of time. It can take up to six months for your chosen dress to arrive, and you'll also need time for alterations and fittings. Aim to find your dress around 12-18 months before your wedding, but don't worry if you have less time—boutiques can often work with shorter timeframes.
Maxi Dresses at Weddings: A Do or a Don't?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to expect in-store
In-store wedding dress shopping in the UK can be a magical experience. Many boutiques offer private appointments with bridal stylists who can advise on fit, stock, styling, and sizing. You can expect to try on a variety of dresses in your size, and it's important to remember that wedding dress sizes run differently from typical high-street sizing—don't be surprised if your wedding dress size is larger than your usual size. The dress should be altered to fit you, not the other way around.
Many boutiques offer custom orders, rentals, and pre-loved gowns, as well as the option to sell your gown back to the boutique after your wedding. Some boutiques also offer virtual consultations and appointments. In-store shopping allows you to get a feel for different fabrics and styles, and to try on as many dresses as you like. You can expect a personal experience, with some boutiques offering complimentary drinks and private styling suites.
If you're looking for specific boutiques, The Fall Bride offers diverse options, including wedding dresses and accessories from brands like Galvan, Katherine Tash, and Jessica Bennett, with curve-friendly options for plus-size brides. Whistles is another popular option, offering directional suiting, timeless gowns, and affordable bridesmaid dresses. For contemporary lace wedding dresses and minimalist styles, Grace Loves Lace in Shoreditch is a great choice.
For those looking for alternative wedding dresses, Needle & Thread is a popular choice, offering embroidered and coloured options. Other recommended boutiques include Fairy Gothmother, Lucy Can't Dance, and Dig for Victory.
Breathing Techniques for Wearing a Tight Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
After purchasing
Secondly, be prepared for payment plans and deposits. Many boutiques offer payment plans or require a deposit to secure your dress, with the remaining balance due before alterations or pickup. It's essential to clarify the payment expectations with the boutique to avoid any surprises.
Once you have your dress, consider how you will store it before the wedding. Proper storage will help ensure your dress remains in pristine condition for the big day. Acid-free tissue paper and a sturdy box designed for wedding gowns can help protect your dress from damage or discolouration.
After the wedding, you may face a dilemma: what to do with your dress? There are several options to consider. Some brides choose to sell their dresses, especially if they want to recoup some of the costs or don't want the dress sitting unused. Others may opt to donate their dresses or pass them on as family heirlooms. Alternatively, you could repurpose the dress, although this may be challenging if you're emotionally attached to it.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what you do with your wedding dress after the wedding. The most important thing is to make a decision that aligns with your values and sentiments attached to the dress.
Black Wedding Dresses: A Bride's Unconventional Choice
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It can take between eight and six months for your chosen wedding dress to arrive in store, so it's best to start looking for your dream dress around 12-18 months before your wedding.
It's best to choose shops within a five-mile radius of each other, as every bridal shop has a ''radius of exclusivity' on each dress label they carry. Visit one or two shops to get a good idea of the styles available.
Bring someone who knows you well and whose opinion you trust, like a close friend or your mum. Avoid bringing too many people, as this can result in a wasted appointment.
Wear nude seamless underwear and be prepared to go without a bra, as many gowns have built-in corsetry.
