George Boyle
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, but knowing what to bring can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Firstly, it is important to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of when trying on different gowns. Neutral-colored, seamless underwear is recommended to avoid any distractions or bunching under the delicate fabrics of wedding dresses. While some salons may provide shapewear, bringing your own is advisable if you plan on wearing it on your wedding day. It is also suggested to bring a pair of shoes similar to the ones you intend to wear, especially if they are heels, to get a better sense of how the gowns will fit and flow.
Additionally, bringing hair ties or clips can be helpful to see the intricate details of the gowns, particularly the backs and straps. Some brides even schedule a hair or makeup trial on the same day as their appointment to enhance the dress shopping experience and envision the complete bridal look. It is also beneficial to bring along a few trusted friends or family members who will provide support and honest opinions. Lastly, it is a good idea to bring inspiration or photos of dresses you like, as this can help your consultant understand your preferences and guide you towards finding your dream wedding dress.
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What You'll Learn
Bridal underwear and shapewear
When choosing bridal underwear, opt for neutral-coloured, full-coverage, stretch panties that won't leave lines. Avoid wearing a thong or going commando, as this may make bridal consultants uncomfortable. If you prefer wearing bras with dresses, bring a comfortable nude bra that you already own. You can also skip the bra if you're trying on dresses with plunging necklines and use nipple covers instead.
If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, bring it to your dress fitting so you can see how it looks and feels with the dress. You can also bring heels of a similar height to your wedding shoes to better understand the fit of the dress. However, most salons won't let you wear shoes while trying on dresses, so be prepared to go barefoot or wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Ultimately, the decision to wear bridal underwear or shapewear during dress shopping is a personal preference. You can always ask your bridal stylist for advice, and they can help you decide what works best for you.
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Hair accessories
When going wedding dress shopping, it is important to consider your hair accessories and hairstyle, as these can impact how your chosen dress will look.
A hair clip or hair tie is a useful item to bring with you. This will allow you to experiment with different hairstyles and see how your chosen dress looks with your hair up or down. This can be particularly useful if you are planning to wear your hair up on your wedding day, as it will give you a more realistic idea of how the dress will look. If you are planning to wear a veil, a hair clip can also be useful for clipping it in place.
If you usually wear hair accessories, such as slides or grips, it might be worth bringing these along to see how they look with your chosen dress. Similarly, if you are planning to wear fresh flowers in your hair, it may be beneficial to bring some along to your appointment, or at least some images of the types of flowers you plan to wear.
It is also worth considering having your hair styled for your appointment. While it is not necessary to have your hair fully styled, some brides find that having their hair and makeup done to some extent helps them to feel more confident and gives them a better idea of how they will look on their wedding day.
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Heels
If you plan to wear heels on your wedding day, it's a good idea to bring a pair to your dress fitting. This will allow you to see how the dress looks with the extra height and how you are able to move in the dress with heels on. It will also help you visualise the proportions of the dress.
However, it is worth noting that many sources suggest that walking around in heels and a sample wedding dress is not recommended. This is because the dress may be too long, causing you to step on the fabric, rip the dress, slip or fall. It is much safer to walk around barefoot, allowing you to feel the floor and the dress fabric.
If you would like to bring heels, consider calling ahead to the bridal store to ask if they have heels for you to borrow. Alternatively, bring a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to the ones you plan to wear on your wedding day.
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Jewellery
Neckline
The neckline of your wedding dress is perhaps the most important factor in determining what jewellery will work best, particularly when it comes to necklaces. Strapless dresses leave the neck, collarbone, and upper chest open, giving you plenty of room to experiment with necklaces. A statement necklace with a strapless dress can make a dramatic impact. For a V-neck wedding dress, choose a pendant necklace with a drop that mimics the angle of the neckline to create a cohesive look. If your dress has an off-the-shoulder neckline, consider statement earrings to add sparkle and drama to your look, rather than a bold necklace.
Style
Your wedding jewellery should reflect your personal style and your overall aesthetic. It should feel intentional, comfortable, and like something you'd treasure forever. If you're a minimalist bride who prefers a streamlined style, you might want to skip the accessories and let your dress do all the talking. On the other hand, if you love bold fashion, go all in with a chunky necklace or statement earrings.
Colour
The colour of your gown can guide your choice of jewellery. If your gown is white or black, opt for platinum or silver accessories. If your gown is ivory or champagne-coloured, gold jewellery can enhance its warm tones. If your gown is blush, try rose gold to coordinate with the soft pink of the dress.
Gemstones
Consider both the colour of the gemstones and the dress's undertones. Blue stones like sapphires or aquamarines can add a subtle pop of colour to your ensemble. The overall style and theme of your wedding should also influence your gemstone choices.
Comfort
Your accessories should enhance your look, not distract you from enjoying the moment. Before the big day, try on every piece you plan to wear. Move around, dance, and hug someone to ensure nothing pinches, slides, or feels too heavy.
Heirloom Pieces
If there's a particular heirloom piece you know you want to wear, bring it along while dress shopping so you can ensure it matches your gown. If you're handed down a piece that doesn't quite suit your style, consider working with a jeweller to remake it into something more in line with your taste.
Earrings
Bridal earrings are a must-have for nearly every bride. Classic diamond studs offer timeless elegance, while delicate drop earrings or pearl dangles add romance. Statement earrings are a great way to add a wow factor, especially if your dress is simple.
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Close friends and family
Wedding dress shopping is an important and emotional experience for the bride-to-be, and close friends and family play a crucial role in making it memorable. Here are some tips for the bride's support system to ensure a successful and enjoyable dress shopping experience:
Choose Wisely
It is essential to be mindful about who you invite to join you for wedding dress shopping. Close friends and family who understand your style and personality are ideal. They should be individuals who will uplift and celebrate you throughout the appointment. Their presence should enhance the experience, and they should respect your choices without judgment.
Offer Constructive Opinions
As a close friend or family member, it is essential to provide constructive opinions that align with the bride's vision for their wedding day look. While it is good to offer suggestions, remember that the bride's preferences and comfort are paramount. Be open to different styles and help the bride feel confident in their choices.
Practical Considerations
Encourage the bride to bring essential items such as neutral-coloured, seamless underwear, hair ties or clips, and a comfortable outfit. If the bride plans to wear heels on their wedding day, suggest bringing a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to better visualise the overall look. Additionally, remind them to bring any jewellery they plan to wear, especially heirloom pieces, to ensure it complements the dress.
Emotional Support
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, so offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the process. Help the bride stay positive and open-minded, especially if they are feeling indecisive or unsure. Celebrate their unique style and be there to share in the joy of finding "the one."
Create Memorable Moments
Encourage the bride to savour this special moment by taking photos, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. Offer to take pictures of the bride trying on different gowns, capturing their beauty and excitement. This will not only help the bride remember this day fondly but also allow them to look back and reflect on their dress choices.
By following these suggestions, close friends and family can actively contribute to a positive and meaningful wedding dress shopping experience for the bride-to-be.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear something comfortable and easy to take on and off. You can also wear something cute and stylish to help you get in the right mood for this experience.
Bring a hair tie or clip to sweep your hair up and avoid any distractions from the gowns' necklines. You can also bring pictures of dresses you like to help your consultant understand your preferences. It is also a good idea to bring the shoes and jewellery you plan to wear on your wedding day, or similar shoes with a similar heel height.
Bring a few family members or friends who you trust and who know your style well.
