Franklin Dean
Buying a wedding dress is an important and exciting part of the wedding planning process. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming for brides-to-be. To ensure you find the perfect dress, it is important to consider various factors, such as your body type, personal style, and budget. In addition, the venue and theme of the wedding can help guide your choice. It is also essential to start looking for a dress early, ideally about 12 months before the wedding, to allow enough time for the dress to be made and tailored. With careful consideration and planning, you can find a dress that makes you feel confident and reflects your personality on your special day.
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Budget
The average cost of a wedding dress in the US in 2025 is about $2,000, primarily accounting for off-the-rack and made-to-order styles. However, the price can vary widely, with some dresses costing as little as $100 when bought off the rack, while others can retail for as much as $13,000. It is important to remember that the more intricate the gown, the higher the cost, and any beading, embroidery, or custom details will add to the expense.
To save money, consider buying a minimalist gown, as these usually come with a more affordable price tag than heavily adorned ones. You can also browse affordable wedding dresses online at budget-friendly retailers like Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie. If you prefer an in-person shopping experience, there are still ways to stay within your budget. You can prioritize what matters most to you in a gown, such as opting for a simpler silhouette if you prefer a luxurious fabric.
Additionally, consider the cost of alterations, which can range from $400 to $800 for a typical wedding dress alteration. The more intricate the alteration, the higher the cost will be. Don't forget to factor in the cost of dry cleaning and preservation post-wedding, which can range from $100 to $200 for professional dry cleaning services, and $300 to $1,000 or more for professional preservation services.
To stay within your budget, it is advisable to only try on gowns within your price range to avoid falling in love with a dress that is outside your financial means.
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Timing
It's important to note that dresses can take up to six months to come in, so if you're ordering a dress, keep this timeline in mind. Some boutiques may be able to work with a shorter timeframe, but to give yourself all the options, starting a year in advance is ideal.
When it comes to trying on dresses, it's recommended that brides try on between four and seven gowns. Trying on too many dresses can lead to confusion and overwhelm, causing the bride to forget what she was originally looking for. It's also important to be prepared to buy when going to try on dresses. Have a clear understanding of your budget and be upfront about it with the shop staff so they can pull the right dresses for you.
Additionally, consider the timing of your wedding and the location. If you're having a rustic barn wedding, you might want a more boho dress, while a stately home venue suits a more traditional ball gown. The formality and weather of your wedding location will also impact your dress choice.
Remember, the sooner you start looking for your dress, the more options you'll have, but don't start more than 24 months in advance to avoid the risk of falling out of love with your chosen dress.
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Venue
The venue is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a wedding dress. The venue will determine the style, formality, and setting of your wedding, and you want your dress to complement these aspects of the venue. For instance, a ball gown may not be suitable for an outdoor wedding, whereas a boho wedding dress would be perfect for the occasion. Similarly, a church gown would be inappropriate for a beach wedding.
If you are planning a traditional indoor wedding, you may not need to pick the venue first. However, if you are going for an outdoor wedding, a casual wedding, a beach wedding, or a wedding where the weather will be a significant factor, it is a good idea to choose the venue before the dress. This will help you select a dress that is practical for the venue and time of year.
The venue's style and colour scheme will also influence your choice of dress. For example, a rustic barn or farm wedding calls for a more relaxed, rustic wedding dress with flowing fabrics and bohemian styles. A classic ballroom venue, on the other hand, calls for a classic, elegant dress, such as a ball gown or an A-line dress.
It is also important to consider the level of formality of the venue. A glitzy embellished gown, for instance, may look out of place at a country-style wedding. If you are getting married in a hot climate, you may want to avoid a ball gown with full skirts and layers, as this may be uncomfortable in the heat. Instead, opt for a silk material and a cut with open skin. For a winter wedding, a long-sleeved gown will keep you warm.
Some couples may choose the dress before the venue, and this can work well too. You may find your dream dress at the perfect price and then choose a venue that suits the style of the dress. However, it is generally recommended to choose the venue first, as this will ensure that your dress matches the style and atmosphere of your wedding.
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Body type
The first step in choosing a wedding dress that suits your body type is understanding your body shape. The most common body types are apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. Once you have an idea of your body shape, you can start to consider which dress styles and silhouettes will best accentuate your unique figure.
For apple-shaped bodies, characterised by a fuller midsection and an upper torso smaller than the hips, dresses that create a more defined waistline are ideal. Styles that elongate the body and skim over the midsection are also flattering. A-line gowns, empire waist dresses, and mermaid-style dresses are all good options.
If you have a pear-shaped body, with wider hips and a smaller upper torso, you can balance out your proportions by highlighting your décolletage. Ballgowns with a fitted bodice and a dramatic skirt, or long-sleeved gowns with intricate detailing, are great choices.
The hourglass figure is characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a smaller waist. To showcase your curves, opt for a dress that cinches at the waist. Fitted bodices, mermaid-style skirts, and A-line dresses all flatter the hourglass figure.
For rectangle-shaped bodies, where the shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, consider styles that add volume and definition by creating the illusion of a more defined waistline. Look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out, adding volume. You can also accentuate the waist area with a belt or sash.
Additionally, certain necklines and sleeve styles can complement specific body types. Plunging necklines are flattering for brides with a smaller bust, while sweetheart necklines accentuate the collarbone and elongate the neck, working for most body types. Halter necklines are a good choice for petite brides, while off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses suit athletic body types.
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Style
When it comes to style, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, determine your body type and the styles you feel most comfortable wearing. If you want to accentuate a specific part of your body, consider dresses that highlight those features. For example, if you want to accentuate your back, opt for a low-cut or open-back design. If you love your collarbones, a strapless gown can be a great choice.
Next, consider the formality of your wedding. A rustic barn wedding may call for a more boho-chic style, while a stately home wedding suits a traditional ball gown. The venue and weather can also influence your choice. If you're marrying outdoors in hot weather, you may want a lighter, more breathable fabric.
Additionally, think about the overall aesthetic and vibe of your wedding. Do you want a timeless, classic look, or something more modern and trendy? Consider trying lots of different styles to see what suits you best. You can also add unique touches with accessories like a veil, sleeves, or gloves.
Don't forget to browse trends and create a mood board to get a sense of the silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics you prefer. Ball gowns, A-line, mermaid, column, and tea-length dresses are just a few of the silhouette options available. As for necklines, you can choose from V-neck, scoop, strapless, square, or even a modern Bardot neckline.
Remember, while it's important to stay true to your personal style, be open to suggestions from bridal consultants. They have valuable expertise and can help you find a dress that captures your style, flatters your body type, and fits your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to start looking for your wedding dress about 12 months before the wedding, or shortly after you've finalised the date and venue. This leaves enough time for the dress to be made, tailored, and customised.
Before trying on dresses, do some research to establish your likes and dislikes. Consider your body type, what parts of your body you want to accentuate, and your overall aesthetic for the wedding. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration. You can also ask your bridal consultant for recommendations.
If you're on a budget, consider buying a minimalist gown as these usually come with a more affordable price tag. You could also look for sample sales, where bridal shops sell off their sample dresses for a cheaper price. If you're buying off the rack, invest in a good tailor who will give you a perfectly altered gown at a lower cost.
It's recommended to bring no more than two people with you to your appointment. Having too many opinions can cause confusion and may take you further away from what you actually want.
