Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping can be a fun but daunting experience. It is important to do your research and go in with a clear idea of what you want, whether that be a specific style, colour, or designer. Knowing your budget is also key, as wedding dresses can be expensive and you don't want to fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range. It is a good idea to start shopping for your dress around nine months before the wedding to allow time for alterations and customisations. While opinions of friends and family are valuable, going wedding dress shopping alone can be a great way to avoid distractions and conflicting tastes, allowing you to focus on your own feelings about each dress.
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What You'll Learn
- Do your research: browse trends, styles, and designers?
- Establish a budget: know your finances and the average cost of dresses
- Timing: start shopping early, and schedule appointments for weekdays
- Who to bring: a small group of two to three people, or go alone?
- On the day: eat beforehand, and wear minimal makeup and your planned hairstyle
Do your research: browse trends, styles, and designers
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, research is key. Knowing the trends, styles, and designers you like will help you establish a baseline of likes and dislikes. This will ensure you're prepared for your first bridal consultation and can make the most of your appointment.
A great way to start is by browsing wedding dress trends on Pinterest and creating a visual file of your favourite styles. You can also tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you admire. As you compile your file, try to identify commonalities in the styles you like. Do you prefer embellished, lacy, or voluminous gowns? Are you drawn to open backs or strapless necklines?
Another important aspect to consider is the silhouette of the dress. Popular silhouettes include A-line, empire waist, trumpet, fit-and-flare, sheath, column, and tea-length. Each silhouette flatters different body types and can create different effects, such as elongating the body or accentuating curves. Knowing which silhouettes work best for your body type and personal style will help guide your search.
In addition to styles, researching designers can also be beneficial. You can start by checking out the latest collections from top designers, such as Hera Couture, Alyssa Kristin, Pronovias, Katherine Tash, KYHA, and Ricca Sposa. If you're able to travel, attending bridal fashion weeks, like the one in New York, can be a great way to see upcoming collections and get inspired. However, if you can't make it in person, don't worry; you can still browse the latest trends online and through social media platforms like Instagram.
By doing your research and familiarizing yourself with the latest trends, styles, and designers, you'll be well-prepared for your wedding dress shopping journey and will be able to establish a clear vision for your dream gown.
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Establish a budget: know your finances and the average cost of dresses
Establishing a budget for your wedding dress is an important step in the wedding planning process. Wedding dresses can be expensive, and it's easy to get carried away when shopping, so knowing your finances and the average cost of dresses will help you make informed decisions.
Firstly, consider your overall wedding budget and how much you can allocate to your wedding attire. Discuss this with your partner and any other contributors, such as family members, to understand their expectations and limitations. This step will help you determine a realistic budget for your wedding dress and any other related expenses.
Next, research the average cost of wedding dresses to set a reasonable budget. The average cost of a wedding dress varies depending on location and fabric choice. According to recent studies, the average cost of a wedding dress in the US ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. However, dresses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with some luxury options costing upwards of $10,000. Keep in mind that you may also need to budget for alterations, customisations, and accessories, which can add a few hundred dollars to the total cost.
When setting your budget, it's essential to prioritise what matters most to you in a gown. If you have your heart set on a particular fabric or designer, be prepared to adjust your budget accordingly. You can also explore budget-friendly options, such as purchasing a sample dress or shopping at affordable retailers, to stay within your price range.
Finally, don't forget to leave some room in your budget for unexpected expenses or additional costs that may arise during the process. By establishing a clear budget and understanding the average costs involved, you can confidently begin your wedding dress shopping journey, knowing that you are making financially informed decisions.
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Timing: start shopping early, and schedule appointments for weekdays
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, timing is crucial. It is recommended to start the process early, about nine months to one year before the wedding, to accommodate alterations, customisations, and accessories. This timeline also allows for browsing, trying on dresses, making a selection, and shipping.
To avoid the rush and crowds, schedule your appointments for weekdays, preferably in the morning or afternoon. Saturday is the busiest day at bridal salons, so a weekday appointment will provide a more relaxed and efficient experience.
Before your first appointment, it is beneficial to do some research and preparation. Browse wedding dress trends, silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics to get an idea of your preferences. Compile a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses by saving Instagram posts, creating a Pinterest board, or tearing pages out of magazines. This will help you identify overarching themes and styles that appeal to you and guide your consultant in pulling dresses for you to try on.
Additionally, establishing a budget before your appointments is essential. Knowing your budget will help your consultant select dresses within your price range and avoid disappointment. It is also important to consider the additional costs of tailoring, accessories, and cleaning, which can add significantly to the total expense.
By starting early, scheduling weekday appointments, and doing your research and preparation, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect wedding dress.
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Who to bring: a small group of two to three people, or go alone
Wedding dress shopping is often considered the most fun component of wedding planning. However, it can also be stressful as opinions clash. Brides who are less certain of their vision may prefer to have friends or family who know their style available to point them in the right direction. If you thrive on the opinions of your closest friends or family members, going alone could cause you more stress.
Bringing two or three people you are closest to may give you the best chance of finding the right dress. These special people are the ones you would regret not being part of your wedding dress shopping experience. By keeping your support system small, you will get the most honest opinions because they know you the best.
However, bringing a small group of people along for wedding dress shopping also has its downsides. You may wind up with an unpleasant memory, especially if drama is inevitable with your group. It can also be stressful as opinions clash, and you may find yourself too focused on their opinions, even if they are supportive.
Shopping for your wedding dress alone is a good option for brides with anxiety due to family dynamics, self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia, or depression. It will quiet the noise and allow you to have only your thoughts. You can also get through more dresses in an appointment because you don't have to move between rooms and stop for everyone to take photos and give their individual comments. If you hate something, you can take it right back off and move on.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are no hard rules when it comes to who can accompany you on your dress expedition.
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On the day: eat beforehand, and wear minimal makeup and your planned hairstyle
Eating a light meal before going wedding dress shopping is advisable. This will ensure you don't have an empty stomach and will help you stay energised for a couple of hours. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest in the days leading up to your appointment will also help you feel your best.
On the day, it's a good idea to wear minimal makeup. This is because you don't want to risk getting makeup stains on the dresses you try on. It's also beneficial to wear your planned hairstyle for the wedding, as this will help you visualise how the dress will look with your chosen style. If you haven't decided on a hairstyle yet, consider wearing your hair up so that you can see the necklines and back details of the dresses.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to do your research and know what styles you like and dislike. You can start by browsing wedding dress trends on Pinterest and Instagram, tearing pages out of magazines, or checking out online bridal boutiques. Identify common themes among the styles you like, such as open backs or voluminous skirts, and bring your ideas to your appointment. It's also a good idea to eat something before you go shopping to stay energised and in a positive mindset.
It's recommended to bring only two or three people whose opinions you trust and value, such as your maid of honour, mother, or best friend. Bringing a large group can lead to conflicting tastes and unnecessary distractions. However, some people prefer to go wedding dress shopping alone, as it can be less stressful and allow you to focus on your own feelings and opinions.
Most bridal stylists recommend buying your gown nine months before the wedding to accommodate alterations, customisations, and accessorising. You should also consider starting the shopping process up to a year in advance to allow plenty of time for browsing, selecting, shipping, and final fittings.
When scheduling your appointment, be sure to ask about the salon's guest policy and how many people are allowed to join you. Inform the salon about your style preferences and wedding details so they can prepare a selection of gowns tailored to your taste. It's also a good idea to ask about their policy on outside items if you plan to bring treats or champagne to celebrate.
