Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of planning and research, you can find the dress of your dreams. The first step is to look online for inspiration and ideas. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start. Once you have an idea of the styles you like, you can start exploring different designers and bridal shops. It's important to start your search early, as made-to-order bridal gowns can take six to eight months to arrive, and you'll also need time for alterations. Your wedding venue and theme can also help guide your dress choice, whether you're opting for a vintage, modern, bohemian, or beachy look. No matter your budget or timeline, there are plenty of options to choose from, so you can look and feel your best on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to shop | Online, bridal shops |
| When to start shopping | 8 months to a year before the wedding |
| Budget | Depends on the bridal theme, fabric, silhouette, and designer |
| Silhouette | A-line, ball gown, trumpet, drop waist, tea-length, empire waist, mermaid |
| Neckline | Strapless, corset, off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, square, scoop, halter, illusion |
| Hemline | Short, long, beach |
| Accents | Lace, coloured sash, ruffles, silk, tulle, chiffon, sparkling embellishments, tiara |
| Theme | Vintage, modern, bohemian, fairy tale, beach |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for your dress
Budgeting for a wedding dress can be a challenging task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the bridal fashion world. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and ensure you get the dress of your dreams without breaking the bank:
Determine Your Overall Wedding Budget:
Before setting a budget for your wedding dress, it's essential to consider your overall wedding budget. Evaluate how much you plan to spend on other aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, catering, floral arrangements, music, and so on. This will help you allocate an appropriate amount for your dress without compromising other essential elements of your special day.
Research and Understand Bridal Fashion Pricing:
If you are new to the world of bridal fashion, it's crucial to educate yourself on the pricing landscape. The cost of wedding dresses can vary widely, and understanding what your budget can get you is essential. Research the styles and designers you are interested in to gauge their price range. This knowledge will enable you to set a realistic budget for your dream dress.
Set a Clear and Firm Budget:
Establish a clear and firm budget for your wedding dress before you start shopping. Having a set budget will help you stay focused and avoid the temptation of trying on dresses beyond your means. Remember, falling in love with a dress that is out of your budget can be disappointing and distracting. Stick to trying on dresses within your affordable range to make a well-informed decision.
Consider the Cost of Alterations:
When setting your budget, remember to factor in the cost of alterations. It's rare to find a wedding dress that fits perfectly off the rack. Plan to have at least minor adjustments made to ensure the dress complements your unique body shape and style. More labour-intensive alterations, such as changing necklines or adding embellishments, will cost more, so try to find a dress you adore as-is to minimise alteration expenses.
Evaluate Accessories and Extras:
Don't forget to include accessories and extras in your budget. The cost of veils, shoes, jewellery, and other wedding-day accessories can quickly add up. If you want to splurge on your dress, consider opting for more affordable accessories or forgoing certain extras. Alternatively, if your heart is set on a designer gown, you may need to adjust your accessory budget accordingly.
Be Flexible and Keep an Open Mind:
While it's essential to have a clear budget, remain flexible and open-minded during your dress search. You may discover that your dream style or designer is out of reach, but there are likely other beautiful options within your budget. Keep an open mind and try on different dresses, even if they slightly deviate from your initial vision. You may be surprised to find that a dress you hadn't initially considered becomes "the one."
Remember, budgeting for your wedding dress is about finding the perfect balance between your financial comfort and your dream dress. By following these tips and staying informed, you can confidently walk down the aisle in a gown that makes you feel like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.
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Choosing a silhouette
Choosing the right silhouette for your wedding dress is an important part of the dress selection process. The silhouette of a wedding gown is determined primarily by where the waistline hits, how fitted the gown is, and the shape of the skirt. The right silhouette will make you feel confident and beautiful.
A-line gowns are a very popular silhouette that works for most body types. This style has a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows out from the waist in an A-shape. This is a great option for those who want to emphasise their waist while still having a soft, beautiful coverage over the lower half of the body. The A-line silhouette is also a good choice for pregnant brides as it flows from under the bust and can skim over a baby bump.
Ball gowns are another silhouette that can be very flattering. This style has a fitted bodice and a full skirt that accentuates the waist and makes it look tiny. Ball gowns are a good option for those who want to emphasise their waist and upper body while having more coverage over the hips and lower tummy. This silhouette is also well-suited for taller brides who can handle the volume of the skirt without appearing shortened.
Trumpet gowns are a good choice for those with slender or hourglass frames who want to flaunt their curves. This style has a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out like the shape of a trumpet.
Sheath gowns, also known as column gowns, have a straight-cut fit with no waist seam. This style contours the body from head to toe and can flatter brides of all heights, giving a taller appearance to petite brides and providing body definition for taller brides.
Mermaid gowns are fitted to the body until about the knees, where the skirt then flares out dramatically like a mermaid's tail. This silhouette can be very striking and elegant, but it may also feel restrictive and is not for everyone.
Ultimately, the right silhouette for you will depend on your personal style, body type, and the level of comfort and movement you desire. It's important to choose a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
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Necklines and hemlines
When deciding on a neckline, consider the venue, season, accessories, hairstyle, and what will flatter your body type. For example, petite brides often opt for a deep neckline, while taller brides might choose a higher neckline. If you have a fuller figure, you may want to choose a style that brushes just below the collarbone. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a neckline that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
- Sweetheart: This neckline is in the shape of a heart and accentuates the décolletage, giving you a longer and leaner appearance. It is a versatile style that looks beautiful on all dress silhouettes.
- Straight: This neckline is often seen on strapless dresses and accentuates the décolletage and collarbones while providing a bit more coverage and security.
- V-neck: A V-neck dress is ideal for creating the appearance of a longer torso, whether it's a slight or dramatic dip. This style usually has sleeves or straps for added flair and support.
- Plunging: For a bolder look, a plunging neckline accentuates the décolletage, elongates the torso, and shows some skin.
- Cowl: A cowl neckline, first introduced in the 1920s, features fabric that is draped and folded above the bustline. It's perfect for brides who want the focus on their face rather than their dress.
- Halter: A halter neckline is great for brides who want to highlight their arms, shoulders, and back. It provides extra support and comfort, especially for those with a larger bust.
- High neck: For a regal look, a high neckline extends to the bottom of the neck or slightly above it, similar to a turtleneck. This style offers the most coverage and can be softened with illusion details.
- Asymmetrical: This style, popularized by Princess Diana, features a slightly different look on one side of the neckline. It's perfect for brides who want to showcase their neck and shoulders.
- Off-the-shoulder: An off-the-shoulder neckline is a romantic choice that suits most body types and gracefully frames the face and highlights the shoulders and collarbones.
As for hemlines, it's a matter of personal preference. If you want to show off your legs or are planning a beach wedding, a short dress might be ideal. A tea-length dress is another option that flares out above the knee to elongate your figure. For those who want to highlight their hips, a trumpet-style or drop-waist dress could be a flattering choice.
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Dress details and themes
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, but it's also an exciting part of the wedding planning process. To get started, it's helpful to look online for inspiration and to get a sense of the style you're after. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start. Once you have an idea of the styles you love, you can start exploring designers and bridal shops.
The neckline of your dress is an important feature, as most photos will be taken from the waist up. A strapless, corset bodice is a popular choice for its versatility. If you have a fuller bust, a simple bodice with an off-the-shoulder style can be a good option, while those with a smaller bust might opt for an embellished bodice or a sweetheart neckline to add emphasis. A square or scoop neckline is universally flattering.
The hemline is a matter of personal preference. A short hemline can be a fun choice for brides who want to show off their legs or are preparing for a beach wedding. If you want to elongate your figure, a tea-length dress with a tapered skirt that flares out above the knee is a great option. An empire waist gown can also create the illusion of longer legs. For a dramatic look, a ball gown with a full skirt, fitted bodice, and cinched waist is a classic choice. To highlight your hips, consider a trumpet-style dress or a drop-waist style.
The theme of your wedding can also guide your dress choice. For a vintage theme, delicate lace detailing and cap sleeves are perfect. A unique touch, like a coloured sash, is ideal for a modern theme. If you're going for a bohemian vibe, a boho wedding dress with ruffle accents and a flowing skirt will give you a relaxed feel. For a fairy tale-inspired wedding, princess dresses with intricate lace, flowing silk, and a voluminous skirt will make you feel like royalty. Beach weddings call for a dramatic gown, such as a mermaid silhouette.
Don't forget to consider your budget and timeline when shopping for your dream dress. Most made-to-order bridal gowns can take six to eight months to arrive, so it's important to start your search well in advance.
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Shopping timeline
The ideal timeline for wedding dress shopping depends on the length of your engagement and how quickly you plan to get married. According to sources, the average engagement length is 15 months, and ideally, you should start shopping for your wedding dress between nine months and a year before the wedding. However, some brides may need to work with a shorter timeline. Here is a suggested shopping timeline to help you plan:
8–10 months before the wedding: Start your research. Look into bridal salons, their designers, price points, and sample sizes. If you don't already have a dream dress in mind, this is the time to gather inspiration.
5–6 months before the wedding: By this time, you should have a good idea of what you want and should be ready to place your order. Made-to-order wedding gowns typically take about six to nine months to create, so it's important to give the designers enough time.
3–4 months before the wedding: Your dress should arrive at the salon around this time. Pay any remaining balance and start your fittings. Call a professional seamstress for alterations, as they can get booked up quickly.
6–8 weeks before the wedding: Your fittings will likely be ongoing during this period, with some brides requiring up to three fittings.
2–3 weeks before the wedding: Your final fitting should take place at this stage, allowing for any last-minute design changes or custom alterations.
It's important to note that these timelines may vary depending on the salon and the complexity of your dress. Some dresses may take longer to arrive, and alterations can also extend beyond the estimated timeframe. Additionally, if you have a shorter engagement or a tight timeline, there are options for expedited shipping or purchasing ready-to-wear gowns from various retailers.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended that you begin looking for your wedding dress at least a year before your wedding. Most made-to-order bridal gowns can take six to eight months to be ready, and you'll need a few weeks for alterations.
You can start by looking online at Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Once you have an idea of the styles you like, you can look for designers that match your preferences and check their websites to see if they can work with your timeline.
This will depend on your personal preference and the type of dress you want. Wedding dresses are available at various price points, and you can find options under $1000, $700, or even $500.
The most popular silhouette is the ball gown wedding dress, which has a full skirt, fitted bodice, and cinched waist. If you want to elongate your figure, a tea-length dress with a tapered skirt that flares out above the knee is a good option. An empire waist gown can also create the illusion of longer legs. If you want to highlight your hips, you can try a trumpet-style or drop-waist dress.
