How to find the “Perfect” Wedding Dress
With so many different styles and choices available, how can anyone be expected to find a wedding dress that checks all their boxes? Well, in my endless pursuit to take some of the guesswork out of prepping for a wedding I have compiled some helpful tips to find the “Perfect” wedding dress for you.
Slow but steady - Begin your search for a wedding dress at least six months before your wedding. Dresses can take several months to order and make necessary alterations (something you don’t want to deal with in the weeks leading up to your big day). Save yourself the stress and start the search early to keep things relaxed.
Set a budget - As with every piece of the wedding puzzle, I strongly encourage you to have some sort of price point you want to stay within. It’s fine to splurge on some things but having a budget in mind will help narrow your options and prevent you from spending your honeymoon fund.
What catches your eye - Check out different sources such as wedding magazines, websites and social media to see what catches your interest. Having a bit of an idea of what you want can make it that much easier when you finally walk into bridal shops to try dresses on.
Body type - Understand your body shape and choose a dress style that you would feel comfortable in. Various styles such as A-line, ball gown or sheath accentuate body types in very different ways.
Choose a silhouette - Decide on the overall shape of your dress. Do you want something classic, modern, romantic or bohemian? Knowing which silhouette you like the most will make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Visit dress shops - Start visiting dress shops to try on dresses. Make appointments in advance to ensure you have dedicated time with a consultant. Bring along close friends or family members for their support. Notice that I said “Support” not “Opinion.” This is your wedding and, at the end of the day, the only opinion that should matter is yours.
Try different styles - While you may have a specific style in mind, be open to trying on different dresses. Sometimes, a dress you didn't initially consider can surprise you and look amazing.
Consider comfort - Remember that you'll be wearing your wedding dress for hours, so don’t forget about being comfortable. Ensure you can move freely, sit and dance comfortably in it. After all, your photographer needs you showing off on the dance floor for those great reception shots!
Notice the details - Pay close attention to the dress's details such as the neckline, back, sleeves and other embellishments. These elements can significantly impact the overall look of the dress and, sometimes, the price tag as well.
Think about consistency - Consider your wedding venue and theme when choosing a dress. A beach wedding may call for a lightweight, flowy dress while a formal ballroom wedding may require something more structured.
Don’t forget about alterations - Remind yourself that most wedding dresses will require alterations to achieve the perfect fit for you. Factor in the cost and time required for alterations when budgeting and planning your timeframe. There are also lots of people outside the shop where you purchased the dress that offer alterations so it may be worth your time to research the best options for you.
Trust your instincts - Ultimately, choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident. If you find a dress that feels right trust your instincts and make the purchase.
Accessorize - Once you've chosen your dress carefully select accessories like a veil, shoes, jewelry and a bouquet that complement your overall look. The goal of accessories should not be to outshine the dress but to compliment it.
Take photos - Take pictures of yourself in each dress you try on. This will help you compare and make a decision when the time is right.
Sleep on it - Not literally, but if you find yourself torn between multiple dresses take some time to think it over. Don't rush into making your choice - if it’s meant to be it will be.
While you’ll still probably lose a bit of sleep in your search for the perfect dress these tips will help you break down the process into manageable steps. Remember that your dress can be as personal as you want to make it. These are only suggestions and you’ll know the right dress when you see it.