Tips for Buying Your Wedding Dress | Minnesota Wedding Photographer
Tips for Buying Your Wedding Dress
You've said yes, you've started to plan, but don't forget, THE WEDDING DRESS!!!
Here are a few helpful tips to make wedding shopping go a little smoother
1. Have a budget: There's no sense trying on several dresses that are out of your price range. Know what your max is and stick to it. Consider looking at Consignment Bridal Shops. Often you will find something that is completely within your budget, but would have blown the bank if you would have paid full retail price. Also remember that there's more to a dress budget then just the dress; there is alterations, shoes, veil, lingerie, etc.
2. Undergarments: Wear a good bra and panties when you go try on wedding dresses. There will be a lot of people helping you on and off with the various dresses. You want to feel good about how you look and get an idea how the dress will fit with appropriate undergarments. If you want to wear a bustier on your wedding day, you'll see how it looks before you buy the dress.
3. Know what you like: There is a wide gamut of wedding dress styles. Knowing what you like will help narrow down what you're looking for. Also, have an idea of the styles that look best on your body type. If you don't know, ask your best friend or Maid of Honor. They'll help steer you clear of a style that isn't right for you.
4. Call ahead: It's rare that you can find a bridal salon that will happily accept a "drop in". Call and schedule a time to shop. You will likely be assigned a staff to be 100% attentive to your needs. Most shops will refuse a "Drop in" so scheduling an appointment will keep you from being disappointed and turned away. Also, if you know the style that you're looking for, most bridal salons will pull a few in the style and size that you're looking for.
5. Avoid bringing children: I love children, but believe me, wedding dress shopping isn't the place for them. It can get dull for them, and your focus shouldn't be on worrying about the little ones. Everything when you are shopping for your wedding dress should be about you, the Bride.
6. Bring people you trust: This goes with number 3, knowing what looks good on you and people who will be honest on how the dress looks. Don't bring a lot of people with you. Everyone will have differing opinions and too many can get confusing and overwhelming.
7. Buy what fits NOW: I've worked with numerous brides who have purchased a dress a size or two smaller with the plan of working out and losing weight so that a smaller size will fit on their wedding day. Although the intention is great (and I'm all for improving your fitness), often times the stress of the planning, the extra celebrations and parties cause the best intentions to fail. It's a lot easier to take a dress in then to let the seams out.
Do you have any other tips or hints that you would like to share with other Brides? Have you worked with a Wedding Gown Shop that treated you like Royalty. Drop me a note. Who knows? Your tip might be featured in a future blog about shopping for a wedding dress.