This week, I have been watching many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress. As I watch brides choose their dream dresses, I cannot help but flashback to when I found mine. My experience was simple and perfect, so I felt this would be a great opportunity to share some of my tips for brides hoping to say yes to the dress!
- Do Research. Prior to dress shopping, I had spent a lot of time on Pinterest looking for gowns that fit my style. I recommend checking out bridal magazines, websites, and other bridal resources! For me, Pinterest was easiest.
- Keep your wedding location in mind. As you know if you followed my wedding series on the blog, our wedding was in Hawaii. We chose not to have our wedding on the beach, though. We love the beach, but we love mountains more. So, our big day was in the mountains of Honolulu, meaning I didn’t feel pigeonholed and obligated to search for a beachy dress. The gown I ended up choosing probably would have worked just fine for a beach oddly enough haha.
- Schedule your bridal appointment at least 9 months prior to the big day. Having at least 9 months allows you ample time to no only find the dress, but get alternations if needed, attend fittings, and decide on accessories. Also, I recommend scheduling on a weekday. The consultants will have less brides to deal with, ultimately giving you all the attention you deserve.
- Consider bringing a smaller group to your bridal appointment. As much as I love all my bridesmaids, they have different styles. In reality, only one person’s opinion mattered most to me, and that was my mom’s. So, my mom and I scheduled an appointment on a Wednesday at Noon… just us two. Best decision ever. I found my dress that day. The appointment was quick. I got to share that moment with my mom. It was perfect.
- Keep an open mind. I honestly thought I knew exactly what I wanted going in. I was certain I wanted a lot of tulle and an a-line silhouette. Looking back, I can’t even remember the first and third dresses I tried on because I loved the second one so much. I just remember that the style I envisioned did not flatter my height at all. I ended up finding a sheath gown with a chapel train, cap sleeves, and keyhole back. Ugh… I love it so much.
- If you like to boogie on the dance floor, don’t settle for a dress that restricts you. Another super important aspect of wedding dress shopping for me… I needed a dress that wasn’t heavy, easy to dance in, and beautiful. Especially considering we were in Hawaii. It wasn’t under 70 degrees. That’s for sure.
- Dress size? Is it important? Bridal sizes aren’t the same as other clothing sizes. Don’t get too focused on it. HOWEVER, I will say that you should ask to be measured and ensure the size chosen is the best choice for you. I say this because I ordered a size 4 in my dress, when I should have ordered a size 2. This would have saved me a lot of time and money on alterations. Even the seamstress asked why I chose a size 4… I didn’t. The consultant recommended it. Their recommendations aren’t always spot on. Ask for a second opinion if necessary!
- Don’t ignore the budget. Seriously. Don’t do it. If you can’t afford a dress over $3,000, why tease yourself by looking at dresses that are over your price point? My budget was originally $1,000 because I didn’t even think the style I loved (tons of lace and tulle) were available for less than that. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a gown for half my original budget. I could care less about designer, quite frankly. I wore it once. For barely 8 hours. It is in a bag that I don’t plan on opening for a while. Eventually, I may turn it into a christening dress for a future child, but we will see.
- You do not have to buy a veil/accessories from the bridal shop. I remember looking at bridal accessories when at my first fitting and laughing at the cost. Instead of spending over $70 on a veil, I had one of my bridesmaids create one for me. I bought the comb for $15, she bought the small amount of tulle, and she sewed it onto the comb. The veil was perfect because it was not only gorgeous, but it was made for me by one of my best friends.
- Follow YOUR heart! The most important tip I can give is to follow your heart. If you feel beautiful in the dress, go for it. Don’t get caught up in the opinions of others. Do what makes you happy.
Saying yes to the dress is such an amazing moment in a person’s life. I am so grateful that my experience was simple, relaxed, and successful on the first try. Always remember that your opinion is most important. It is your dress. You will be wearing it. You have to see the photos in your home each day. It should be exactly what you want.
Completely unwarranted life lesson from a married woman #22: Don’t let the idea of “perfection” stress you out. No matter what happens, if you are confident and happy… then you will look perfect.
