Choosing the perfect wedding dress can take weeks if not months! This isn’t entirely surprising considering the large extent of choices and the desire of every bride to look their best on their wedding day. Who can blame you after all? To lessen the stress of it all, however – here are some tips that should speed up the process.
Remember Accessories
The right accessories can help balance out the dress and complete its overall look. If you have heirlooms, it’s a good idea to bring them with you during the fitting just to see the overall impact. Or you can go the other way around and find accessories to match the dress.
Consider Your Body Shape
Different cuts work for different body shapes and you should be aware of yours. Keep in mind that just because you like the style doesn’t mean it would work for your body shape. Try keeping things basic at first and focus on the cut. Is it A-line, princess type, sweetheart, mermaid, or some other style? Once you find the cut or cuts that work for your body type, you’ll have a starting point for your search.
Browse, Browse, Browse
There’s no avoiding the extensive amount of browsing you’ll need to do to find the perfect dress. The key is to browse in specific places so that you won’t be disappointed when you finally find the one you want, only to have problems ordering it. Narrow down your browsing to certain stores or shops that you know can deliver to your location.
Think of the Season
The venue and season are a huge factor when choosing your wedding dress – especially if the event is outdoors. You want to be resplendent – but you also want to be comfortable. This all boils down to the fabric of the dress. For summer – you want something light and airy, but for the colder season, something heavier and warmer should be the goal.
Wedding Style and Theme
The theme of the wedding can also affect the selection of the wedding gown. Ideally, the two should complement each other. For example, a long train wouldn’t work with a beach wedding. You’d want to hit that balance between comfort and style as you walk down the aisle.
Wear the Good Underwear
Wedding gowns often feature unique designs, daring cuts, and sheer fabrics. For the most accurate fitting, wear the same undergarments you plan to use on your wedding day. This allows you to understand precisely how the dress interacts with your chosen lingerie, preventing unforeseen wardrobe issues and ensuring a seamless fit. Additionally, you’ll get a sense of your comfort level and the silhouette your dress and undergarments create together.
Move Around Wearing the Dress
When choosing a wedding dress, comfort is of paramount importance. It’s not just about how the dress looks; it’s about how you feel in it too. For many brides, the wedding day is a long one, starting early in the morning with preparations and often extending into the night with the reception. Therefore, it is essential that you choose a dress that allows you to move freely and doesn’t cause any discomfort over the course of the day.
This is particularly important if you plan on wearing the same dress for the reception as you do for the ceremony. Many receptions involve dancing and lots of movement, so it’s vital that your dress can accommodate this. It might look stunning on the rack or in photos, but if you can’t dance or enjoy yourself in it, it could dampen your experience.
To ensure your dress is comfortable, try moving around in it. Walk back and forth across the room, bend down as if you were picking something up or greeting a small child, sit down as if you’re having dinner. Evaluate how the dress feels during these movements. Does it restrict your movement in any way? Does it feel tight or uncomfortable when you bend or sit?
It’s crucial to consider these factors because your wedding day isn’t just about standing still and looking beautiful. You’ll be moving around to greet guests, dancing, sitting for meals, and more. The last thing you want is for your dress to limit your movement or cause discomfort, potentially detracting from the joy of your special day.
If you’re able to do all of these things without any issue, then you’ve likely found a dress that is not only beautiful but also comfortable. You should be able to enjoy your wedding day without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort. Remember, your dress should not only make you look good, but also feel good. Your wedding is a celebration, and the right dress should help make it a joyous and comfortable experience for you.
Don’t Get Too Hang Up on Sizes
Don’t worry too much about sizes because all wedding dresses are subject to alteration. Find the dress that looks good on you and simply have it adjusted as needed when the wedding day comes nearer. Many brides also stress about their weight months before the wedding and would often order a smaller size to “inspire” them to lose weight. Don’t fall into this trap and simply choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful. Alterations can come later.
Get Feedback – But not too Much
Have you seen Say Yes to the Dress? If so, you’ll notice that a large entourage isn’t always a good idea. This generates so many opinions from people who may or may not help with the selection process. Ask for feedback but only from the people you trust to have your best interest at heart. At the end of the day, you’re buying a dress to please yourself and not other people.
Maintain a Realistic Budget
Finally, don’t forget that your choice of a gown depends on your budget. Try to keep it within a reasonable price range. If you’re buying online, then factor in the cost of shipping and alterations that may be made before the wedding itself.
