Your bridal look is one of the most important wardrobe choices you’ll ever make, and it can feel like a daunting task (to say the least!). You’re going to be looking at photos of yourself in that dress for years to come, and selecting one winner out of a sea of gorgeous gowns that suits your style, bod, and budget? Well, that’s no easy feat. To help guide you on your journey to your dream dress, we asked The Knot Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor, Shelley Brown, to share her top wedding dress shopping tips.
1. Do your research first.
“If you start your search knowing your likes and dislikes, it will make the whole process a lot easier,” says Brown. “If you’re having trouble deciding on styles you like, think about the style of your wedding venue, time of year, and general theme to help you narrow it down.”
2. Give yourself enough time.
“You should start shopping for wedding fashion 12 to 9 months before your wedding date. That will give you plenty of time to receive your dress and make any necessary alterations.”
3. Budget beyond just the dress.
“After setting the budget for your wedding, decide how much of that will be spent on your dress. In addition to the cost of the dress, you’ll want to budget for taxes, alterations, and possibly shipping,” Brown advises. “Don’t forget to also set aside part of that budget (10 to 20 percent) for extras like your shoes, veil, and jewelry.”
4. Come with inspiration.
“The Knot magazine and TheKnot.com are great places to start! (Wink.) Pinterest and Instagram also offer lots of great inspo. Tear out pages and save images you like and make sure to show them to your consultant at your first appointment.”
5. Identify your wedding style.
According to Brown, “Consider the formality of your ceremony and the features of the site. Your gown should also reflect the time and place of your nuptials. If you’re having a formal candlelit ceremony you probably won’t want to be sporting a short sundress, and an afternoon beach wedding isn’t the place to break out the cathedral-length train and veil.”
“Take a minute to close your eyes and envision yourself as a bride. What do you see? Are you wearing a full ballgown with your hair in romantic ringlets? Or are you outfitted in an ethereal, flowing dress and loose hair sprinkled with flowers? Write down six adjectives that best describe how you want to look and feel on your wedding day. Some examples: glam, sexy, sophisticated, over-the-top, classic, boho.”
6. Focus on accentuating features, not hiding ‘flaws.’
“When trying on dresses, focus less on your weight and more on the shape and frame of your body,” she says. “Your weight may be constantly fluctuating, especially during highly stressful situations, so don’t let that be the deciding factor in choosing a dress. Concentrate on finding silhouettes that accentuate the features you love. And, don’t feel pressured to wear a certain silhouette purely based on your body shape. Ignore all of that outdated advice and just choose what makes you feel amazing.”
7. Read the dress descriptions.
“If you’re shopping online, pay attention to the size guide and the fabric description,” notes Brown. “Photos can be deceiving, and you want to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. If you have any burning questions, take advantage of customer service email, concierge, and chat options before taking the plunge!”
8. Remember: Undergarments are optional.
“Most bridal shops have a few different types of bras in the fitting room. If you have a favorite strapless style or plan on wearing a particular body shaper, go ahead and bring it. You’ll ultimately need your gown-specific undergarments for your first fitting but not your initial appointment or try on.”
9. Choose a trusted tailor.
“If you’re shopping in a salon, chances are, they have a tailor they love–if they don’t offer in-house alterations,” she says. “When all else fails, try word of mouth. Your friends probably have tailors they trust.”
10. Accessorize thoughtfully.
“Think about the overall vibe of your gown and your wedding,” notes Brown. “For example, if you’re having a garden party and wearing a boho-chic lace gown, consider a flower crown or floral jewelry over a classic veil and pearls. If your vision is more classic, it’s a perfect opportunity to opt for those traditional accessories like a veil and pearls. When choosing jewelry, take the neckline of your gown into consideration. And finally, don’t overdo it. You don’t need a veil, tiara, earrings, necklace and a sash. Accessories add a unique touch to your look—which we love—but one too many can be distracting,”
Did these wedding dress shopping tips help you? Tell us in the comments— and shop our newest bridal collection here!
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