Top Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

In this blog post Caroline from Bridal Gossip will run through her top tips for Wedding Dress shopping.

Your wedding gown is arguably the most important outfit you’ll ever wear, but it’s a situation that can send many brides-to-be into a state of panic. Sure, it should be a dream-shopping trip. However, in reality, it’s a complete minefield, and with so many options, it can become an overwhelming task. You’ll often find that every bride has had a different shopping experience, and what works for one is not always best for another. With so many styles and widely varying prices, it can seem daunting to find that perfect dress for you. Like with many aspects of your wedding, choosing the right dress involves careful planning, consideration of your individual taste and limits, and patience while you look for that special dress that makes you shine. To give you a helping hand below are some of Carolines super useful tips for finding the perfect dress! 

The Right Fit for Your Body Type

Every bride wants to look absolutely breathtaking on her wedding day, so choosing the right style is key. Whether you are going for a traditional white gown or for an alternative style, you want a dress that suits you and showcases your beauty.

Focus on Fit, Not Size

The Bridal industry is notorious for smaller sizes than the average high street dress, so if you normally buy a size 12, you may need a 14. So forget the numbers and don’t insist on a smaller size because you intend to lose weight before the wedding, order the one that fits now. A gown is easy to take in, but difficult and costly to let out. Bridal Gossip has a range of dresses that can be ordered in from a size 6 to 30, with something to suit every bride.

Underwear

It’s really useful to wear appropriate underwear when trying dresses on. Caroline from Bridal Gossip can advise you on the right underwear for your dress and there are certain styles of dresses that seamstresses can add an internal bra strap around your back if needed to give you the feeling of security if you’re wearing a strapless gown. Remember good fitting underwear will make a massive difference to any outfit, so make sure you get measured properly at a lingerie store.

Location

The appropriate dress for your location will help you focus your search. Will you be having a daytime ceremony on the beach? Maybe rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. Exchanging vows in a candlelit church? Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable all year-round, but some are more appropriate for warm or cold weather.

Keep an Open Mind

Bridal boutiques are the best places to get the advice you need when it comes to a wedding gown, so take their advice, even if what we suggest you try on doesn’t seem like your style. Some dresses don’t look like much on the hanger but look great on. A lot of brides put a lot of pressure on themselves to believe that when they put THE dress on that they will just ‘know’ it’s the dress, it doesn’t always happen like this, a lot of brides need to sleep on it and then decide, there is no right or wrong.

Do your research

Before going to the boutique have an idea of the type of dress you are looking for. Cut out images from bridal magazines or pinterest. The traditional Ivory Wedding Gown may not be for you, and now with such an amazing variety of colour out there to choose from there is more to consider. Ivory, Rose, Blush, Champagne, Nude, Deco Gold?

The right time to shop

A lot of weddings gowns can take a few months to be made so make sure you consider the time needed for this plus any alterations. You also don’t want to go too early! Style and trends quite often change, so choosing a dress more than a year in advance can sometimes leave you querying your decisions or see something else that you prefer.

Limit who you take

Bring only a couple of people along with you. Your Mum or one or two friends whose opinions you know you can trust. Don’t bring an entourage. You need to be able to hear yourself think, and follow your own instincts about which dress makes you look and feel great. It’s always best to leave children at home if you can so you can fully focus.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy yourself – shopping for your wedding dress should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if anything make some long-lasting memories from your wedding dress shopping trip.

Find out more about Caroline and Bridal Gossip

Photography by Nick Pearce Photography

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