Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

We've got you covered on how to choose your wedding dress, whether you've dreamed of it since you were a kid and have detailed specifications down to the last detail, or you didn't even think about it until after your engagement. 

 

The search for your dream gown can be stressful. As the most expensive garment most women will ever own, and you've probably never tried one on before, the pressure can be high when shopping for a wedding dress! There may also seem to be a whole new language to learn-tulle, A-line, fit-and-flare, organza, sheath, etc. Furthermore, more brides are shopping for multiple dresses-one formal one for the ceremony and one party-centric one for the reception-which can make shopping even more challenging.

 

Here are some shopping tips to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams, no matter what your budget, style, or timeline may be.

 

 

Have a budget in mind

Buying a wedding dress isn't like buying everyday clothes. Your wedding dress is going to be worn on one of the most important days of your life, so you'll probably spend a pretty penny on it! Wedding dresses at Studio I Do Bridals range between $1,500 to $8,000.

Brides should factor in other costs when budgeting for their wedding dress. These include alterations, accessories, cleaning, and preservation.

 

 

Know your timeline

Orders generally arrive within 4-6 months of being placed. After you factor in 2 months for alterations, we recommend starting your search 10-12 months before your wedding. Availability of sizes and styles may be limited since not everyone has that much time before their wedding. If you have a dream dress in mind, we will do everything we can to help you achieve it!

 

Choose your bride tribe wisely

Choosing a dress for your wedding day is a monumental event in your life, and you want your closest friends and family there with you. However, you will hear more opinions the more people you bring, and we have seen the "burned out" look too often. We suggest having no more than four guests.

We want to make sure your experience is memorable, keeping the focus on you, and answering all your questions!

 

 

Research & Bring Inspo

Create a visual file by ripping pages out of magazines, saving posts and videos on social media, exploring Pinterest, and looking at what celebrity brides are wearing. Next, notice if there is a common theme—are they all lace, voluminous, or embellished? Is there an open back on all of them? When you go to your first appointment, bring your inspiration photos. This can help us determine where to start by providing examples of what you like. 

 

Be open to trying out-of-the-box styles

 Dresses that brides never imagined they would like end up on their wedding days. Every gown appears differently on hangers, mannequins, and even models. This experience is all about trying every silhouette. You might even surprise yourself!

 

 

Don’t be afraid to say YES!

You'll have a blast being a bride! This is one of the most special moments in a bride's wedding experience. When you marry your fiancé, you want a gown that complements your body, style, and personality. You will cherish this memory for the rest of your life. Enjoy this special experience and have a great time!