What do I need to know about wedding dress shopping. Top tips from a bridal boutique owner in Wadebridge Cornwall.

Top Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping!

January 30, 2018 / Top Tips

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 the 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 my super useful tips for finding the perfect dress!

Choose the Right Fit for Your Body Type.

Every bride wants to look absolutely breath taking 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. Now us ladies are known for being terrible for complimenting ourselves when it comes to our own bodies, however when it comes to the wedding gown, it’s time to really consider what you love or what your not so comfortable with when it comes to your body. They’re maybe a part of you that hubby to be absolutely rave’s about, so why not embrace this and make it a focal point! Don’t get too hung up on the size, but how the fit and the dress makes you feel as that’s the most important. Taking this into consideration, 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. I can advise you on the right underwear for your dress and there are certain styles of dresses that our seamstress 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

Think about your day and what kind of wedding dress is appropriate. Knowing the venue of your wedding will help 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. Take a look at my blog on What wedding dress will suit my venue.

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 our advice, even if what we suggest to try on doesn’t seem like your style. Some dresses don’t look like much on the hanger but look great on. Be realistic when it comes to finding the dress for you. This process could start by knowing what you don’t like, so please don’t get put off or disappointed. 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 one, 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.

Focus on Fit, Not Size

Image by Nick Pearce Photography

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.
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 sometime leave you querying your decisions or see something else that you prefer.

Limit who you take

Image by Carolyn Oakley Photography - Dress by Bridal Gossip

Bring only a couple of people along you with you. Your Mum or one or two friends whose opinions you know you can trust. Try not to 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 find someone to watch the children, 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.

Image by Laura Buffery Photography