Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most momentous moment when getting married, and it requires a little bit of careful planning and some key knowledge before you step into the fitting room.
Besides screenshotting or pinning your favourite bridal gowns, there are a few other important items to bring with you to one of our local stockist when searching for your dream wedding dress.
When you go wedding dress shopping, it's essential to be prepared to make the most of your experience. Think about the people you want to bring with you. Sometimes less is more and too many options can ruin a beautiful wedding dress. We recommend 4 people maximum.
Here's a checklist of items to bring with you to ensure a successful and enjoyable dress shopping trip:
- Undergarments: Wear or bring the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as a strapless bra or shapewear. This will help you get a better idea of how the dress will look. The dreaded of having visible underwear can be all to real. It's important to bring any skin-coloured options you may opt for with a dress because it definitely makes a difference when you see the dress on. We recommend bring a selection of bra and shapewear that you may be plan on wearing. It can really change the shape of the dress and dictate your decision, as you don’t want visual lines changing the look of your dream dress.
- Shoes: If you have your wedding shoes, bring them along, or at least shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you see how the dress falls and if any alterations are needed. It's always a good idea to bring a wedding shoe you have your eye on because it will likely fit the dress if you find it, and it's good to know the height you want to have. Heels also make your posture look better in a dress, so even a small heel is a good idea. You don’t want to find your dream dress and then closer to your wedding day when you have all the element together realised that with your heels the dress in now the wrong height, i.e you buy a short hem dress like Kaoria or a high thing split like Flora. Don’t worry if you haven’t found the right show yet, as long as you know the height that you want to wear then it shouldn’t affect the dress too much. Many of our stockist have shoes to try on with your dress, but it’s best to bring a pair that fits you well and is around the same heel height that you’ll wear on the big day.
- Hair Accessories: If you plan to wear a specific veil, headpiece, or hair accessory, bring them with you to see how they complement the dresses you try on. Many bridal shop will have there own for you to try and many of our dresses have matching veils so don’t forget to ask your bridal consultant about these.
- Inspiration: Bring photos or ideas of dresses you like. This will help the consultant understand your style and preferences and guide you to dresses that match your vision. Whether you’re looking for a traditional wedding dress or you haven’t really got an idea of a dress style you picture yourself in, coming to your appointment with reference photos is a great way to help narrow down the options. Trying make a mood board or Pinterest board of dresses you may have been gravitate towards, or at least the vibe of the wedding you’re envisioning. This can help your bridal salon stylist will have a better understanding of what you’re looking for and will thank you for it.
- Budget Information: Know your budget or price range, and communicate it to the consultant. This will help them select dresses within your budget and saves any disappointment that you might have.
- Open Mind: Be open to trying on different styles and designs. Sometimes, a dress that looks stunning on a hanger may not be what you envisioned but can surprise you when you put it on. Don’t be afraid to try a little bit of colour. this doesn’t have be too loud colours. Soft prints like Gardenia and tinted blushes like Karmen might be worth trying.
- Time: Dress shopping can take time. Allow for extra time for travel and between appointments. You don't want to feel rushed during such an important decision.
- Photos: Most bridal boutiques allow photos, but always ask for permission first. Taking pictures can help you remember what you liked about each dress.
- Notebook and Pen: Take notes on the dresses you try on. Record the style number, designer, and your thoughts. This can be helpful if you visit multiple stores and need to compare or looking make when making the final decision.
- Wedding Date and Venue Information: Knowing your wedding date and venue can be helpful for the consultant in understanding the formality and theme of your wedding. Don’t leave buying your dress to the last minute
- Payment Method: If you plan to purchase a dress during your shopping trip, be prepared to make a deposit or pay in full, depending on the store's policies
One of the biggest tips we can give about getting the perfect wedding dress is to plan your vision and don’t have any regrets. This is your wedding dress, so dont let anyone change your vision.
We hope that this blog has given you the inspiration needed.
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