7 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

Hands down the most fun part of wedding planning for so many brides! You can finally, legitimately walk into a bridal shop and look around without worrying anyone is going to give you a funny look…

But fun as it may be, there’s still lots to think about before you slip into that first little number, to make sure you get the dress of your dreams. Here are a few tips from us to help you on the way!

1. Think about your budget

This is super important to know beforehand - how much can you / do you want to spend on your dress? Most experts agree that the average dress costs up to £1400, and in truth you could spend anything from £800 to £10,000 on it - depending on what you’re after.

It can help you avoid disappointment if you ask the bridal shop to only show you dresses in your price range.

2. Think about your bridal style

Pin a few images of what kind of dress you can see yourself in, to give you an idea of which dresses to look at first - but don’t narrow your options when it comes to trying on. So many brides say they end up going for a dress they would never have imagined, merely because someone convinced them to try it on and think outside their style. So be open-minded but come with a few ideas!

(Photography by Burnt Orange Photography)

3. Start looking as soon as possible

If you can, start looking at wedding dresses more or less as soon as you’re engaged. It can take a few weeks (or maybe months) to find the right one and fitting in appointments around your schedule, and many bridal shops advise ordering 6-9 months before the wedding date to allow for fitting, alterations and delivery.

4. Research your bridal shops

Have they been recommended? Which designers do they carry? What prices do their dresses range from? Have they received good online reviews? Are you allowed to take photos of yourself in the dresses? Due diligence is a must when it comes to booking your bridal appointments.

5. Consider your shopping buddies

Once you know how many guests your dress appointment will allow, have a think about who you want with you when you’re trying on dresses. Do you want someone who can give you honest, practical advice? Or do you just want someone who can tell you how great you look in every dress! Mums and bridesmaids are great to bring along to these appointments, just make sure none of them will be more of a hindrance than a help! A stressed-out bride doesn’t enjoy trying on dresses!

(Photography by Eleri Tunstall at ICKOOTU Photography)

6. Dress up for your dressing up

It’s usually a good idea to come to your bridal appointments dressed a little like you imagine yourself to look on the wedding day - to get the best idea of how the dress will work for your style. If you plan on an updo, try a makeshift version of it for the appointment. Bring your nude underwear and your control pants just in case!

7. Ask questions

When you’re at your appointment, make sure you grill the advisor as much as you can. How does the payment process work? Are the alterations included? They are the experts, so soak up as much of their advice as you can!

Have fun!

Until next time.....

Valerie x

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