A Step-by-Step Guide to Low-Stress Wedding Dress Shopping
Most women have dreamt about their wedding since twirling around in dress-up clothes as a young girl. From the pretty decorations to the elegant cake, it’s something most fantasize about. But the one thing (besides their spouse-to-be) that fosters the most excitement is the gown.
When the moment arrives, it’s not unusual for that excitement to turn into anxious second-guessing on what you’re envisioning for your perfect dress. One of the top challenges for brides can be finding the right dress, but it doesn’t have to be. Sit back, relax, and follow this guide for a low-stress wedding dress shopping experience.
Here are the guidelines for low-stress wedding dress shopping:
Set a Budget
When beginning wedding planning, you likely set an overall budget. You probably set aside a portion for particular vendors, depending on the quotes you received. Budgeting for a wedding dress is no different.
To give you an idea of an appropriate budget, in the U.S., brides spend around $1,600 for their dress and alterations. However, traditional bridal gowns usually range from $500 (Avery Austin has a collection of wedding dresses under $500 to check out) to $4,000.
When shopping in-store, the associate will ask about your budget and will only show you options within that range. There can seem like an overwhelming number of available options, so this method minimizes the time you spend searching and keeps expectations in check.
Purchase Ahead of Time
Wedding shopping often requires a lot of time and should not be done in haste. There is no doubt that the more prepared you are, the less stress you’ll face. If you are interested in a custom-made wedding dress or even a dress that may require alteration, know that it also adds time.
So, plan and start early. If you’re shopping for a ready-to-wear wedding dress, you will need enough time to select the right fit and perfect style, so the earlier, the better.
Search by Style
There are endless options for wedding dress styles, and what you choose depends on your personal style and wedding theme. For example, if your vibe is a dreamy, magical wedding, you may want to go for a tulle lace gown. If you’re going to keep it traditional, go for a strapless ball gown. For a sexy and feminine look, opt for a mermaid gown.
Beyond personal style, some dress silhouettes highlight particular body shapes better than others. Brides can accentuate the features they like most about their bodies in the right dress shape without sacrificing modesty. For example, an A-line gown suits most body types, whereas petite brides may find an empire waist more fitting. The raised waistline gives you a taller appearance while highlighting the bust. If you’re looking for a slim-fitting gown, go for a column or sheath gown.
A good place to start identifying your style is on Pinterest. Before you start looking, narrow down your likes into a special wedding dress board. You can show the store associate the photos at your appointment.
Shop Online with Care
You might want to shop from a physical store because you want to see, touch, and feel the wedding dress before making the purchase. Know that physical store locations can have limited inventory.
Shopping online is not only convenient, but you can also browse through endless options. You can shop on the go or at home when the time is right for you. When shopping from an online store, please know not all online retailers are the same when it comes to quality. However, there are plenty of reputable options. You can shop for wedding dresses from Morilee for quality gowns in a wide array of choices. Or, many recent brides opt to save on their dress by shopping at an online boutique or department store with pretty white dresses.
Be Patient and Trust Your Instincts
If you have not yet found the perfect wedding dress after shopping around, relax, and allow yourself some grace. Many brides feel anxious about shopping for the right wedding dress, which is okay. If you’re in a dilemma or have confusion between different styles, take as much time as you need. You will know when you find the right wedding dress, so trust your instinct there.
Limit Who You Show Your Dress To
It is common for brides to have their mother, sister, or bridesmaids tag along to make a day of wedding dress shopping. A second opinion matters and may help you choose the right dress, but limit who you show your dress to. Remember, negative comments can stick in your head and compel you to make decisions that you otherwise wouldn’t. So, be selective about who you want to show your dress to.
Shopping for a Wedding Dress Can Be Fun!
Your wedding is an important event in your life, and the highlight of your wedding is your wedding dress. You cannot go wrong with your wedding dress if you choose one that appeals to you. Many brides find wedding shopping stressful. But with this step-by-step guide, your wedding dress shopping not only becomes less stressful but fun too!
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