Wedding dress shopping is often an exciting time for brides, but can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are some simple guidelines to help make your bridal boutique experience as fun and stress-free as possible...
Don't...
...wear fake tan.
Nobody wants to buy a wedding dress covered in streaky tan marks. If you want to tan, then opt for a formula you know won't rub off to avoid staining the dresses - you want to be clean and fresh on the day. Ditto, avoid wearing heavy makeup that may rub off on fabrics.Â
...bring too many people with you.
Forget what you've seen on Say Yes To The Dress - entourages of 10+ people are NOT the norm at bridal boutiques. Not only will this make the appointment more inconvenient for your bridal consultant, but it will also overwhelm you with different opinions.Â
...try on anything you can't afford.
This is a tricky one to stick to, but we always recommend having a limit when you're shopping. If you know that you're sticking to a tight dress budget, then trying on a style you can't afford may mean you end up spending more than intended and having to cut back elsewhere. Even worse, if you fall in love with a gown and genuinely can't afford it, it may mean that dresses you can afford can't live up to the original expensive dress.Â
...go hungry.Â
Shopping when hangry is unwise at the best of times, but especially so when you're wedding dress shopping. Bear in mind that this can be an emotional decision with a lot of importance placed on it, so don't make tons of appointments in one day and skip lunch. Give yourself time to recharge and discuss with your entourage over a light lunch or snacks. We also recommend you bring a bottle of water to boutiques, as wedding dresses are heavy and it can make for hot work getting in and out!
Do...
...your research!
You don't need to know exactly what kind of wedding dress you're after, but knowing some of the lingo beforehand can really help your bridal consultant narrow down what you're looking for. Do you prefer a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck? Is your dream dress made of organza, lace or satin? Do you want a mermaid or an A-line skirt? Knowing these things is sure to make the wedding dress shopping process a lot simpler.Â
...wear the right underwear.
You'll be changing into lots of different dresses, often with the help of a bridal consultant, so be aware of this when you're choosing your lingerie for the day! We recommend choosing seamless underwear in nude so that sits well under the fabric and won't show through. If you're planning on wearing a particular strapless bra or shapewear, then take these with you to get the full effect on the day.Â
...bring people you trust.Â
The key to deciding who to bring with you while wedding dress shopping is trust. You need people with you who will be honest with you but also honour your feelings and realise that your opinion is the most important. Don't feel that you need to bring your mum or maid of honour if you find shopping with them stressful. If you feel most comfortable alone, go alone - or even bring your fiance with you if you don't mind them seeing the dress!
...keep an open mind.
While you might have spotted the perfect wedding dress on Pinterest, we always recommend that you try a variety of shapes, styles and fabrics. Don't judge a wedding dress on the hanger, as they often look much better on, and ask your bridal consultant what their recommendations are. You never know what might surprise you!
Ready to start wedding dress shopping? Find your nearest bridal boutique here!