So, you just got engaged and you are ready to find the gown of your dreams! First of all, congratulations! 🎉
Now back to the dress— With so many styles, lengths, textures, designers, and details to choose from, you may not even know where to begin. Maybe you’re tempted to just try them all or to give up before you even start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options or if you have no idea where to begin, we’ve got you covered.
The first step in your wedding dress journey is asking yourself these questions:
What’s the Setting?
First things first—consider the date, season, and venue of your wedding! Will it be warm and humid outside? Is there potential for rain? Will there be luscious white snow on the ground? Is it in a Spring garden, at an art gallery in the Fall, or on the beach in the Summer? These factors can be important in deciding whether you prefer sleeves or sleeveless and what type of fabric you’ll want to wear!
What’s Your Budget?
Plan your budget ahead of time. Otherwise, you may find the perfect gown for $4,000 and later realize you’ve spent a third of your overall wedding budget (and that doesn’t include the alterations you may need). Speaking of alterations, make sure to factor this in when thinking about the max price you feel comfortable spending. If your budget is smaller, you can still get a great gown if you consider shopping at a Trunk Show or a Sample Sale. If you plan ahead and know when to shop, you can find some amazing deals on beautiful gowns, and you may just find “the one!”
What’s Your Timeline?
Timeline is key when considering your options. A shorter timeline of 3 months or less may dictate whether or not you can do a special order or customizations. But you still have great options! You can search for gowns off the rack in your size range or find a dress by a designer that happens to carry a large number of dresses in stock. A longer timeline definitely allows for more options and even customizations. So make sure you let your bridal stylist know your wedding date before you discuss dresses!
What’s Your Personal Style?
This is where it gets really fun. Is your style classic and traditional? Sleek and sophisticated? Boho chic? Fun and flirty? Your personal style will help you narrow your search right from the beginning. There are so many styles to choose from, and knowing what you like (and don’t like) will help you find what fits you best. A mermaid style gown with sequins may not be for you, and you may decide you don’t love lace. Perhaps a simple crepe or flowy chiffon gown could be the one, or maybe a gown with a simple touch of elegant beadwork. You might be surprised by how decisive you are when you really consider what your true style is. Your wedding dress is the most self-expressive gown you will probably ever wear, so it’s important to find one that makes you feel like you - your very best you!
Do You Have a Designer in Mind?
Is there a designer or two you’ve been following closely on Instagram? Do you scroll through their page and double tap almost every photo? Go for it! You’ve done your research and you know what you want. Figure out where to find this designer’s gowns, and schedule an appointment. You may or may not fall in love with the dresses you try on, but that will be the easiest place to start!
Are You Willing to Go Outside Your Comfort Zone?
This one is important to decide well before you start trying on dresses. You know yourself best, and if you are daring to try something new, it could create an amazing look for your wedding day! If you’re willing, let your bridal stylist choose a few dresses that you may not have thought of before, but that they think would fit your body type or venue. You may just be surprised by the perfect dress! But know this going into your search— What are your deal breakers? If you don’t feel secure in a certain style, you don’t have to try and make it work. Find what makes you feel most confident and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
You have a huge but really fun decision to make. No pressure! But really, you’ve got this. Set some goals, make a list, and prepare for this big decision. But most importantly, enjoy every moment of this season! And as always, if you don’t want to do any of your own research, our stylists are here to help you figure out what you want and find something amazing that doesn’t exceed your budget.