GO INTO IT WITH AN OPEN HEART AND OPEN MIND Not everyone cries when they find "the one". Just because your grandma bawled the second she stepped into her wedding gown doesn't mean that is going to be your experience, everyones is different. Sometimes it takes trying the dress on two or three times to really feel like the one. It might even take 3 or 4 different shops or 5 or 6 different designers before you finally find it. If you go in thinking you need to cry or only see it once to be certain you might be disappointed when you don't. Dress buying is a process, and everyone's process is different.
Don’t stress too much, everything will absolutely turn out!
dress to impress
Dress shopping can be overwhelming, the pressure to find the perfect dress is exhausting to think about. But don't let it ruin your experience! Remember, most people don't pick the first dress they put on, and if they do it is usually after trying a few others on and coming back to that one.
Wedding dresses can be an extension of your personality and personal style. Chances are you might not know what that looks like off hand, but don't fret, most stylists can help you define this within your wedding dress.
Remember not to go too far outside of your comfort zone when it comes to wedding dresses! You don’t want to be pulling and tugging at it all night, and you always want to feel like an elevated version of yourself in it, not a different person.
tips on how to dress to impress
STYLES AND SILHOUETTES There are six basic different bridal styles: Romantic, Classic, Boho, Modern, Glamorous, and Non-Traditional. Your personal style should be reflected in the dress you choose. Consider whether you prefer a classic or modern style, and if you want a dress that is simple or more elaborate.
THE SIX SILHOUETTES: A-line Silhouettes-This shape is narrow and fitted at the top and extends outward at the natural waist, like an “A” shape. Tea Length Silhouettes-Tea-length and short wedding dresses typically have an A-line silhouette that is tight at the bodice, flares out at the waist and ends just above or below the knees.
Mermaid- A mermaid gown is a form-fitting style with a tight fitting bodice that flares outward at or below the knees. Perfect for showing off your curves
Trumpet- has a straighter fit at the bodice than the mermaid and subtly flares out mid-thigh.
Ball Gown- A ball gown has a full skirt that extends from the natural waist to the ground.
Sheath- Also known as a column silhouette, this style flows with the natural body line and can even add length for the shorter brides.
The venue and theme of your wedding should also be considered when choosing a wedding dress shape. For instance, if you are having a beach wedding, a lightweight and flowy dress may be more appropriate, while a more structured and formal dress would be suitable for a church wedding.
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DRESS BUDGET The second you walk in the door, tell the stylist your budget after tax and alterations. You do not want to fall in love with a dress, only to have to say goodbye because it is outside of your budget.
Determine your budget before you start shopping and try to stick to it. Keep in mind that alterations and accessories can add to the cost of the dress, so factor those into your budget as well.
THE EXTRAS These are all the other pieces that go along with the wedding dress! The shapewear, the shoes, the veil, the jewelry. Pretty much everything you know you will be wanting to wear on your wedding day. Some can be determined after you find the dress, but things like shoe height and heirloom jewelry should be considered first.
go in with a budget
WHAT TO WEAR If you are planning on wearing Spanx or shareware, lingerie, or something specific underneath your dress, be sure and bring this or wear this to your try on to give yourself the full effect.
Also the height of the shoe you will be wearing on the day. You don’t want to try your shoe on barefoot only to realize you will be wearing a 6 inch heel that completely changes the length and shape.
WHO SHOULD GO WITH YOU The people whose opinion you value the most! That doesn't have to be your entire wedding party, or your entire family tree, just whoever makes you feel most comfortable. This will be one piece of clothing you will cherish for eternity, you don't want the voice of someone's acceptance or disapproval ringing in your ear as you try and decide what you will be wearing.
Go with your gut here!
TAKE PHOTOS Take photos, front and back, from the side, you moving, pretty much every angle you can think of! Especially for the ones you really like. That way when you are thinking back on all of the dresses you have tried on that day (or week) you can remember exactly what they looked like and what you loved about each one.
Even take photos of the ones you didn’t necessarily fall in love with. This will help you know what to steer away from next time.
