At the age of ten, I remember vividly walking through an aisle full of white dresses and my fingers brushing through them feeling the texture of each dress. Studs, lace, satin and tulle. I thought hard, wondering what type of dress I would be wearing on my wedding day and who would be the man that I would marry. As I was day dreaming of that day, I saw my younger sister running right pass me grazing her hands against the dresses and smacking me as she passed by me. I yelled “Debbie look!!” and pulled out a white dress from the rack and said, “this is going to my wedding dress when I grow up.” I remember holding it up against my body as it sparkled I took a twirl. Debbie smiled, but the smile automatically turned into a smirk and she quickly took off. As I finished hanging the dress back, my sister Debbie pulled out a vata –an oversized white night gown— and said, “no this is going to be your wedding dress” and shoved it in my face and we began to laugh.
I guess it’s safe to say that trying on wedding dresses is a girl’s dream come true, but what I am most thrilled about this wedding day planning is that I now have a face to my future husband, Michael. Shopping for a wedding dress should be a happy moment and is an important day for any brides to be. For today’s blog post I thought I would share 10 important things to know before shopping for a wedding dress to assist you in finding the right wedding dress for your big day.
Research and Make Appointments
There are many different styles of wedding dresses available, therefore research the type of styles that interest you and collect them on your pin board or file. After you have an idea of the styles you seem to be pinning or saving more of, minimize it to two- three styles or silhouette. From there pick out your top five photos that illustrate the style of dress you hope to wear on your wedding day. Make sure to do research on the stores you are interested in shopping for. Some stores carry a variety of styles and brands, whereas some stores are limited in styles and brands. Don’t forget to call and make appointments with the stores, most stores require appointments and do not take walk ins. Find out to be on a safe side.
Know Your Time Frame
Most people recommend that you start shopping for a wedding dress 8 months before your wedding date. The average time frame to receive a wedding dress when ordered is 6 months and you always want to allow enough time to make final alterations prior to the big day.
Know Your Budget
Identify the budget and limit you are willing to spend on your wedding gown. You don’t want to waste time trying on dresses out of your budget. Worst, you don’t want to fall in love with a dress that is outside your limit. Remember that the wedding gown doesn’t include alterations, veil, petticoat, shoes, and accessories so make sure you consider those things when creating your wedding gown budget.
Invite Your Supportive Entourage
I emphasized on supportive, because you want to invite people who will be there to support you NOT criticize everything you try on. It’s important to have that supportive circle with you on this significant day, but it is also important to make this day about you and picking a dress that YOU love. Remember, pick a dress that makes you feel like the bride you have always imagined.
Be Open Minded
Share your images and styles that you like with your consultant or your entourage and be open minded with the dresses they find that have similarities of the style you are looking for. I have read that most of the brides, including me, end up choosing a dress that is somewhat different from what you are looking for and that is okay!
Wear Nude Under Garments
Be prepared with proper garments for trying on dresses. You might have dresses that are see through so being prepared with nude garments will help a lot and I highly suggest wearing strapless bra. Also, the bride consultants will be assisting you with trying on dresses so make sure you wear comfortable under garments you don’t mind wearing in front of a total stranger.
Bring Confidence
Your attitude and mindset will impact your level of confidence when trying on dresses, so make sure you have your mind right to make this day a fun and exciting moment for you!
Go Up a Size
Make sure to order the dress in either your current size or even one size up. Do NOT order a size smaller even if you say you “think” you will reach your wedding goal weight. You can always eliminate material, but you can’t add material!
It’s Okay to Say Yes to the First Dress
When I personally turned on my first dress, I loved it and it was hard to find something that I didn’t like, but I didn’t want to stop there in hopes that maybe I would love something more. After trying on four other dresses I found myself back at dress number one. Basically, it’s okay to fall in love with the first dress you try on and if you feel like you want to try others, go for it! I think that by trying on other dresses you get to see all the things you like and dislike about them and they help you come up with your final decision on your wedding dress.
Follow Your Instincts
At first I found it hard because I wasn’t getting all emotional like most people do and I wasn’t sure if that’s the emotion that everyone should feel. If you don’t, don’t take that as a negative sign, everyone has their own way of expressing their emotions. Futhermore, I did find myself questioning out loud, “how do I know if this dress is the one?”
Things to consider when making a final decision: (What helped me)
- Did I say “I like this dress or did I unconsciously say I love this dress?” If you catch yourself saying you Love, then you are closer to deciding.
- Can you imagine yourself presenting this dress to your future husband and do you feel beautiful in this dress?
- Does this dress describe or reflect your personality and sense of style?
- Even though my consultant mention that I didn’t have to make a decision that day and my family said to think about it, I found it hard to take the dress off. Also, the idea of walking out empty handed didn’t fit well. (This is another clue, inner instincts)
- Add the accessories, the earrings, hairstyle and top it off with a veil. Do you feel it now? If you don’t feel anything, move on and keep looking.
Wishing you the best of luck when shopping for your wedding dress and don’t forget to consider my tips and advice! Share, Pin or comment below!
Outfit Details:
Similar earrings / similar heels
Wedding Shop Details:
912 N 10th St,
Mcallen, Texas
A huge thank you to my wedding gown consultant Celeste for being genuinely sweet and helpful! I seriously cannot wait to share the dress I selected for my big day and most importantly I can’t for Michael to see me in it! Nine more months to go!
God Bless You Always!
♥ Robin
She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” And the servant said, “He is my master.” Then she took her veil and covered herself.
Genesis 24: 65
Thank you Robin for sharing these tips! I will be shopping within the next three months and I will consider these tips! You look beautiful by the way
These tips are great!I will be dress shopping in two weeks and I’m starting to feel the nerves!