6 Things to Do After Saying "Yes" to the Dress
Ahhhh at last, the search is over. Can you feel yourself just breathing easier, smiling bigger, and looking at the photos on your phone every 20 minutes?
Congratulations! That is a huge item to check off the list and such an exciting part of the wedding planning experience. Here are some of the things you can be thinking about and doing in your next phase of planning!
Stop looking
“I should stop looking?” YES. Imagine that. You bought a wedding dress and now you’re done with that search!
When you continue to look, try on at other stores, look at bridal Instagram pages… you’re really setting yourself up for buyer’s remorse. I like to put it this way, after your fiancé purposed- you don’t get on a dating app just to see what else is out there and new on the market lol.
So, I say that to encourage you to unfollow your favorite bridal accounts, delete Pinterest, whatever you have to do to stay committed to your dress. Now if you just plain and simple have buyer’s remorse—that’s a conversation for another day.
Pick bridesmaids
This is next on the order of operations list. Now that you have your gown picked out, you know the mood, and level of fancy of the wedding. This now helps you better understand what fabrics to consider, length of the dress, and necklines. Most girls struggle with coordinating the bridesmaids to the bride, but this can simply be done by starting with your wedding dress and truthfully not worrying about theirs until now. Now you think about their body time, time of year, all of that.
Alterations
Depending on your timeline, you may not have to consider alterations right away.
I would say to start that process about 3 months before the wedding so the dress can be altered closest to your current shape without incurring any rush alterations fees for quick turn around’s. When you go into alterations consider having your shoes and undergarments already picked out.
Complete the look
The dress is a HUGE achievement in itself, but don’t wait till the month of the wedding to consider shoes, accessories, and under garments! Often times accessories like veils have to be ordered and can take up to 5 months in some cases. Surely you want to give your wallet a break for a minute but do not wait too long on the accessories or some stores will charge you rush shipping to get them in time! I recommend making an accessory appointment before or after you alter your dress-depending on your timeline. In addition, it may be difficult to find the undergarments that are right for you- is it sticky boobs, no bra—you’ll most likely find this out in alterations.
Talk to the groom about groomsmen
This is their day too so be sure to include your significant other to talk about their dream look. If it’s a James Bond suit, something bright and edgy, floral tie, or all black—listen. Don’t say yes or no to anything until you put together a mood board. When you show your significant other the mood board suggestions, they will feel very seen and heard knowing you tried to match their vision with yours. This can be easily done on Pinterest. Once you two decide on the look, then it can be executed and sourced!
Stop trying it on
Tough. I know. BUT hear me out. You do not want the dress to lose its specialness. Try it on at the fittings- bring relevant people to the fittings that you want to see it but other than that-keep your hands off of it! Truth is we have natural oils on our hands and depending on your fabric- it could very easily show these oils. Makeup is another scary thing, don’t put yourself in a situation where you are googling every tip in the book. Wear it on your wedding day and let that moment be its moment.
Whew... a lot of information jam packed in that, and rules. When did I get so strict? Just kidding. Honestly, I just want you to have the best experience as a bride and if I can help you in some way shape or form then I have done my job!