Alright ladies, this is a MUST read. Clearly it is a little lengthy, but I did not want to skimp on the deets. I mean who really knows about wedding dress shopping until they themselves are a bride. There is a lot to know and I am here to help. Let me know if the tips below are helpful and you put them to use. Enjoy the read.

1. Do your research.
   Use tools like Instagram and Pinterest to find things you like about wedding dresses. Is it the fit? Is it the design? Is there a certain designer that you’re gravitating towards? It will help you have a good idea of your style, silhouette, and what price range to look within. You don’t have to stick with it because it is best to be open minded when trying on, but you need at least an idea of what you think you’ll like. For example, do you primarily wear fitted clothes in real life? You will probably start out leaning towards a mermaid or fit and flare.

   Also be open minded and know that dresses aren’t always obtainable when you see them online. They’re good for inspiration but not for obsessing over until you try that EXACT dress on, chances are it was made custom, or overseas, or looks very different in pictures.
   What is the venue or feel of the wedding? Yes, it somewhat affects the dress if you want a black tie wedding, then you will probably want something more than a lace sheath. Is it in a cathedral? You might want a long train or longer veil. Is the wedding going to be outside in July in Florida? Light-weight materials might be best for you. 
   There is a lot of factors to take into consideration when shopping, and it is not something you shop for everyday or have shopped for before. It's hard if you make it hard. And it is a big purchase, I get it. That’s why bridal consultants are here to assist you and take all of those factors into consideration for you. 

2. Have a budget. 
   Dun dun dunnnnnn. No it does not have to be a big daunting, high-stress question. It’s just really important to know what you want to spend on the dress. Yes, you may have $10,000 to spend on a dress, but what do you IDEALLY want to spend? No more than $5,000? Okay then start within that budget, and if you don’t find what you love, you’ll be amazed what increasing your search by $500 increments can find you. If you find it for $3,000 GREAT. Even better. 
   I know it’s hard to set that budget when you haven’t seen what dollar amount gets you what dress, but you have to personally know what you are willing to spend or not, to be able to tell your consultant. This is also what the preliminary research was for. Knowing what you think you want, to see if you can get it at your ideal price. Is it even doable?

3. Find The store that’s right for you. 
   Find the store that aligns with your budget, style preferences, and time frame. 
   Yes, it typically takes 4-6 months for a wedding gown to come in, so if you have only 1-2 months, you’ll need to find an off the rack gown or ask stores their rush options for designers they carry and that pricing. 
   Find a store that carries your ideal designer or similar ones. Looking for boho? Do not shop at a store that caters to the strictly traditional bride. Your store is out there, but it probably is not that one. Also, do not be afraid to travel to find your ideal store, obviously small towns won’t necessarily have all the options a larger city a few hours away would have. Bridal sizing runs ridiculously small so when you are calling around be sure to ask what sample sizes they carry. And know they run about 2 sizes smaller than your street clothes. 

4. Stay true to you. It is about you. Do not people please.
   I suggest bringing up to 4 people. Mom, grandma, sister, MOH, future mother in law, etc. Pick your few and stick with them. I promise, no one’s feelings should be hurt. It is about you and your day. This is not a situation where you need to bring your whole party of 8 bridesmaid’s, and your whole family. I promise, your voice and what you like WILL be lost. You are the focus of this day. I have seen it happen all too often where a bride is so exhausted trying on things others think will look good on her, but she hates them. It does her no good. It's hard to tell close family and friends no but hopefully this is where a consultant can explain why you don't need to try that dress on your MIL is recommending.
   You don’t have to go to 15 stores. Don’t set 3/4 appointments per Saturday. That’s exhausting and crazy and not fun for you or your guests. Honestly trying on a ton of dresses doesn’t help you, it mainly confuses you. If you did your homework in the beginning on style, budget, etc. you theoretically will be ok only going to one, maybe two stores. 

5. Don’t go shopping if you aren’t ready to fall in love. 
   Dresses get discontinued often and without warning. When you’re ready to buy, it might no longer be available. So if you have the idea you are going to shop 6 months before you are ready to purchase, I highly recommend not doing so. That is not a position we as consultants want to put you in. Ever. Our sole mission is for you to find your dream gown. Crushed dreams are not anything we want to be a part of. We focus solely on finding a dress in your budget, like what you dream of, and that you can get in your time frame. It is a mission and there is a process to it. My biggest advice is to overall trust us. Yes, we are in sales but we are also more concerned with you finding your right gown.

If you want to go deeper in what you need to know before wedding dress shopping, checkout my e-book on this!