Wedding dress shopping - A guide to trying on bridal gowns
Wedding dress shopping can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure. There's nothing quite like the butterflies you'll get when trying on wedding dresses and wondering each time if this is 'the one,' Finding your dream dress can be super fun but it can get stressful too. So where do you start? Follow our guide to trying on bridal gowns with expert tips from top wedding dress designers to help you on your way.
1. Research designers before you hit the shops
Begin your search by visiting designer's websites and saving your favourite styles. "Start to create mood boards with wedding gowns that speak to you. Instagram and Pinterest are great places to start for inspiration," advises New York bridal designer, Justin Alexander.
If you are plus size, look into inclusive dress designers. "We want our brides to feel at ease and excited for the moment they say 'Yes!' which is why our gowns are the perfect match for those brides looking for a bridal dress that not only fits their size, but also fits their style, personality, and wedding day feel," explains Justin Alexander. "With inclusive sizes from 0-30, everyone can feel like the most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day."
2. Make an appointment
Once you have identified some designer you like and styles you'd like to try on, you can make appointments at the bridal boutiques that stock them. Some bridal shops allow walk-ins, but making an appointment ensures you’ll have a dedicated sales consultant to help you find the perfect dress. When calling, be sure to ask what size the sample dresses are: plus size gowns may need to be ordered in ahead of your appointment.
If you are visiting multiple bridal salons, making an appointment at each place also creates a schedule to follow for the day. If possible, consider taking a day off during the week because the stores will likely be less crowded compared to the weekend.
3. Choose your shopping buddies carefully
Whether you choose to take one person or a whole gaggle of girlfriends really comes down to personal preference and whatever you feel most comfortable with. "I recommend taking 2-3 people whose opinion you really value and trust," explains Ruth Millia from luxury bridal fashion house, Millia London. "Having too many opinions can be confusing and overwhelming, and you want to make sure the experience of finding the dream dress is as fun as possible."
4. Take underwear and shoes with you
Take along the items you expect to wear on your wedding day, such as nude seamless underwear and similar height heels. "It will really help you to visualise what you'll look like on your special day," explains bridal designer Sareh Nouri.
Consider your hair too. "Take some hair ties and bobby pins to help you while changing in and out of bridal gowns," explains Justin. "Having some pins will allow you to style your hair in a similar way you’ll be wearing on your wedding day allowing you to get the full picture when you find your dream bridal dress."
5. Trust your bridal stylist
There's a dream dress for every style, size and personality of bride, so try not to feel disheartened if you don't find 'the one' straight away. Be open to trying different styles and listening to your bridal stylists as they are experienced in what suits different body types. Bridal stylists can help find the styles that you’re interested in along with giving recommendations on other designs you might not have considered. They will also make sure the dresses are clipped and fitted in all the right places so you can envision exactly how it will look after alterations.
"A bride with a smaller bust always looks amazing in a deep plunge neckline whereas a bride with a larger bust really suits a corseted style or slight off-the-shoulder look," explains Ruth. "At Millia London our style of tulle ruffle skirts means they suit all body shapes. A style that has become increasingly more popular is a high low, so if a bride wants to show off their legs whilst still having a beautiful long train then this is a perfect option. We also love to add the detail of a tulle or silk ribbon to further accentuate the waist."
6. But follow your own instincts too
While the advice of experienced bridal stylists is invaluable, you know your personal style and body shape more than anyone. You'll most likely have a vision of your wedding day too and how you want to look. "Gowns covered in lace, feather and sequins aren't for everyone," explains California wedding photographer Radostina Boseva, who captured the unique look above, which combines minimalist style with a nod to the past. "From a photography point of view one of the most important things while selecting your wedding dress is actually the fitting. You want to make sure that the outfit is perfect for your curves and at the same time will allow you to move and feel like the very best version of yourself."
7. Have a solid budget in mind
A firm budget is key to a successful wedding dress shopping trip. Research in advance the average cost of dresses from the designers you love so you can budget accordingly, or strike them off the list if they are out of reach. Consider attending a trunk show where there may be exclusive discounts for specific designers.
If someone else is buying your gown, make sure you speak to them to confirm a figure. Take into consideration additional costs when thinking about your dress budget, such as cost of alterations and accessories including a veil and shoes.
