How to Choose Wedding Dress: 5 Things to Consider
Picking out a wedding dress can be stressful, and a vast majority of brides feel disappointed the first time they go wedding dress shopping. To prevent that from happening, we’ve compiled a guide on how to choose a wedding dress, along with five key things you need to consider when picking out the dress of your dreams.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Dress
Here are some key considerations that should make your wedding dress shopping more straightforward and enjoyable:
Your Body Shape
Different wedding dress styles compliment varying body types, and not all fit into certain dresses. While it’s easy to fall in love with a dress you saw on social media, it’s important to know whether or not that dress will fit your shape.
Luckily, you can use your existing outfit to determine what styles suit you and compliment your figure. The idea is to pick out a wedding gown style that will accentuate your best features while pulling attention away from the body parts you’re not particularly fond of. It’s also a good idea to check out our guide on What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping: Do’s and Don’ts.
Your Style Preference
Stay true to your style; if a ball gown looks good on you, wear it. The same rule applies to a-line dresses or any wedding dress of your dreams. However, your personal style should also mirror the type of venue, wedding theme, and wedding ceremony. For example, traditional church weddings require less revealing bridal gowns, preferably ones with sleeves.
Non-traditional ceremonies, such as beach weddings, are much more casual and less constricting when it comes to style. In the end, you’ll be the one wearing it at your own wedding, so say yes to the dress that’s based on your personal style.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to opt for a simple wedding dress and have your bridal boutique seamstress add more embellishments and beading. You can further accessorize yourself with jewelry that would complement your dream wedding dress.
You can check out various styles in our 7 Different Wedding Dress Styles That Are Trending guide for style-conscious brides.
Available Options
It’s imperative to visit more than one boutique or bridal shop when searching for the perfect wedding dress. Bring your entourage and create a memorable wedding dress shopping experience while visiting different bridal salons.
However, it would help if you kept in mind that most salons only accommodate a limited number of guests, so keep your guest list short. In addition, bridal consultants working at said salons will instantly know what wedding dress styles fit you the best.
Scheduling an appointment before your first visit to the bridal store is very helpful. Don’t hesitate to convey your desires regarding wedding dress styles to your stylist or ask questions.
Your budget
Your price range should encompass the dress itself and the necessary alterations without making a massive dent in the wedding planning budget. Wedding dresses can be extremely expensive garments, and while the price range varies, make sure to inform wedding dress retailers of your budget size. This way, you’ll only try the dresses you can afford. There’s nothing worse than finding the right dress, only to find out that it sits way beyond the price range you’re comfortable with.
Your Wedding Theme
When choosing the right wedding gown, it’s also important to factor in your wedding theme. For example, which season have you chosen? Is it a formal evening reception or a laid-back beach ceremony and afterparty?
If you’re having a themed wedding, you may want to incorporate your gown into the theme. Don’t forget to bring these up with your bridal stylist; they’ll help you choose an appropriate gown.
Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Dress
It’s always best to dive into wedding dress shopping well-informed, so we compiled a shortlist of tips to help you on your journey. Please refer to our Ultimate Wedding Dress Shopping Tips and Guide for a more comprehensive list.
1. Listen to Your Consultant
Your bridal consultant will be the first to tell you that brides usually come in with a set of ideas for a particular gown but leave the shop with one that actually suits them better. Be open to your consultant’s suggestions and try the dresses they choose, even if they sag on the hanger.
Be as open and honest as possible since the information you provide can help the consultant choose your dream dress. Remember, they’re trained professionals who give you an objective opinion based on the information you provided.
2. Bring Inspiration Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, and bringing reference pictures of different styles you’d be interested in helps the bridal boutique narrow your options and cater to your unique style. We know that bridal stylists would love it if you’d pick a top 10 favorites, as this would assist them in knowing what your dream wedding dress would be.
3. Do Your Research
It takes time and knowledge to find the right dress, so make sure to do your research. A key to figuring out which wedding dress style is to look for pictures of models whose body type resembles your own. When you find a few dresses you like on the internet or social media, make sure to show them to your bridal stylist, and try them on in person.
4. Bring Trusted Friends and Family
Keep your entourage small, and bring only trusted friends and family. Having too many people can trigger conflicting opinions that would only discourage you or make you second guess yourself. Your mother, maid of honor, or bridesmaids are great choices.
5. Try On Several Dresses and Take Your Time
Trying more than ten or so dresses will only make you feel more confused. Make a shortlist of wedding dress styles you like before you begin searching for a dress, and going in “blind” can be overwhelming. Pick your top favorite styles, convey that to your stylist, and try on several dresses they recommend. Remember that buying a wedding dress should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so treat it as such.
Summary
Given the right amount of preparation, saying yes to the dress isn’t all that complicated. Just make sure to pick your favorites, book your appointment, and find common ground with your stylist.
If you’re interested in wedding dress styles or perhaps in the market for a wedding dress, visit us at The Sposa Group. We offer a wide assortment of dresses of all styles, fit for all body types.
