HOW TO SHOP FOR A WEDDING DRESS: THE DO’S & DON’TS 

The most exciting part of your wedding planning has finally arrived, shopping for your wedding gown! The moment you said “yes” a million thoughts likely ran through your mind, and now it’s time to focus on finding the perfect dress you’ve been imagining. 

The planning process can often become a little stressful, but this is the time to take a moment for yourself and become the beautiful bride that you are. Before you set out on your first bridal gown shopping trip, there are a few do’s and don’ts to consider. We have prepared a few tips that will help you find your dream dress.

Tips for Wedding Gown Shopping 

There are things you can prepare and plan for that will help make your shopping experience even more successful. Let the shopping begin!

1.  DO research before your appointment.

Take the time to do some research on what you are looking for in your wedding gown, this will allow you to make the most of your time and attract you straight to the wedding dress styles you’ve been dreaming of. You want to make note of any specific features you’re drawn to, such as a sweetheart neckline, a chapel train, or a mermaid silhouette, so you’ll be able to better communicate your desires to your consultant.

2.  DO book an appointment. 

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for you‘ll want to book an appointment at the bridal shops you prefer. Although an appointment is not required, it will allow consultants to give you the attention you want and allow you to take your time finding a dress for your special day. On the day of your appointment make sure to wear light makeup or no makeup (skip the bright red lipstick for the day to avoid staining any gowns) and the proper undergarments, such as a strapless bra and nude underwear. Remember, a consultant will be helping you in and out of the dresses so be courteous and wear the proper undergarments.

3.  DO bring people whom you trust. 

You have likely purchased a dress before, but your bridal gown is like no other you have purchased previously. You’ll probably find yourself wanting the opinions of others that are close to you. This is an exciting moment, but do not overwhelm yourself by inviting all your aunts, cousins, neighbors, and everyone in your bridal party. Keep this moment intimate and invite only those you would truly regret not sharing this moment with such as your mother, future mother-in-law, maid of honor and future sister-in-law.

4.  DO communicate what you desire.

Keep in mind that this wedding dress is for YOU. At the end of the day you will be the one wearing it down the aisle, so do not be afraid to be open and honest with your consultant, friends, and family. Make sure you are surrounded by people you trust who want to make sure you find the dress of YOUR dreams, not someone else's.

Now that you have all of our tips on how to shop for a wedding dress, let’s take a look at what you should NOT do while shopping.

Mistakes to Avoid When Wedding Dress Shopping  

Just as there are tips we recommend, there are also mistakes to avoid during your shopping experience. 

1. DON’T rule anything out.

Although you may have the perfect dress in mind, do not dismiss a gown your consultant may recommend to you. They have seen hundreds of brides walk into their shop before and they have a good idea of what silhouettes work for certain body types. How many times have you worn a tulle ball gown, mermaid, or A-line gown in your life? Bridal gown silhouettes are different from everyday clothing which is great, because you are not looking for an everyday dress. Keep an open mind. You might even be surprised if a dress you never imagined yourself in turns out to be “the one”.

2. DON’T try on too many dresses.

You already have many things running through your mind related to your wedding day, so don’t overwhelm yourself with trying on too many dresses. This should be a fun experience and not feel like a chore. Frustration can mount and your memory will start to get blurry as to what you liked. Some brides think that they need to try on as many dresses as possible until they cry or have an aha moment. Everyone's experience is different and reactions differ as well. It is always best to try on one gown from multiple silhouette options to get an idea of which one flatters your body in all the right places. When you find the one you love then stop! Your work is done.

3. DON’T go outside your budget.

Avoid trying on wedding gowns that are outside of the budget you have created for yourself. You do not want to be the bride who falls in love with a gown only to become disappointed knowing that it falls outside of your price range. There are so many beautiful affordable wedding dresses at every price point so you don't have to sacrifice style for price. This is a common mistake that is easy to avoid.

4.  DON’T feel pressured.

With so many people giving their opinion while shopping, it becomes difficult to stay true to what you have envisioned for yourself walking down the aisle. If you do not love any dresses you tried on during your appointment, do not feel that you need to purchase one that day. Simply take more time to think and do some more research, then book another appointment.

These tips will help make your wedding dress shopping experience one you’ll enjoy! Have fun and be sure to take a lot of pictures in your gown. Move around as much as you can to get a true feel for the wedding gown. The most important tip to remember is that tears do not mean you have found the wedding dress of your dreams, some brides simply connect with the dress without getting very emotional. 

Enjoy every moment and when you’re ready to start looking for your dress, browse Val Stefani’s collection of designer bridal gowns or head to an authorized retailer near you.