HOW TO SHOP CONFIDENTLY FOR YOUR WEDDING GOWN
Photography by: Erin Blackwood Photography
Whether you’re newly engaged or are taking your first leap into the process of finding your dream wedding dress it’s never too early to learn the pros and cons of wedding dress shopping.
This should be one of the most exciting parts of planning your dream day, but I know it can also be the most stressful parts. It may start with not feeling comfortable in your own skin, to what you thought would fit your body shape, and hearing the opinions of those you brought with you, there’s a lot that could turn this into an experience you don’t enjoy.
How To Prep For Success When Wedding Dress Shopping
Heading to your first appointment, you should make yourself feel the most confident. Do your hair and makeup in a way that makes you feel your best. This could also be a time to do your makeup and hair trail with your beauty team.
Another way to feel like you are prepping your best self at your appointment, get a blow out -- if you love how you feel when you’re hair is looking on point then book a few days prior to your dress appointment. Even treat yourself to a fresh manicure and pedicure. If you feel confident, the more you’ll love how you feel in the dresses.
Surrounding Yourself With Your Trusted Loved Ones
I highly encourage you not to bring a large entourage with you. If you’re wanting to hear more opinions, then all the power to you, bring more people! Visiting a bridal boutique can be overwhelming at first. So be sure to surround yourself with people who are going to lift you up and cheer you on. You want to bring along guests that’ll be positive and create an upbeat atmosphere. You’ll want to avoid bringing along those who will only add negativity to something that should be fun and exciting. I’m not saying your posse can’t give negative feedback, but ensure they are saying it constructively and not in a demeaning way. Encourage comments like, “that dress is pretty, but I think the other dress is more flattering for you.”
Trust Your Bridal Consultant
Be honest with your consultant. I’m here to tell you that the right bridal consultant will make you feel nothing less than beautiful. Be sure to disclose if you have any concerns, or insecurities that you have going into your appointment — they are there to make you feel comfortable. At any point if you find yourself in the rare/unfortunate situation in which you feel uncomfortable, don’t feel pressured to stay.
This time during your wedding planning process is supposed to be full of happiness and love. Step up boundaries and be the one in control of your appointment.
Trusting your consultant can allow you to think outside of the box and try on different silhouettes that are out of your comfort zone. You’d be surprised how flattering a gown can be that you didn’t choose. You need to enter your bridal appointment with a positive and open mindset, because you’ll be setting yourself up to limited choices while shopping. Many brides fall in love with entirely unexpected styles, rather than the particular dress they had their mind set on.
It all comes down to the process of elimination. You will find one you absolutely adore, and another that you think won’t do anything for you, it’s trial and error. When you find the “the one”, you are going to feel like a million bucks in it. Trust the process.
Photography by: Sara Lynn Paige Photography
Your Wedding Dress Should Fit You ‘Now’
When it comes to wedding dresses, don’t fret about the number sizing. Typically wedding dresses run 1-2 or (even more) sizes larger than street sizes -- don’t be discouraged by the numbers. A size is just a size.
Don’t fall into the pressure to shed a few pounds to be wedding ready. I recommend not ordering your wedding dress that is a size or two smaller than recommended by your bridal consultant. This is setting you up for a chance to have a panic moment prior to your wedding day to fit into your dress, causing more stress that’s unnecessary. Imagine yourself walking down the aisle in the dress of your dreams, don’t go into your appointment thinking about that body you wish you had. If you happen to lose a few pounds before the big day, guess what? There’s alterations, an easy fix. Have a dress that fits you, not you fitting the dress.