Expert Wedding Dress Advice for Brides-to-Be
I believe that your wedding dress is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of your love story and a reflection of your personal style. As an Australian bridal designer, I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless brides find their dream dresses. Through this experience, I’ve gathered valuable dos and don’ts to guide you on your journey to finding the perfect gown. Let’s dive into my top tips and expert advice for brides-to-be!
The Dos:
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Do Start Early
One of the most important dos when it comes to wedding dress shopping is to start early. Ideally, you should begin looking for your dress at least 10-12 months before your wedding date (once you’ve booked your venue is often a good time). This allows ample time for fittings, alterations, and any unexpected delays that may arise.
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Do Set a Realistic Budget
Before you start shopping, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget for your wedding dress. Consider not only the cost of the dress itself but also alterations, accessories, and undergarments. Being clear about your budget from the beginning will help you narrow down your options and prevent any financial stress down the line.
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Do Research Styles
Take the time to research different dress styles and silhouettes that appeal to you. Look through bridal magazines, websites, and social media platforms to gather inspiration. Keep in mind your body type and what styles are most flattering for you. (If you’re struggling with this, have a look and follow my Socials for more great tips.)
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Do Bring the Right Undergarments
When you go for your dress fittings, make sure to wear the right undergarments. Nude seamless underwear and a strapless bra are usually the best choices, as they won’t interfere with the look of the dress. Bringing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day is also helpful for alterations and chances are you won’t have your shoes yet, so bring along a similar height heel.
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Do Trust the Experts
Bridal consultants are there to help you find the perfect dress. They have experience working with brides of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Don’t hesitate to listen to their suggestions and try on dresses they recommend, even if it’s something you didn’t consider, but in the end, be true to yourself.
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Do Consider Comfort
While you want to look stunning on your wedding day, it’s also essential to feel comfortable. Consider factors like the weight of the dress, ease of movement, and the climate of your wedding venue. You’ll be wearing the dress for hours, so comfort should not be overlooked. One of the current trends that I am loving is the bridal separates, allowing you to add or remove elements to your wedding day outfit, such as overskirt, sleeves or capes. This can be a lot of fun and bring in a second look for later on in the evening!
The Don’ts:
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Don’t Bring Too Many People
While it’s tempting to bring your entire entourage to dress shopping, too many opinions can be overwhelming. Limit your group to a few trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value the most. This will make the decision-making process much more manageable.
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Don’t Focus Solely on Trends
While trends can be inspiring, they shouldn’t be the sole focus of your dress search. Remember that your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so it’s essential to choose a dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel beautiful, whilst factoring in what’s currently popular.
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Don’t Forget About Alterations
Even if you find a dress that fits almost perfectly off the rack, alterations are usually necessary to achieve a flawless fit. Don’t forget to budget time and money for alterations in your wedding dress timeline (your bridal stylist should be able to give you a rough quote you for the alterations like ‘hem lift’ and ‘bustle’).
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Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
If you try on a dress and it doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to say no. Your wedding dress should make you feel like the best version of yourself, and settling for a dress that doesn’t make you feel confident is not the answer.
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Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress, especially when it comes to wedding planning. Once you’ve found your dream dress, make the purchase and schedule your fittings promptly. Waiting until the last minute can limit your options and lead to rushed alterations.
In summary, your bridal outfit is a significant part of your special day, and finding the perfect one should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of wedding dress shopping with confidence and ease. As an Australian bridal designer, my goal is to help brides feel stunning and radiant on their wedding day, so I do hope this blog has helped you and I’d love to hear from you if it has. Remember to start early, set a realistic budget, trust the experts, and above all, choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful inside and out.
Happy dress shopping, lovely brides-to-be!
With love, Jo