by Buying a wedding dress and bridal accessories can be exciting and overwhelming. It is exciting because you get to see and try them on, but overwhelming because of the many options and pressure to find ‘the right one.’ Here are the top tips to help you make a great choice when choosing a wedding dress and bridal accessories.
Do your research beforehand
Finding a wedding dress and bridal accessories that align with your style takes time, so you might want to start doing your homework early. Pinterest is a great tool for this, as are real weddings. Start a folder with pictures of dresses and accessories that catches your fancy. Alternatively, you can visit a large bridal wear shop to see if any of the dresses and accessories appeals to you.
Make a budget
It can be frustrating to fall in love with a dress or accessories that you can’t afford. If you find a dress that you love but with a lower price, never feel like it’s not a ‘proper’ wedding dress, keep in mind that high quality doesn’t always mean pricey. Whatever it is that you go for, make sure you stick to your budget.
Start your search early
To be on the safer side, it’s best to begin your research at least six to nine months before your wedding since it takes most manufacturers about six months to make a dress. And because your body might change in the months leading up to the big day, you will need to factor in the time for alterations, which takes an average of 2-3 months.
Make appointments
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, you will need to schedule appointments at different stores so you can try on gowns. So be sure to call them in advance and go with a notebook so you can jot down your thoughts about each dress that you try own (photos are usually prohibited until you buy a gown.) To avoid confusion, limit the number of dresses that you will try on to less than seven as exceeding that number might get you confused. If you have questions about any gown, the shop assistants will be glad to attend to you.
Keep your entourage small
One of the mistakes most brides make is to go bridal shopping with all their friends just to keep everyone happy. Inviting too many people can result in conflicting opinions, leaving you confused about what to choose. Save yourself the dilemma of not knowing who to listen to and go with the few people you can trust. A nice suggestion is to invite your mom and your maid of honor.
Focus on fit, not size
You might have been told to always make your pick based on bridal sizes, but you may end up letting go of a dress you adore. Rather than insist on a smaller size because you intend to lose weight before the wedding, ignore the label and order the one that fits now. You don’t want to be under the pressure of losing weight when you’re already trying to cope with planning your wedding.
Less is more
When it comes to choosing the accessories to wear, it’s important to keep in mind the maxim, “less is more.” Too much detail and too many accessories can make you look undone.
Conclusion
While you’re shopping for your wedding dress and accessories, always remind yourself that there’s no need to rush. Visit two stores per day to try on their gowns and accessories, but don’t be in a hurry to make an order.
