One of the most crucial aspects of your wedding day is undoubtedly the wedding dress. It’s the focal point of the entire day, it’ll be front and centre in all of your photos and you’ll most likely be wearing it from dawn to dusk! Therefore it’s crucial to find the perfect one, the one you feel the best and most comfortable in. There are hundreds of thousands of different dresses in endless boutiques and website up and down the UK, let alone further afield. Because of this, it can be hard to know where to begin your search, making it a very daunting process. But above all wedding dress searching should be an exciting experience you get to share with your closest people. In this post, we’ll be sharing some top tips for wedding dress searching to take the initial stress off of your shoulders and make it as enjoyable as possible.
- Set a Budget
Before you start your search, it’s important to set a budget. The cost of a wedding dress can vary widely, so having a budget in mind will help you narrow down your search, it can be so easy to get whisked away with all of the amazing overpriced dresses and end up spending way too much and not having enough left over for other things! Remember to include the cost of accessories, such as shoes and veils, and alterations (this is a very important one to remember!)
2. Research
Research is key when it comes to finding the perfect dress, there are so many options out there, it’s best to start refining your search before you hit the boutiques. Start by browsing through bridal magazines, online blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. We love using Pinterest boards to organise your inspiration. Make a list of designers and styles that catch your eye as well as looking at what boutiques are within an acceptable travelling distance from you. We’re sure you haven’t forgotten but make sure to consider the time of year and location of your wedding. You may wish to opt for a strapless number in summer, or the addition of a shrug or shawl in winter. The theme of your wedding may affect what you choose as well, you may feel that a large ball gown style dress make not be suitable for a rustic or boho theme.
3. Book Appointments
Once you have an idea of the style and designers you’re interested in, and you’ve had a look at what boutiques and shops stock these, you can start booking appointments. It’s
completely up to you how many appointments you wish to book but we recommend visiting one place at a time and then if you don’t find anything you like in that shop, book your next appointment. One thing to remember is that its important to schedule appointments in advance, as many bridal boutiques require bookings and you can’t just walk in, this will require some forward thinking to make sure you don’t miss out.
4. Get the squad together
Searching for your wedding dress should be an exciting experience and it’s amazing to have those closest to you, with you to share in the experience. Make sure you have a trusted team on hand with you to provide advice and support, maybe this will be your mum, sister, maid of honour, it’s completely up to you. Wedding dress searching could be a fun day out, a few glasses of prosecco and maybe some food afterwards, really make it an occasion as it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
5. Try Different Styles
While it’s good to have an idea of the style you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to try on different styles that you may not have previously considered. You may be surprised at what looks best on you. Keep an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, let the boutique workers suggest dresses for you that they think you may suit, it’s what they’re best at after all. This goes for colours as well, you might not realise that you actually want something a little more untraditional!
6. Take Photos
Ensure your trusting team take photos of you in each dress you try on, with accessories and all, so you can compare them later. It’s also helpful to take photos of the front, back, and sides of the dress and store these photos in a separate album so you know where to find them, make sure you take a note of the dress and boutique name as you may end up visiting a few different shops. It may necessary to note down the price of the dress and the alteration timescale of the boutique as this may differ from shop to shop.
7. Don’t Rush
Finding the perfect wedding dress takes time. Don’t rush the process or settle for a dress that doesn’t feel 100% right, its your wedding day, your special day to feel the very best you possibly can. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to visit multiple boutiques before making a final decision. Try not to get bogged down if the perfect dress doesn’t just come to your straight away, or even after a few shopping attempts, the right one is out there for you!
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a journey that requires time, patience, and research; but should be an exciting occasion for all those you choose to include with you. By following these tips, you can begin to make the process a little less daunting and more enjoyable. Remember to stay true to yourself, bear in mind the weather and your theme, and choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Photo by Zoe C Photography
