The thought of buying your wedding dress – it will either excite you with visions of bubbly, beautiful gowns and all your best girls, or it will fill you with dread, because there’s just so much pressure to get it right. That’s where this wedding dress shopping checklist comes in.
It’s funny to think that anyone needs tips on how to shop for a wedding dress, but bridal shopping is a little bit different from strolling into a fashion store on the high-street and spending 5 minutes in the changing room. We’re not used to wearing what are, in effect, ball gowns in our contemporary society, so it’s part of our job to let all brides-to-be's know that it’s ok to slow down... take a breath and enjoy the wedding dress shopping process.
Hopefully this will be the one opportunity you have in your life to invest in such an important 'outfit', so we want you to enjoy it and, most importantly, get it right! Here are a few of the things we suggest to help make the most of your wedding dress shopping.
Buying Your Wedding Dress: the Essential Checklist
Ask yourself?
Have you given yourself plenty of time?
Most wedding dresses require a minimum of six months to be made to measure for you.
Have you let the boutique know what your budget is?
There’s no point falling for a £5,000 dress when you’ve got £2,000 to spend.
Asked whether alterations are included in the price and are available at the boutique?
This is a cost that catches a lot of brides out by not factoring it into their budget.
Have you considered all the colour-ways available?
White weddings may be traditional, but try ivory, blush or champagne for a softer look.
Tried on the boutique owner’s recommendation?
It might be a million miles away from what you think you want, but just try it… you never know!
Worn a range of silhouettes to see what suits you best?
We’ve heard from enough brides who wanted a fit and flare but fell in love with ballgowns to know that an open mind is essential!
Tried your dress on with a veil?
This accessory can really elevate your look and help you feel like a real bride.
Thought about the temperature on your wedding day?
Sleeves will keep the chill off at a winter wedding, while layer upon layer of tulle could see you sweltering on a hot summer’s day.
Received a second opinion from someone you trust?
Invite your mum, future mother-in-law, family or friends* to each appointment to gauge their reactions too - but not too many! *Right now, during post Covid-19 we can only accept 1 guest at during your appointment. See the guidelines here.
Tried on just the right number of wedding dresses?
Too few try-on's might leave you wondering what if, but try too many and you’ll end up in a muddle. Don't worry we'll pick out just the right amount for you at a pace that will make it easy to decide on the one!
Tried to walk and sit down in your dress?
What’s comfortable posing in front of a mirror, might not feel so brilliant doing other things... Also, have a think about the other actions you'll be doing on your big day such as hugging, drinking champagne or crouching down to get the flower girls to just calm down!
Asked how to adjust the dress during the day?
You might like to bustle up your train or remove a detachable over-skirt…
Once you’ve checked off every element on the list, you’re in a good position to make a decision about buying your wedding dress. Want a little more advice? Read over these important questions to ask your bridal boutique and yourself here.
Ready to join us at Brides & Bustles? Book your appointment now by using the details below.
Tel: 01582 883773
Email: info@bridesandbustles.co.uk
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