Wedding dress shopping is a momentous occasion for any bride-to-be. But it can also be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. From the endless options to the pressure of finding “the one,” it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of it all. However, with a bit of preparation, it can be a very fun and exciting experience!

To help ensure that it is, here are 7 tips to prepare yourself for your own wedding dress shopping:

Start with Inspiration

Before you hit the bridal boutiques, it’s helpful to have an idea of the style of dresses you like – and don’t like. Start by gathering inspiration, whether it’s from bridal magazines or Pinterest boards. Take note of the styles, fabrics, and details that catch your eye and use them as a starting point for your dress search. Ask yourself what features you like best on your body; what do you want to accentuate? What might you be self-conscious about and might like to hide? What is your personal style? 

Side note: while it’s helpful to have an idea of what your likes and dislikes are as a jumping-off point; don’t be afraid to try on different styles! You may surprise yourself. So, it’s better to keep an open mind than to limit yourself too much right out the gate!

Set a Budget

Wedding dresses can vary drastically in price, and it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid the unnecessary disappointment of falling in love with a dress that’s too far outside your price range.

Keep in mind that most wedding dresses will need alterations, so factor that into your budget and timeline as well. Make sure to discuss alteration options with the boutique and ask for recommendations for trusted seamstresses. (Or check out one of my personal favorites right in Fort Worth: Ava’s Bridal Couture!)

Book Appointments in Advance

Also, be sure to start the wedding dress shopping process as far in advance as possible; between the search, fittings, shipping time, and alterations, you generally want to start thinking about your dress 8 to 12 months ahead of your date. This time frame gives you a cushion if your first month of shopping doesn’t bear fruit, or if you have to send a dress back for alterations twice. Our goal is a no-stress wedding!

Most bridal boutiques require appointments, so make sure to book them well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to plan your day around the outing and ensure that you have enough time to try on as many dresses as you want.

Where to Shop for a Wedding Dress

Most brides head to a local bridal boutique for their dresses. Here, you can see samples of dresses by different designers, and then order one made to your measurements specifically. As mentioned above, one of our favorite local boutiques (with in-house alterations) is Ava’s Bridal Couture – and may be a great place to start!

If you have the opportunity, some stylists also suggest attending trunk shows: an event where the designer will be present to showcase their dresses personally. Of course, many brides are now looking to the internet for dress shopping as well. But, be careful! Online dresses often don’t arrive as pictured. So, check for all the reviews first!

Prepare an Outfit for a Dress Appointment

When you head out for your dress shopping appointments, consider wearing stretchy, low-maintenance clothes for easy changes. A neutral makeup look (maybe a little heavier than your normal day-to-day wear) and styled hair can also help you envision the final wedding day look as you try on each dress.

It’s also very important to wear the right undergarments when trying on wedding dresses, as they can affect the way the dress fits and feels. Wear a nude strapless bra and underwear to get the most accurate idea of how the dress will look on your wedding day.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your wedding shoes–or ones with a similar heel height. This is especially important for alteration appointments! 

Who to Bring to Your Dress Appointment

Dress shopping has become a full event for some bridal parties. If you’d love to share that moment with all of your favorite people, great! But beware: sometimes, having too many voices can make you nervous. Or worse, make you second-guess your decisions. Personally, I’d recommend bringing a small group of just your most trusted friends/family members; as this limits the opinions down to people that you truly, deeply trust.

Wedding dress shopping can be emotional, so it’s important to bring along supportive friends or family members. Choose people who will be honest with you but also know how to keep the mood light and fun.

With so many dresses to try on, it can be easy to forget which ones you liked and which ones you didn’t. So it can also be helpful to assign someone to take photos and keep notes of each dress you try on to help you remember your favorites and narrow down your choices.

Have Fun!

Above all, remember that wedding dress shopping should be a fun and exciting experience! Don’t get too caught up in the stress of finding the perfect dress – enjoy the process and all the memories you’re making along the way.

My hope is that by following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle wedding dress shopping for the first time. With a little bit of planning and a lot of excitement, you’re sure to find the dress of your dreams!

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Once you find the perfect dress, I’d love to help you document it! If you’re ready to start your search for a wedding photographer in Dallas TX, please reach out! I would love to help you celebrate this amazing season! Reach out today to learn more about my services and let’s start planning your dream wedding photography experience!