Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most exciting and essential parts of wedding planning. It's a chance for brides to express their style and feel beautiful on their big day. However, wedding dress shopping can also be overwhelming, with so many styles, designers, and options. Here are some tips for wedding dress shopping 101:
- Start Early -
Wedding dress shopping should ideally begin 8-12 months before your wedding day. This allows enough time for the dress to be made, fitted, and altered if needed. If you're shopping for a dress off the rack, you can start later, but still aim to have your dress chosen at least 4-6 months before the wedding.
- Set a Budget -
Before you start trying on dresses, it's crucial to have a budget in mind. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, so knowing what you're comfortable spending can help narrow your options.
- Do Your Research -
Take time to research different styles and designers to get a sense of what you like and what you don't. Browse bridal magazines, wedding blogs, and Pinterest for inspiration. You can also make appointments at bridal boutiques or attend trunk shows to see dresses in person.
- Make Appointments -
Most bridal boutiques require appointments, so be sure to call ahead and make appointments at the stores you're interested in. Limit the number of appointments you make in one day, as trying on too many dresses can be overwhelming and make it harder to decide.
- Choose Who to Bring -
When choosing who to bring to your dress appointments, consider bringing someone who knows your style and will be honest with you. However, too many opinions can make it harder to decide, so limit the number of people you bring to 2-3.
- Be Open to Trying Different Styles -
While it's important to have an idea of what you're looking for, be open to trying on different styles. You may be surprised by what looks best on you, and trying on different styles can help you narrow down your options.
- Trust Your Gut -
When you find the right dress, you'll know. Trust your instincts, and don't let anyone pressure you into buying a dress that doesn't feel right. It's your day; you should feel beautiful and comfortable in your dress.
- Plan for Alterations -
Most wedding dresses will need some alterations to ensure the perfect fit. Be sure to budget for alterations when choosing your dress, and factor in additional time for fittings and adjustments.
In conclusion, wedding dress shopping should be a fun and exciting experience. By starting early, researching, making appointments, bringing the right people, being open to trying different styles, trusting your gut, and planning for alterations, you can find the perfect dress for your big day.
Recommended Bridal Shops:
Alexandra's Boutique in Fall River, MA
Andrea's Bridal in Portland, ME
Boston Bride in Norwood, MA
Boston Bridal Rack in Boston, MA
Marianne's Bridal Outlet in Westborough, MA
VeLace Bridal in Bellingham, MA
The author partially generated this text with GPT-3, OpenAI's large-scale language-generation model. Upon developing draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their liking and takes responsibility for the content of this publication.