Tips for Wedding Dress Overwhelm
Shopping for a wedding dress can be an exciting and also daunting process. There are countless options out there and so many stores in every town, how do you narrow down and pick just one to say yes to? We are here to help with a 5 step plan to help you successfully find your wedding dress with zero stress and all of the fun!
Before that though, it’s important to remember that this is your experience and you need do what’s best for you. That means not letting the blogs (hi!), your family, or what you see on television sway you away from what is right for you. Our only hope is that is you can take these few steps into consideration, your bridal appointment will be one to remember forever.
Pick your budget
Before you can begin looking at dresses, you have to know how much you would like to spend on your wedding gown! To have a large assortment of options, a budget somewhere in the realm of $2000-4000 will give you access to many of the main stream designers
Don’t forget: budget INCLUDES alterations, shoes, and accessories so be sure to take all those into account
2. Timing is everything
Wedding dresses are special ordered to your size and can take up to 8 months to make. This means that you should choose your gown about a year before your wedding. On average you should expect 6 months for delivery and 2 months for alterations. It’s never too early to find your dress because will love it for the next 50 years as much as you love it the day you found it! There are also plenty of options available is you have less than 6 months to find the perfect dress, so just work with your store to find exactly what you need
3. Do your research
Choose the store you shop at carefully. Make sure you read the reviews on every store you’re interested in and see what designers they carry. Google the price points of each designer and make sure that the designer you are most interested in is in your price point. Don’t know what designer you like? Make a Pinterest board of dresses that excite you, most of the time you will find a trend. From there you can simply google what their price point is typically (or you can ask the company and/or wedding salon)
4. Location Matters
Be sure to take into account the location and/or time of year you’re getting married. If you’re having a beach wedding, you’ll be much more comfortable in a light and airy dress as opposed to a giant satin ballgown. Or for the colder months, remember to add a jacket or faux fur stole into the budget. We’re all for wearing whatever you want on your special day, but remember that your comfort should definitely be factored in
5. Follow your gut
FOMO is a trickster when it comes to wedding dresses. If you have already picked your budget, and done your research, there is no reason that you shouldn’t find your dress in your first day of shopping. None of this “it’s only my first time shopping” excuse, because deep down you know what you want. But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s totally normal! Your stylist will help you bring your dream to life by finding out what you like and don’t like in a dress, and pulling you the gown that checks all of your boxes. When you’re twirling in the dress, smiling, and picturing yourself on your wedding day, follow your gut and say yes to the dress!
When it comes to wedding dress shopping you should obviously be trying them on in person, however, there is so much research you can do before even setting foot in a salon! This will save you a ton of time and frustration, plus when you do finally go in for your first appointment you’ll be extra prepared and have a more productive shopping experience.
Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn
