Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and choosing your dream wedding dress is a crucial part of creating that perfect romantic moment. With countless options in various styles, designs, and fabrics, picking that perfect dress can be quite overwhelming. It’s essential to find a gown that not only reflects your personal style but also flatters your figure and highlights your best features. So, whether you’re a modern-day bride or a traditional one, understanding how to choose your dream wedding dress is an important aspect of your wedding planning process. In this blog, we’ll share a few tips to help you select the perfect gown for your big day, so keep reading to discover what your heart has been searching for!

1. Research Your Favorite Wedding Dress Styles

To find the perfect wedding dress, it’s essential to do some research on your favorite wedding dress styles. Rip pages from magazines, browse bridal boutiques online, search through Pinterest, and check out what celebrity brides are wearing to find what you like. Look for common themes among the dresses you love and bring your ideas to your first appointment with a bridal consultant. This will give them a starting point and help them find gowns that match your style and preferences. [1][2]

2. Be Open Minded to Other Wedding Dress Styles

The second tip in choosing your dream wedding dress is to be open-minded to other styles. Many brides come in with a fixed idea of what they want but end up falling in love with something they never considered. Don’t limit yourself to a particular style or fabric, and be willing to try on different options to find the perfect dress for you. Remember, your dream dress might be something you never thought you’d want. [3][4]

3. Brace Yourself for Bridal Sizing

Bridal sizing can be confusing and sometimes intimidating, but it’s important to brace yourself when shopping for a wedding dress. Bridal dresses typically run one to two sizes bigger than regular clothing, so be prepared to try on sizes in that range. Remember that the size is just a number and that the most important thing is finding the perfect fit for your body. [5][6]

4. Shop True to Your Size

When shopping for a wedding dress, it’s important to shop true to your size. Bridal sizing can often be one to two sizes larger than regular clothes, so it’s important to not get caught up in the numbers and focus on finding a dress that fits well and makes you feel beautiful. It’s much easier to alter a dress that’s too big than to try and work with one that’s too small. [7][8]

5. Start Wedding Dress Shopping Early

Starting wedding dress shopping early is a crucial step in finding the perfect gown. It is recommended to begin the process about a year before the wedding to allow enough time for the dress to be made to your measurements, shipped, and altered. Waiting until the last minute can lead to limited options or rush order fees. By starting early, to-be-weds can ensure a stress-free experience while still finding the dress of their dreams. [9][10]

6. Plan Your Budget for the Wedding Dress

When planning for the wedding dress, it’s important to set aside a budget. By figuring out who is paying for the dress and what the maximum limit is, it can save heartache later on. Factors such as tailoring, accessories, and preservation should also be considered when creating a budget. The cost of the dress should fit within the set budget. [11][12]

7. Call Ahead to Bridal Salons for Styles and Prices

To make the most out of your wedding dress shopping experience, it’s wise to call ahead to bridal salons for styles and prices. Most salons list their designers and hours on their website, making it easy for brides to make an informed decision on which ones to visit. Calling ahead can also help ensure that the dresses within your budget are available and that you have the best shopping experience possible. [13][14]

8. Make an Appointment at Bridal Salons

When looking for a dream wedding dress, it’s important to make an appointment at a bridal salon to work with a consultant. Unlike regular retail stores, bridal shops require appointments to ensure you have the proper help and attention needed. A consultant can help you select dresses to try on and offer guidance on what styles will look best on your body type. This will make the shopping process much smoother and more enjoyable. [15][16]

9. Start with Inexpensive Dresses and Work Your Way Up

When looking for your dream wedding dress, it’s best to start with inexpensive dresses and work your way up. This will allow you to get an idea of what styles and designs you like without breaking the bank. Plus, you never know – you may fall in love with a less expensive dress and save yourself a lot of money in the process! [17][18]

10. Stick to the Theme of Your Wedding when Choosing a Dress

When choosing a wedding dress, it’s important to consider the theme of the wedding. Whether it’s a low-key garden wedding or a formal affair, the dress should fit the overall vibe of the wedding. This will help tie everything together and make for more cohesive wedding photos. [19][20]