Wedding days are supposed to be perfect, but in reality, there’s a lot that can go wrong. One of the most important parts of planning any wedding is choosing the perfect dress. Brides-to-be spend countless hours trying on dresses at bridal salons, tweaking every detail to make sure the dress is perfect. But as much as brides try to make everything just right, there are still some common mistakes that bridal salon attendants wish brides would stop making. In this blog, we’ll be discussing some of the most common mistakes brides make when shopping for wedding dresses, and how to avoid them. So if you’re planning a wedding and want to make sure you get the perfect dress for your big day, keep reading!

1. Not researching the salon beforehand

When shopping for a wedding gown, it is crucial to research the salon beforehand. Bridal boutiques curate their collections based on their target bride and past sales, according to bridal stylist Sarah Ghabbour. It is best to look at boutique websites to determine their selection and gather an overall vibe of who their bride might be. By doing so, brides can find the best options for them and avoid wasting time and energy in salons that do not fit their style. [1][2]

2. Starting off with negative expectations

One mistake that bridal salon attendants see brides make is starting off with negative expectations. Brides should approach the wedding gown shopping experience with a positive attitude and an open mind. Being too negative from the start can lead to disappointment and frustration, and may result in settling for a dress that doesn’t truly make the bride happy. It’s important to trust the process and remain optimistic. [3][4]

3. Shopping too early

Brides might be tempted to immediately start shopping for the perfect wedding gown. However, according to bridal stylist Sarah Ghabbour, it is important to hold off on dress shopping too early. While it is suggested to begin searching for a dress nine to 12 months before the wedding, shopping too far in advance could lead to disappointment. Gowns you tried on six months ago may not be available when you come back for them. It’s best to start shopping when you are ready to say yes and are ready to stop looking. [5][6]

4. Not budgeting correctly

One of the major mistakes brides make when wedding dress shopping is not budgeting correctly. It’s important to establish a budget early on in the planning process to ensure that the bride can make informed decisions about which dresses to try on and ultimately purchase. Going over budget can lead to stress and disappointment, so it’s crucial to stay within the designated budget when shopping for the perfect gown. [7][8]

5. Refusing to have an open mind

Some brides refuse to have an open mind when it comes to trying on dresses, which can lead to missed opportunities to find the perfect gown. It’s important to trust the bridal salon attendants and try on dresses outside of your comfort zone. You may be surprised at what looks good on you. [9][10]

6. Relying too much on others’ opinions

Brides should be aware of relying too much on others’ opinions when choosing their wedding gown. It’s important to set boundaries and understand one’s own preferences in order to avoid feeling disheartened with the final selection. While it’s good to consider the opinions of loved ones, ultimately the bride should trust her own gut in the dress shopping process. [11][12]

7. Focusing too much on the gown and not enough on hair and makeup

According to a bridal salon consultant, one of the mistakes that brides make is focusing too much on the wedding gown and neglecting their hair and makeup. Many brides spend a lot of time searching for the perfect gown but forget to consider how they will look and feel on the day of the wedding. The consultant advises brides to take their time and not be afraid to shop around for hair and makeup services that will make them feel comfortable and beautiful on their big day. [13][14]

8. Having too many bridesmaids can make it harder to shop and plan fittings

It’s important to keep the bridal party size in mind when shopping for a wedding gown. Having too many bridesmaids can make the process more difficult, as it can be challenging to coordinate schedules for fittings and shopping outings. Consider narrowing down the size of the bridal party to streamline the process and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. [15][16]

9. Forgetting about the other expenses in the bridal-gown process

When it comes to budgeting for a wedding dress, brides often forget about the additional expenses that may arise. Alterations can be costly, especially if the gown needs significant adjustments. The standard sizing and length of gowns do not factor in alterations for bustles, sleeve lengths, or straps. Even made-to-measure gowns may need further adjustments after purchase. Brides should consider budgeting for alterations to avoid overspending and disappointment. [17][18]

10. Unrealistic dress-alteration expectations can leave a bride disappointed

Brides should avoid having unrealistic dress-alteration expectations as it can leave them disappointed. Most wedding dresses come in generic sizes, so alterations are necessary to fit a bride’s unique figure. Bridal salons usually recommend three fittings, and brides should bring the right accessories to ensure a perfect fit. However, brides must understand that alterations have limits, and they should not expect major changes that will compromise the dress’s overall design and structure. [19][20]