No doubt about it: shopping for a wedding gown can be fun. At the same time it can be incredibly overwhelming. All the choices, all the stores, all the opinions from friends and family … it's understandable if one loses focus.
Here then are some simple suggestions to help you keep your focus. Remember: this should be a fun process. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed!
Use wedding publications. Online, offline—take some time to get a good sense of what's out there. Get to know the designers whose sense of style you prefer. Look at overall shapes and details. Find out: what appeals to you? Take these ideas and images with you as you head out the door. When talking with any bridal gown professional, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Ask around. What stores have other brides had a good experience with? What store would other brides recommend? When you get a name of such a store, call first. Is an appointment necessary? Appointments should make your trip worthwhile because you have the undivided attention of a knowledgeable salesperson. This person should know the stock and help you find the gowns that you haven't found yet.
Don't rush. Schedule your appointments when you will be fresh and unhurried. Wear a little make-up (but be cautious of lipstick that could get on the gowns you try) and have your hair done as if you were going out on a date. Bring shoes of a heel height that you might wear on your wedding day, and if you already have one, wear a strapless bra. Invite one person who knows your tastes and can give a good, honest, second opinion, an opinion of someone you trust. Try to avoid bringing more than one person, as too many differing views can get a little confusing.
Keep an open mind. Even if you've already selected a basic style from the bridal magazines, make it a point to try on different silhouettes that are available. Do this to make sure that the style you originally preferred looks good on your particular body type. A good salesperson will know what's in stock and what would work well on your body type. Try on various gowns, but don't let anyone talk you into anything that doesn't feel right, or look right, on you.
Shop at several different stores. Don't try to do this all in the same day. You'll exhaust yourself, and at the end of the day, nothing will look good … you'll have burnt out. After you've tried on a variety of styles, take a break. Relax over lunch or dinner with your shopping companion. Talk about your preferred gowns. If you can, narrow your selection to a few favorites. Maybe one will shine from the other. Arrange to go back another day to confirm these choices. Ideally, one gown should leap out from the rest.
It may sound like a lot of time, and in today's work environment, it is a lot of time. If, however, you go about this selection process at a relaxed pace, you'll enjoy buying a gown significantly more than if you were to rush (and then regret) your decision. Shopping for a bridal gown should be a fun experience, and it can be, if you relax, keep your focus, and remember that it's your day to shine. Have fun!
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