Avoid These Dress Shopping Mistakes
One of the most stressful things for a bride is the search for a perfect bridal gown. As wedding planners, it is our mission to see that our brides are as happy as possible comes wedding day. In our years of experience as wedding planners, producing both small and big weddings in Israel, we’ve learned that wedding dress shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, and unreasonably expensive.
Here is our list of the top 10 mistakes we’ve seen brides make when shopping for a wedding dress try to avoid these and you should be fine:
1. Not knowing your budget
Unless you really do have an unlimited amount to spend, you should have an idea of what you can afford. Obviously, your budget will go a lot further if you choose to shop for discount wedding dresses, from a factory outlet or discount designer store, but you still need to know what your limit is. Nowadays there are also second-hand options, as well as rental shops for bridal dresses. There’s a perfect dress for every budget!
2. Not considering extra costs
When you budget for your dress, don’t forget alterations Also make sure to remember that you will need underwear, in most cases a special bra, one or two pairs of shoes. A veil, and any jewelry you don’t already own (most of us didn’t own a tiara before we got married!). Be mindful of hair and makeup and any special hair accessories you may desire.
3. Bringing too many people
You should definitely bring someone. Many people bring their mom and a sister or a close friend. Whoever you choose, they should be people you trust to give an honest opinion but also not try to influence you to choose a dress they like rather than the one you like! Any more than two people and you’re swing to end up with too many different viewpoints which can get confusing for you. Besides, you want your wedding dress to be a surprise for as many people as possible on the big day.
4. Getting all dolled up to for your dress shopping appointments
Okay, so wedding dress shopping feels more special than normal shopping, but there really is no need to get all dressed up for the store sales person! You should make sure that you are wearing a well-fitting bra if you are likely to need extra support under your wedding dress, but apart from that, arriving in casual attire is fine. In fact, the stores would prefer you didn’t wear any makeup that could get smudged on to the dresses.
5. Shopping too early (or too late!)
Shopping too late is less of a concern if you’re buying a dress off of the rack (although you should still leave time for alterations”. As far shopping too early, you really need to at least have the wedding date booked, and preferably the venue, as both of these decisions will influence what style of dress you choose. Also, If you aren’t ready to make the purchase, you could fall in love with a dress that isn’t going to be available when you actually have all of your wedding finances in order. A good time to dress shop is 6 months before your big day. Don’t set yourself up for wedding dress heartache.
6. Not having done a bit of research before
It’s great to have an open mind as to what style of dress you want but you should have some idea about what you like. Knowing your venue will help (beach weddings have a very different dress code for indoor winter weddings), but take the time to look at some pictures and see what appeals to you. Perhaps you prefer something simple and modern over a more elaborate and detailed gown. If you have no idea where to start, you are setting yourself up to be very overwhelmed once you get to the store.
7. Only trying one style on
Conversely, being adamant you will only try on white strapless ball gowns may mean you miss out on a dress that would suit you more. Be open-minded there’s a saying, “don’t judge a dress on the rack!” you really have to see how different styles compliment your figure.
8. Trying to buy a smaller size saying “I’ll lose weight before the wedding”
It’s so easy to say, but not as easy to achieve, and while we’re not saying you won’t lose weight before your big day, it is worth remembering that most dresses can be taken in by as many as four sizes without affecting the style. Letting a dress out Is much more difficult, and If It is possible, you will only be able to let it out by one size. So choose a dress that fits now. and have it taken in when you lose that weight.
9. forgetting you have to spend a whole day in the dress
This sounds obvious, but many people will try a dress on and decide to buy it without even trying to sit down in it. The wedding dress is for more than just the ceremony, so think about how comfortable it will be to wear while sitting down, eating and even dancing in. This is particularly important with corset style bodices that can be restricting, and fishtail dresses, which if too closely fitted can stop you from being able to sit down at am.
10. Buying a dress you don’t love
This is YOUR wedding day! it should be the dress that you keep comparing all other dresses too. Choosing a dress because it made your mother well up, or Just because It has a colored trim that will match the bridesmaid’s dresses is really not advisable. You aren’t planning to do this more than once, so make sure to buy the wedding dress of your dreams.