Congratulations, girlfriend! You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. I’m not talking about married life… I’m talking about shopping for a bridal gown! If you’re feeling stressed about finding the perfect dress for your big day, you’ve got it all wrong. Finding the right wedding dress can be (and should be) fun! Take this girlfriend’s advice and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free and enjoyable search for a wedding gown.
Tip #1: Do Your Homework
I know, I know: “homework” and “fun” don’t normally go together. But trust me — you’ll thank me in the long run. Your assignment is to start a Wedding Dress File. Collect photos from magazines and websites. Take notes on gown features you like, bridal dress designers you love. Crunch some numbers and come up with a realistic idea of how much you can afford to spend on your wedding attire. Factor in the cost of your dress, alterations, shoes and accessories. Make a list of bridal shops you’d like to visit and schedule appointments in advance if necessary.
Tip #2: Keep the Entourage Small
Don’t bring a crowd to the bridal shop! Limit your shopping partners to one or two family members or girlfriends. Candidates to join you on your bridal gown expedition should be trustworthy, upbeat and indefatigable. Make sure you choose women you are completely comfortable with, whose opinions you value highly. And leave children at home! (With a qualified babysitter, of course.) Once you’ve lined up your go-to girls, share your Wedding Dress File with them to ensure that you are all on embarking on the same dress-the-bride mission.
Tip #3: Dress for Gown-Shopping Success
I apologize in advance, girlfriend, if this seems like common sense. But please understand, some of us need to be reminded that “easy on, easy off” is the rule of thumb when dressing to spend the day in a bridal shop try-on room. Think comfortable slip-on shoes, appropriate underwear, and outfits that are quick to pull on and take off – no layers, busy buttons or buckles. And please: leave the dangling jewelry and heavy makeup at home! You are going to be trying on expensive, intricately detailed gowns in various shades of white: let’s keep them snag-free and unsullied for the next girlfriends, shall we? Besides, trying on bridal dresses against your natural, unadorned complexion will give you the best idea of what styles and hues looks good on you.
Tip#4: When to Eat and Drink
Do not attempt to shop for a bridal gown on an empty stomach. You need energy and focus for this task. Have breakfast before you head out to shop for your wedding dress. And don’t bring snacks – most bridal consultants faint at the sight of chocolate granola bars and iced coffees near their white merchandise. Even if it’s not posted, there should be no food or drink in a bridal gown shop. Schedule your day to make time for a sit-down lunch with your girls – they will be ready for a break too!
Final Tip: Bring a Camera
After a day of trying on and taking off wedding gowns, your head will be spinning. Keep track of the ones you liked best by having one of your girls take a quick digital photo of you in each of your favorite dresses. It will be easier to then go back and narrow down your choices. And when you do find the perfect bridal gown, once again: snap away! Remember: your dress will probably have to be ordered and/or altered, so chances are you won’t be carrying it out the door of bridal shop the day you choose it. Photos can help as you accessorize your wedding attire in the coming weeks. Plus, sharing pictures with the girlfriends who didn’t get invited to the dress shopping expedition can go a long way toward making amends!
See Also:
Wedding Planning Guide
