Written by: Kasey Koblick-Ferrante
You found your person, got the ring, and wedding planning is picking up speed. For sure, dress shopping is on your checklist’s horizon. But where do you even begin? With so many designers, styles, cuts, fabrics, and even shades of white - wedding gown shopping can be overwhelming...but it doesn’t have to be.
We asked Hayley Hayden, EVJ Senior Planner and Bridal Stylist at Grace Loves Lace, to spill the tea on her best wedding gown shopping tips and set you up for wedding gown shopping success:
ONE - A Babe with a Plan
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s important to do your research, not only for the best venues, photographers, and bands but also for your wedding gown! Narrowing down your list will help to keep the experience fun - look at bridal magazines and the internet for inspiration, think about your personal style, be mindful of your budget, and get started by creating a wedding gown vision board.
When you feel like you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, make appointments at bridal boutiques that speak to your style and suit the aesthetic of your wedding. Remember, every designer is different and all boutiques have their own, unique selection of gowns. If you have your heart set on a specific style, ask them if they have it in-house when you schedule your appointment.
TWO - Two is Company, and Three is a Crowd
Do you know the phrase, too many cooks in the kitchen? This also applies when you’re looking for your dream dress. Of course, you want your trusted gal pals’ opinions, but try this on for size: please don’t bring too many people gown shopping with you! It’s your wedding day, and ultimately, you must make the final decision.
THREE - Try This On For Size...
Always compare the dress that you currently have on to the last dress you tried on. If you aren’t feeling like your best self, don’t spend any more time in it and cross it off your list! The best part? You don’t need to justify why it’s not for you. We promise - the dresses don’t have feelings and you won’t break your stylist’s heart if you say no.
FOUR - Take a Picture, It Lasts Longer
Make sure you take photos of your favorite dresses...lots of photos! If you’re alone, ask your stylist to take them. Why? If you’re unsure of which dress you want, you’re definitely going to want those photos to help you make a decision. Hayley suggests making a collage or putting the pictures you took of yourself in your favorite dresses side-by-side. She says, “Your decision will become a lot clearer when you’re looking at them both at once.”
(Be warned: some boutiques don’t allow you to snap photos. We know...we don’t like this idea either. If this worries you, then take a friend who is willing to bend the rules to help you out. You didn’t hear that from us *wink*)
FIVE – Top it Off
We can’t stress this enough - TRY ON THE VEIL! You might have convinced yourself that you absolutely do not want a veil, but we’ll give you two reasons why you should at least give it a try: your wedding day is the one time you will get to wear a stunning veil with a gorgeous train, and you’re already at the boutique! You might be surprised how the veil makes you feel once it’s on; it could be just the finishing touch you’re looking for to say yes to the dress.
LAST AND MOST IMPORTANT - Lookin’ Good, Feelin’ Amazing
It’s so important that you choose the wedding gown that YOU want to wear - not your mom, not your maid-of-honor, and not your sister. This is your show, babe! You deserve to feel like the bombshell that you are on your wedding day - pick a dress that you feel the most beautiful in and best compliments your style.
As Hayley explains, “No one will remember your gown in years to come, except you. Make sure it’s the gown you want and not what someone else envisions you in. You don’t want to look back at your pictures and think, I wish I had worn something else.”
Now that you have the knowledge, get your action plan together and start shopping! If you’re in the LA, NY/NJ area and feel like you need more guidance, give us a call and ask about our bridal fashion service. We’d love to help make your wedding gown dreams a reality.