From the day Kate and William announced their engagement, the frenzy has been all about what Kate will wear. Sound familiar? You’ve probably been feeling the same way since you’ve become engaged. Wedding dresses are gorgeous, glamorous, girly and fun and may well be the most fabulous dress you will wear in your lifetime. That said, laying your hands on the perfect one for you is not easy.
The good/bad news? There are tons of designs to choose from out there. Never have there been so many wedding dress style options available, which means there truly is a fit for everyone, but finding the one can be an overwhelming shopping experience. Here are five savvy strategies to help you shop smart.
1. Have an idea of what you like. Browse our online galleries and the pages of Weddingbells and pull photos of any gowns you love. Even if you only love certain details about a dress, put it in your folder. Your inspiration sheets will be invaluable to you when you hit the bridal boutique shopping trail.
2. Know yourself. Nobody is perfect, but we all have lots of fabulous attributes. Know yours and this will help guide your dress shopping experience because you will look for dresses that showcase your best assets (i.e. arms, legs, décolleté). As the old saying goes, accentuate the positives.
3. Shop with an open mind. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard stories from brides who ended up going with a dress that was completely opposite to what they thought they would go for. As mentioned, you should shop with an idea of what you like, but also be prepared to veer a little off the path and try styles you might not have entertained. The results may be pleasantly surprising.
4. Don’t look outside your budget. If you have decided on a price range for your dress, be honest about that when you are shopping and ask the retailer to only show you designs that fit your budget. I am a firm believer of being practical when wedding planning and if you only have $1,000 to spend on your dress, what is the point of falling in love with a $5,000 one that you can’t afford? Shop smart.
5. Go with your gut. You’ll know you’ve found the one the minute you try it on. It will just feel right. You may find your dream dress early (it may even end up being the first you try on) or it may take you a little time, but when it happens you will know you’ve found your perfect match. Order away!
Photography Vanessa Heins.
Editor’s Note: February 2011
With planning season in high gear, you are probably on the hunt for your dream dress. Five tips for finding the one. By Alison McGill
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Posted by Francine on February 4, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.
I think choosing the wedding dress is the most stressfull thing a bride will do during the process of planning her wedding. Thank you for these great tips. I will be keeping them all in mind.
Posted by artdecodiamonds.com on February 8, 2011 at 8:57 a.m.
I agree its such a tough choice but i think when you find the right one you'll know it.. love your blog!
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