There comes a time in a woman’s life when she is faced with one of the most important decisions she will have to make. Choosing the perfect wedding dress. For a bride-to-be, walking down the aisle is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and with the abundance of dress options out there, making the right choice can feel daunting. It is important for every woman to educate herself on the best tips to follow when choosing the perfect wedding dress.
What to Consider When Shopping For a Wedding Dress
1. Start Early
Don’t wait till the last minute to start shopping for your dress. Start six to nine months before your wedding as it takes about four months for a manufacturer to make a dress and another two months to complete the alterations. Waiting till the last minute can leave you with limited choices or extra fees to pay for a rush order. If all this can be avoided, it should.
2. Budget
Be honest about your budget and spend within that limit. Be upfront and honest with your bridal consultant about what you are willing to spend to avoid time-wasting and confusion. It is important to remember that other aspects of the day also require your monetary attention. The run-up to the big day is not the best time to get anxious or wonder if you have gone over your budget.
3. Location
The wedding location can have an influence on the style of dress purchased. If the venue is in a cathedral, for instance, you may want to avoid dresses that are too exposing, depending on the church policy. Check the guidelines of the wedding venue regardless of whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding location.
4. Weather
Bear in mind the typical weather conditions at the time of year. If the humidity rate and temperature will be high, go for a dress with fewer layers and a looser fit. You want to dress for the right weather so as not to overheat or freeze on your big day.
5. The Theme of the Wedding
It’s easy for a bride-to-be to forget that her wedding comes with a theme and a groom. Do you perhaps have to match with your groom or bridesmaids? When choosing a dress, it’s important to consider what your overall theme is. An example is if your theme is a Bohemian wedding, you wouldn’t want to shop for a modern dress in this case. Are you leaning towards a more exotic theme? Shop accordingly.
6. Your Style and Personality
Similar to the theme of the wedding is the bride’s personal style. You want to pick a dress that reflects your personality and embodies who you are inside out. You want your guests to take one look at your dress and go, “of course she wore that. It’s totally her”. You should never settle for a less than perfect dress for you.
7. A Second Opinion
Take a family member or a trusted friend with you for your fitting appointment. One that knows your taste and preferences, and can give you a trusted second opinion. However, you don’t want to take too many people with you, as too many opinions can drown out your own. It’s your day after all. Never say yes to the wrong dress.
Physical Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
When shopping for a wedding dress in person, the best tip is to prepare beforehand to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Have cut-outs from your favourite bridal magazines or websites. You don’t want an overzealous stylist influencing your decisions based on their personal preferences and not yours.
Also consider your chosen accessories (veil, headpiece, jewelry). Take them with you if possible, as matching your dress to your accessories is also important in getting that final look.
Online Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
Although Wedding dresses are best fitted in person, in case of major alterations, there are several benefits to buying wedding dresses online. You get visited by an in-house stylist with a try-at-home sample dress. If you do have to shop online for a dress here are a few tips to have in mind.
Know your measurements – The three most important measurements when picking a bridal gown online are the bust, waist and hips. Remember to check the size chart of the online store you are using for an accurate guide.
Afarose offers a quick and easy way to shop for your wedding dress online via a virtual appointment. They offer a step-by-step guide that includes scheduling your appointment, filling out a styling profile, receiving your virtual appointment link, starting your appointment, and finally shopping for your dress. Visit: Afarose.com/appointment to find out how Afarose can help you choose the perfect wedding dress from the comfort of your home.
Extra tip: Have an in-house stylist visit you in person with your choice of dress for final alterations. You’ll thank me later.
Authors Note
There is nothing quite like preparing for that magical and memorable day. You walk down the aisle with the love of your life waiting to receive you at the other end. The lead-up to the event should be a fun, exciting experience, not overshadowed by anxiety. As the bride-to-be, you should be calm, focused, and free of stress. Above all, you should hire the right stylist to turn your wedding day fantasy into a reality.
1 Comment
👍👍👍👍👍. Very well needed. With these tips you can’t go wrong shopping for a wedding dress.