Now that you’ve said yes to the perfect spouse, it’s time to say yes to the perfect dress. Knowing how to choose a wedding dress for your body shape can be tricky.
Choosing a wedding dress that enhances your shape and makes you feel great takes a lot of research, time, and determination.
We want you to feel like a princess on your special day. We have come up with a guide to help you take the right steps to pick out your ideal wedding gown.
1. Do Your Research
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You have most likely already started looking at Pinterest and bridal magazines. You must do extensive research. There are a tremendous amount of different styles, colors, and shapes to wedding dresses.
Other places you may find inspiration is by looking at a wedding photography guide or wedding photography websites. Look at every magazine you can find and all the bridal hashtags on Instagram.
Leave no dress unviewed.
2. How to Choose a Wedding Dress Shape and Style
Be open to any shapes. There are so many different wedding dress silhouettes. You may love the mermaid shape, but an a-line might flatter your figure better.
Pick your top three, yes three, favorite shapes and bring that information with you when you go shopping. But, also, don’t limit yourself when you get there.
Consider your venue, the theme or color scheme, and the overall style of your wedding when choosing your wedding dress. Picking a flirty short dress may clash with your winter wedding.
Some wedding dresses can be very heavy, consider the weight of the dress when trying them on. The dress may seem perfect, but after your ceremony and an hour at the reception, that fifteen-pound dress is going to weigh you down… literally.
3. How to Choose a Wedding Dress Color
Wedding dresses may all seem white, but there’s actually a lot of different colors! The undertones of your wedding dress can actually clash with your skin tone.
A true white color looks best on darker complections, while ivory looks great on everyone. Champagne and blush undertones can complement a variety of skin tones.
4. Make an Appointment
When you go shopping for your wedding dress, be sure to schedule an appointment. Ideally, you would schedule your appointment one year before your wedding. You need to leave time for ordering the dress and making alterations.
If you are plus size, call ahead, this way the consultants can be sure they have sample sizes that will fit you. Even though the average dress size in America is 14-18, sizes 2-4 tend to be the sample sizes. Get with the time’s bridal shops!
5. Consult an Expert
The wedding consultants are there for a reason — they know wedding dresses. Ask their opinion! Show them the styles and shapes you like and ask them if they have any suggestions.
They might just surprise you and know the absolutely perfect dress for you!
6. Try It on
Don’t even look at the size and even if the dress doesn’t look good on the hanger, try it on! You never actually know what the dress is going to look like until it’s on.
Wedding dress sizes are obnoxious. Your consultant will most likely order a size that’s two sizes larger than what you would wear in a regular dress. Don’t be alarmed and don’t take the size to heart.
7. Stay on Budget
Have a budget, and stay on budget. Don’t even try on anything over budget. And keep in mind that those TV budgets you see are astronomical. Keeping it within a reasonable amount is a good idea.
You can get a gorgeous gown for under $2,000, and even better for under $1,000. Don’t be afraid of the low budget. There are many sales and discounts, and you can easily get a beautiful wedding dress for under $400.
Take undergarments into consideration. Wear a similar bra and undies to what you would want to wear on your wedding day. This way you will know exactly the kind of undergarments you need for your wedding day and you can be sure you will be comfortable.
8. Bring a Trusted Companion
When you go to your appointment bring a few very honest people with you. Only a few people, too many people will result in frustration. And ideally, the people you bring will have differing opinions, but they will all be honest and come with the purpose of finding you the perfect dress.
9.Consider Buying Online
There are a few good online wedding dress shops where you can search for the dresses you want and buy them at a discounted price.
If you do choose to buy a wedding dress online, make sure you read the sizing guides and measure yourself correctly, and read the reviews. Reviews with pictures are particularly important.
10. Sleep on It
Once you think you’ve found your dress, snap a few photos, go home, and sleep on it. If you still want the dress tomorrow, go back and purchase it. Buying on impulse can be exciting, but once you buy it, the dress usually can’t be returned.
Now that you know how to choose a wedding dress, go out there and find the one! Well, the wedding dress, we hope if you’re reading this you’ve already found ‘the one’ meaning who you’re going to marry.
Check out the rest of our blog posts to find out more tips on choosing new sunglasses, spring outfits, and more!
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