The process of selecting a wedding dress is often cited as the most challenging and stressful part of wedding planning. Despite the fact that most of us have given more than a little thought to the dress, nothing can prepare you for the real thing. With an overwhelming volume of silhouettes, fabrics, styles and price points, brides can quickly find themselves in over their heads. (And let’s not even get started on the myriad personalities and opinions that will be flying your way!)Take a deep breath and remember, you don’t have to do what is 'expected' of you and you don’t have to follow a specific style guide or antiquated expectations. This is your day so give yourself the freedom to be inspired, be surprised, and most importantly, be present throughout this amazing experience.With the help of Toronto-based boutique wedding dress shop, Loversland, here are some quick tips on how to make finding your perfect wedding dress one of your most treasured memories of the wedding planning process.
It takes a village. Or does it?
Be honest, what type of shopper are you? Do you enjoy taking your time, making snap decisions, or rely on input from others? Do multiple opinions make you flustered? For your very first outing, you might want to consider bringing just one person who knows you and your style really well. Then again, some brides feel more comfortable with their entire party present when wedding dress shopping. If you aren’t sure and you feel as though you might be walking into a wedding dress minefield, try narrowing your group down to two to three people whose opinions matter most to you.Next, think about timing. If you generally need a lot of time to consider large purchases, start shopping early. And although it might be tempting, don’t set a budget until you have completed your first appointment.
What the experts suggest.
Every bride should allow six to seven months to have her dress ordered, according to Loversland. But some consultants recommend as early as nine months. Why? Depending on what you buy, you might need to allow enough time for the dress to be made, shipped, or altered. So give yourself plenty of leeway and avoid rush fees.
THE FUN STUFF.
Now let’s move on to the fun stuff and talk about style! Ask yourself, what do I love about my body? What do I want to show off? (A note about sizing: don't be alarmed. Bridal sizing typically runs about two sizes larger than your regular size. As horrifying as it is, this is NORMAL. If it makes you feel any better, remember that the only person who will know that little number is you, and your trusted consultant.)
When looking for inspiration, you’ve no doubt already considered your venue and overall style of your wedding. But what about you? Your dress should be reflective of your personal style, no matter where or when you get married. Take to Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and of course all the wedding blogs you can find. But it’s not all about the online world. Think about your beloved romantic movie collection, your favourite love stories, most amazing destinations, and even memorable experiences that have moved you -- anything can serve as inspiration if you want it to. Write it down, clip it, pin it, and post it.
Expert Hint: As you are going through this process, look for commonalities in silhouettes, fabrics, and detailing to help establish your overall “vibe”, and then bring these ideas to your appointments.
What to wear under there.
For best results, bring nude undergarments (which you have of course tried on beforehand) and bring multiple options: strapless, push-up, thong, you never know what you might need.
Accessorizing.
Next, wear your hair in the way you’re thinking you might have it on your wedding day. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but if you’re considering an up-do, have those hair elastics and bobby pins ready. Same goes for makeup and shoes.
FINAL TIPS.
Lastly, and we can’t stress this enough: throw out the style 'rule book' and trust your instincts. If you want to wear a tulle embroidered ball gown, DO IT, this is your wedding! Still stuck? Call the ladies at Loversland and they will be happy to answer your all of your questions about a wedding dress shopping.