Tips for Finding a Wedding Gown

As you may know I recently purchased my wedding gown.  The experience was full of bliss and a few struggles. And there were lots of things I learned along the way.  So I thought I would share some tips that I learned, with you.

Finding the perfect wedding dress is stressful, time consuming, and exhausting.  It is also blissful, beautiful, aw inspiring, and very, very exciting.   I promise you, it is worth every second.  I hit a few unexpected bumps in my road of finding my perfect gown. (which you probably already read about.)

If you follow these tips, it should help eliminate the same issues I personally faced.

1. Do Some Research Ahead of Time

Get on Pinterest, the Knot, Wedding Wire, and every other wedding blog there is and save dresses that catch your eye.  This will give you an idea of what you're looking for or at least your style.

2. Start Early

I didn't do this mostly because I wanted a girls day with my family that doesn't live close, but if you don't have anything special planned, start early.  This will take away any unnecessary stress of finding a gown while the wedding is fast approaching. Plus it will give you plenty of time for the dress to come in and alterations.

3.  Explore

So you've done some research and you think you know what you want.  If this is your very first time trying on gowns try on different styles and shapes.   I've known a ton of girls who decided on a dress that was a complete game changer.  Don't be afraid to step out of your normal comfort zone.  You only get to try on wedding dresses once in your life.

4. Have a Budget and Stick to It

Seriously think about what you're willing to spend on wedding dress long before you enter any shoppe.  This will ensure you don't fall in love with a gown that is completely out of your price range.  I say this for two reasons. One if you try on dress outside of your budget no dress within your budget is going to compare.  And the second you will probably cry and be completely stressed out and feel defeated because you can't have your dream gown.  

5. Make sure your Consultant Knows and Sticks to your Budget

This one goes hand and hand with the one above.  I've experienced the nightmare of not following this one, and can I just say it was awful.  I literally stopped looking at gowns for a couple of months because I felt so defeated.  After that experience I made sure every single consultant from then on knew exactly what my price range was, and didn't pull a single gown outside of my budget.

6.  Speak Up

If your friend, sister, mother, soon to be mother in law or any other person pulls a dress you hate.  Say something.  Stand up for yourself.  I was at a salon once and the poor girl brought 6 people with her and they were all running around the store picking dress after dress.  The girl was in tears and her entourage didn't understand.  This is your day you should absolutely love your dress and the people that are with you should be on the same page.

7.  Don't Rush

I know I said in number 2 to start early which eliminates the time crunch.  It also gives you lots of time to find the perfect gown.  If you find a gown that you think is perfect, but you're not sure, sleep on it.  Take pictures of it (if you're allowed to), but don't rush in purchasing it. If you even have the slightest amount of doubt don't risk it.

8. Don't be Afraid of Off the Rack Samples

When I first started my dress search I refused to try on 'off the rack' sample gowns.  It was probably my ego not wanting something used, or the dream of having a dress that was made specifically for me. Well turns out there was an off the rack gown that was just waiting for me (and whether or not the designer made it just for me, it fit like it was).  This was my personal "game changer".  If you want the very best deal an 'off the rack sample' is the perfect solution.  I personally scored a gown that was originally $1300 for $275!!!

9. After you say "Yes" Stop looking
This is a huge one!  When you've found the one and you forked out the dough DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go to another bridal shop and try on another gown.  This will cause unneeded stress and take all the fun out of dress shopping.  You will be confused and undecided, not to mention out hundreds of dollars.

10.  Enjoy Yourself
Have fun.  Laugh about a terrible dress you tried on.  Twirl around in a dress you love.  Smile, admire yourself as a bride. Enjoy the time you get to share with just the "girls".  Try not to feel overwhelmed.  And if you do, take a deep breath and let it all in.  This is a huge step in your future so enjoy it.

11.  Support Local Bridal Shops
I love supporting people with small businesses.  I feel there is so much love that goes into a small business.  I love purchasing something knowing that I'm giving money directly to someone's family.  That my money is funding someone's dream. Plus I feel the service I receive is almost always better.  With that being said I have nothing against big bridal shops.  I almost purchased a gown at a big bridal shoppe.  I just encourage you to give a mom and pop shop a chance.

What do you think?  Do you have any personal tips you'd like to add to this list?