You're engaged! This is a very exciting time in every woman's life. And the first thing you probably think of is the dress. But picking out the perfect wedding dress can be quite a challenge, and is undoubtedly a moment you will always want to cherish. Remember, it's never too early to buy a dress, as it's something you'll most likely only do once in your life! If you're not sure where to start, here are some essential tips to help you find your perfect wedding dress.
Set a budget
Don't waste time trying on dresses that are above your price range. You'd better set a budget so you can spend more time looking at and trying on the options you can afford. Keep in mind that your clothing budget includes not only the dress, but also the cost of alterations, your veil, shoes, bridal lingerie and jewelry, which can add up quickly.
Know your style
Wedding dresses come in different styles and models, and you should know which one looks good on you. Think about the dresses you have in your closet and which ones look good on you. Which shapes suit your body best, and which design elements enhance your features? Are you going for a short wedding dress, or a long one? Do you choose an A-line or tight silhouette? Also check out wedding books and Pinterest boards to see what you like. These are all things to consider when you start shopping for your wedding dress.
Start early
It takes about six to eight months from the time you place the order to when you can bring the dress home, so once you've got that ring on your finger, it's time to get started. And that is if you can easily make a decision. If you are a picky person or don't really know what you want, start looking 8 to 10 months before your wedding. There are always adjustments that need to be made, and shopping too late could make you make a quick decision that you may regret later.
Make an appointment
Once you have an idea of what you want, it's time to make arrangements at bridal shops. If you have specific brands in mind, find out which stores have them. Most bridal shops do not operate on a walk-in basis, so call at least two weeks in advance for appointments.
Ask for opinions...but not too much
Get the opinions of those closest to you. Take one or two people with you, and have them give their opinions on the dress and look you're going for. But too many people's opinions can confuse you, so limit your shopping session to as few as possible.
Listen to the saleswoman's recommendations
Don't rule out anything at first glance. If the saleswoman offers you something she thinks you should try, try it, even if you don't like it at first or don't think it's for you. It's possible to fall for a wedding dress you didn't think you'd want. Not every dress looks great on a hanger, so let go of all preconceived ideas and keep an open mind.
Trust your instincts
If you need reassurance that the dress looks good on you, it probably isn't the dress for you. If you can't see yourself walking down the aisle with the wedding dress, then look further. When you find the right dress, you know.
Read the fine print
When ordering your dress from a bridal shop, it's important to pay attention to the fine print. A good bridal specialist will walk you through everything, including price, color, style number and name, delivery date, deposit, estimated change costs and cancellation policy. Make sure you get everything on paper and read it carefully, so that nothing goes wrong or that you don't face unexpected costs.
