Have a stress-free wedding dress shopping experience by sticking to these ten golden rules…
1.Do your Research
If you walk into a boutique with no idea what wedding dress style, material or shape you’re looking for, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed by the sea of taffeta and lace. Do some bridal gown research before you go shopping and you’ll get more out of the appointment, as the staff will know where to start.
2.Budget
Wouldn’t it be tragic to try on and fall in love with a gown only to find out that it is way too pricy? Ensure that you have a budget and share it with the bridal shop attendants so as to save you from frustration and save time.
- Shopping Party
Every bridal shop wants to give you the best service possible and that can be difficult when there’s one too many opinions flying around the room. Most boutiques are intimate places with limited space and staff, so stick to a few close companions to lessen the stress and have a peaceful shopping experience.
- Contingency Funds
Be sure to have contingency funds in the event alterations will be needed. The prices vary with the amount of work that needs to be done, the decorative detail, the material used and the design of the gown. Be prepared to spend a little extra as the bridal boutiques don’t incur the costs on alterations
- Curb the Greed
Trying on a bridal gown is far more time consuming and exhausting compared to trying on your average dress, so whittle your selection down to a few favorite pieces and have ample time to enjoy the process in choosing your dream wedding dress.
- Payments
Most boutiques will not offer a refund if you change your mind, so don’t commit to a dress unless you are sure it is ‘The One’. Look around other bridal shops so as to have options on prices and dresses as well. However, if you are shopping when a sale is on, there will be pressure to buy on the spot, so it’s best to do your research first and have a particular style in mind.
- Weight Issues
Let the shop attendants know if you are working towards losing a significant amount of weight before the big day or if you are to get married during your third trimester, so they can put off alterations until the last minute. Ensure that there are no surprises on your big day when there will be no time for fixes.
- Undergarments
Wear underwear that is true to your natural shape. Padded bras and panties can easily alter your measurements that in turn may result in an ill-fitting gown. Avoid wearing heavily padded bras and basics to a fitting, unless you plan on wearing them on the wedding day.
- Makeup Tips
Makeup can be messy, especially because it is likely to smudge. While you obviously want to feel glamorous when you’re trying on bridal gowns, steer clear of caked-on foundation that comes off easily which could cost you if smudged on a crisp white wedding gown.
- Appointments
Lots of places operate with a booking system to ease the pressure and provide exceptional service, so be sure to call ahead to facilitate comfort for your most important shopping affair.
