Wedding Dress Shopping - Finding “The One”
Your wedding dress is probably the most important piece of your bridal ensemble. Finding “the one” for your big day can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With some planning and guidance, you can find your dream wedding dress. Here are 6 tips to make wedding dress shopping less stressful and more enjoyable:
1. Set your budget
Wedding dresses can range dramatically in price from a few hundred to several thousand pounds! Bridal experts typically recommend setting aside around 5-10% of your total wedding budget for your dress. In fact, according to recent data by Nimble Fins, who looked at the top 5 average costs for UK weddings in 2023, brides spend an average of £1,300 on their wedding dress! However, every bride's budget is different. Take some time to decide on a comfortable number for you before beginning your search. Look at the overall wedding expenses you expect to have and allocate an amount towards your dress that fits into your plans. This will help narrow your selections to what you can realistically afford. Be very wary of going over budget for just the dress or you may have to cut back elsewhere!
2. Start the search early
Ideally, you'll want to start shopping for your wedding dress around 8-10 months before your wedding date. It can often take up to 6 months for a wedding dress to come in, especially if alterations need to be done. You'll also want to budget in plenty of time to browse at different bridal salons, try on various styles, and not feel rushed. Starting your dress search early removes a lot of stress when it comes to finding the perfect dress in time for your big day. Don't wait until the last minute if you can avoid it. Give yourself several months to shop around!
3. Research the latest styles
Before going shopping, spend time looking through bridal magazines, websites like Pinterest, and browsing photos online to identify styles you think you might like. Search terms like "A-line wedding dress", "mermaid wedding dress", "ball gown wedding dress" can help you find dresses with specific silhouettes. Make note of any sleeve styles, necklines like sweetheart, v-neck, or off-the-shoulder, and embellishments such as lace or beadwork that catch your eye. This’ll give you a good sense of what styles you want to try on when you go shopping. Gathering inspirational pictures is extremely helpful to show the consultants too!
4. Make appointments ahead of time
Many bridal salons require you to book appointments in advance, so call ahead. Let them know your budget, wedding date, and the styles you're interested in trying. This allows them to pull dresses ahead of time in your size. During each appointment, plan to try on around 6-10 dresses. Bridal consultants can be extremely helpful in selecting gowns for you to try based on your description.
5. Limit your entourage
Only bring 1-2 people along with you for wedding dress shopping. Any more than that, and you risk getting too many opinions, which could quickly become overwhelming. One or two supportive friends or family members are ideal. Too many voices trying to weigh in could confuse you. Keep your bridal party small so you can get honest feedback, not just gushing compliments.
6. Trust your instincts
While shopping, the bridal consultant may suggest gowns you would likely never pick for yourself. It’s always good to keep an open mind and try them on anyway, even if you don't think you'll like them. However, only choose a dress if YOU love it. While outside input is helpful, at the end of the day, you want to make the best choice for your own taste and wedding vision. Listen to advice but go with your gut instinct on which dress makes you feel like a bride!
All we can say is stay true to your own style and budget to look and feel your absolute best when walking down the aisle. For more wedding planning tips, head over to our inspiration hub. In the meantime, happy wedding dress shopping!