Whether you are the kind of bride, who has known what dress she wanted to wear since she was a little girl, or you are the kind of bride who hates shopping,

I have some tips and tricks to make choosing your perfect dress easy. 

There is a lot of pressure on a bride to look her absolute best on her wedding day, but how can you measure up to those models you see in a bridal magazine?

The answer is simple; just be yourself. On your big day, let your individuality shine. 

Here are a few ways to make sure you feel stunning for your Marvelous Moment.

Know Your Limits; The One Rule

It all starts with a budget; I know that it is easy to get carried away in wedding planning excitement. It would help if you kept in mind that finding the dress is not the end of the expenses. 

Do not forget alterations, bustle, veil, accessories, and shoes!

My heart goes out to the bride who tries on a dress outside of their budget, falls madly in love with it, then to realizes it is out of reach. 

At that point, no other wedding dress will live up to your expectations. You will develop broken-hearted feelings, and that will taint your entire wedding experience leading me to introduce my one quasi rule do not try on a dress outside of your budget!

Squad Up

Here is where the fun starts! Choose your entourage.

These individuals should be people you love and trust to tell you the truth. They should have your best interest at heart, possibly even know you better than you know yourself.

Who am I referencing?

Your mother, maid of honor, possibly in-laws, bride’s maids, co-workers, and maybe include the guys. If you are not worried about being traditional, some brides have their fiancé in this process, including your father, perhaps?

Choose each member very carefully.

Make it Fun

Wedding dress shopping should be a moment to remember, so do not just book your appointment and show up. 

Make your wedding dress shopping an entire event, go out for brunch, and have a mimosa or two, laugh with your squad in preparation for the day yet to unfold before you.

Do your research

 Before you get to the bridal boutique, I would highly recommend spending time doing your research.

Take screenshots of any dresses that caught your eye. Be mindful of your venue and the overall theme you want your dress to be apart of. 

Will your dress be trailing over sand or grass? Does it need to be a specific color?
Should you have a long train that can be bustled later, or do you admire lace over satin, maybe sequins over rhinestones?  

All these questions you should have in mind to fully prepare yourself for the wedding buying experience.

If you can come in prepared for your appointment, you will be much more successful in choosing your dream dress.

Wild Card

The day I went wedding dress shopping, I already had my perfect dress in mind, a Tulle ball gown with a beaded top. So when I tried two of these dresses on and was displeased, I began to feel confused. 

Thankfully my dress consultant was there to bring me a satin ball gown. I was so sure I would never wear a satin gown. In all my frustration and disappointment from the first two gowns, I tried it on. 

It was not love at first sight, but I was definitely in love after trying it on. My hope is that after your research, you will find your dress with ease, but if not, do not be discouraged; try a wild card, you may be thankful you did. 

Tears of Joy

I’m sure at this point, you have seen at least one television show or a movie scene where a bride-to-be walks into a bridal boutique, tries on her perfect gown, and breaks down into tears of joy. 

I hate to break it to you, but not everyone cries. Do not base your overall decision on tears because you will know when it is the one. 

Do Not Dress To Impress

If you are not familiar with the shopping process, remember one thing you will be half-naked most of the time. Simple attire will be the best choice today. 

I would say wear flats easy to slip on and off after every dress you change. It is good to bring a similar heel length to mimic the shoes you will want to wear on your wedding day. 

This way, when you choose your dress, you can step into those shoes for a better idea of what the full picture will display at the time of the big day. 

About undergarments, wear a strapless bra, thong or seamless panties, and any shapewear you plan to wear underneath your wedding dress.

The Dress

Let’s talk about silhouettes!

 With endless options, keep in mind bridal sizing can be one or two sizes higher than your average size. Remember to be true to your size. Always allow extra room to be altered down if needed, but never buy a dress too small.

 A silhouette is a design made to flatter different body types. Starting with the most traditional style of wedding dress, the ballgown. A ball gown has a full skirt and a fitted top. Every Cinderella fan knows what I am talking about. 

 This is the go-to princess gown with layers of fabric underneath, and an underprice made of tulle to help the skirt look round and full.

Little Mermaid fans, you are next with the mermaid/trumpet gown. This gown is for women who want to show off their curves. It fits closely to the body down to your hips and then flares to the floor—one of the most famous gowns for a more outgoing bride.

Explore Wedding Dress Options Here!

The sheath is a straight cut dress that is most often fitted. This is for a bride who wants to have free movement with less fabric and layering. It accentuates your natural look to keep it simple and sweet.

 If you want to ignore your waistline and hips, an A-line gown is the way to go. It is fitted from the shoulders to the hips and then widens. 

Not bound by Tradition

 Year by year, the traditional trends seem to become boundless. As brides become more bold and expressive, nontraditional attire has become more common. 

The tea-length dress is a popular trend. Great for outdoor weddings and quick courthouse nuptials. Short, comfortable, and stylish allowing a bride to still feel special on her big day without all the hassle that comes with a formal gown

Let’s get this party started!

Wedding gowns can be heavy. After hours of posed photos and mingling with your guest, do you want to party in layers upon layers of fabric? 

Consider a second outfit for your reception. 

This outfit can be fun and short. Get comfortable so you can dance the night away with your spouse. A more comfortable get-up is also convenient for a quick getaway if you plan on leaving shortly afterward to embark on your honeymoon.

Some more options include two pieces, jumpsuits, or tea-length dresses. 

Explore second outfit options here!

Personally, one of my biggest regrets on my wedding day was not having a second outfit prepared for my reception. As my gown dragged on the dance floor, tripping me almost every step of the way.

 I highly recommend that you consider an outfit change. After all, this is your Marvelous Moment.

Every Moment Counts,

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Cynthia Boodhoo

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