How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Dress
Wedding plans are coming together, and you’re starting to find yourself thinking about the dress. Will it be tulle and lace, or a smooth silk? Sleeves or no sleeves? White, or are you daring to branch out to rock a non-traditional dress?
Here are some tips to help make your dream dress a reality!
We loved how flowy Sam’s dress was! And she looked so happy (and comfortable) all evening! Photo from Moonloop Photography.
1. Apple? Pear? Carrot? We Promise There’s a Dress for You
Don’t fret. Although that mermaid gown may not be your thing, we assure you there is a dress out there for you! If you go to a dress shop, ask the professionals; if they’re good at their job, in fifteen minutes they’ll have at least five dresses they think would do your body style justice.
2. You’re Hot Then You’re Cold: Remember the Season
This might sound odd, but a lot of brides buy their dress before they officially set their wedding date. And it’s fine if you buy a super-layered dress with a ton of tulle and sleeves…unless you change your mind on the date and now want to get married outside in Arizona in July. Not saying you can’t do it, but you might need some extra anti-perspirant on that day.
Accessories like shawls and furs can really help you stay warm in a sleeveless or strapless gown if you decide to go with a cooler date.
This dress fit Danielle’s spunky personality perfectly! Photo from Kelly Lapp Photography.
3. An Itch You Can’t Scratch: Pick the Right Material
Nothing is worse than finding the prettiest wedding dress online, ordering it, and finding out it is unbearably itchy. If you can try the dress on in person first, do it! And make sure you spend enough time moving around in it. You’ll avoid headaches later if you take fifteen or twenty minutes now to see how you feel in the dress while you sit, stand and walk.
If you’re stuck with an itchy dress, there are some tricks, like rubbing fabric softener sheets on the culprit or rubbing on anti-chafing cream. Tulle and lace are notorious for aggravating skin, especially if you’re prone to find certain clothes itchy.
4. Cha-ching: The Price Tag
Price is a huge factor when picking a wedding dress. According to The Knot the average wedding dress costs about $1,300, which is a shock to most people. Whether you’re over this budget or under it, you can definitely find a dress to suit your style and wallet.
If you’re looking to stay under a certain amount, don’t be afraid to shop around. Check out several local dress shops. You could also check out local Bride Re-sale pages on Facebook to see who is selling their dress. You could get a heck of a deal.
A wedding dress should not be looked at like an investment, like a car or house; don’t get your hopes up if you buy new that you’ll be able to resell for close to the original price.
Lindley looked stunning in her dress…even when jumping into the water in Costa Rica!!
5. Don’t Forget Your Personal Flare
When you put on your gown, you want to feel like, well… YOU! Make sure you find a wedding dress that represents not only what you want your special day to look like, but also one that fits your personality.
Many of our brides say they were surprised by the dress they picked because they always envisioned a certain style of dress, but when they branched out to try something different, they fell in love with another style. Don’t be afraid to try something on for kicks! You may just fall in love with it.
Remember to take one or two close friends or family members along to go shopping (don’t take too many; it can get super overwhelming). Choose people who have your best interests at heart. Most importantly, have fun!