After the initial excitement of your engagement wears off, planning your wedding kicks into full gear. Finding the right dress is a key part of wedding planning, as your dress helps set the overall tone of your wedding. You want one that will make you feel beautiful and confident that you can look back on in years to come and cherish. While we do a lot on our end to prepare, we like to give all our brides a few tips so that they come just as ready as we are.
Set a Budget
Before you come in for your appointment, set a budget for your gown. Having a budget not only helps you narrow down your options, but keeps your stylist from pulling dresses you can’t afford. This way, you won’t try on a dress and fall in love only to be disappointed when you see the price.
Pick the Venue Before Your Appointment
Before scheduling your appointment, set your venue. Having a venue already picked out allows you to better picture what your wedding day will look like so you can see yourself in the dress. This also means you plan accordingly for the weather—after all, you’d likely choose different dresses for a beach wedding in July and a church ceremony in December.
Come Ready
It’s a good idea to get ready the morning of your appointment. When trying on gorgeous, designer bridal gowns, it helps to see yourself put together so you can imagine what you’ll look like on the day of. A hint of makeup versus an I-woke-up-like-this look could completely change your opinion on a gown! We also recommend you wear the undergarments you plan to wear for your wedding—a strapless bra and any shapewear you plan to wear will give you a better idea of the fit of your dress.
Get Inspired
To help your stylist find dresses she thinks you’ll love, get an idea of styles you like. Check out inspiration on Pinterest or in a few bridal magazines, and think about which dresses you’re drawn to. Are you consistently liking A-line silhouettes? Finding yourself drawn to more embellished dress or intricate laces? Take a mental note of these things and tell your stylist so she has a starting point at the beginning of your appointment.
Bring Guests
For your appointment, bring a few guests as trusted second opinions. They can help you narrow down between tough decisions, confirm your choices, and celebrate with you when you find the right dress. While we love having guests at appointments, try to limit your guests to a few trusted confidants. Having too many opinions can overwhelm you and make you unsure of your choices, and it’s important that you remember it’s your decision and your wedding, and you want to find the dress you feel best in.
Ready to start shopping for your wedding dress? Book an appointment at Ella Park Bridal, and our dedicated stylists will help you find the wedding dress of your dreams.
