Choosing the right wedding dress is one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful!) parts of wedding planning. You want a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, fits your wedding style, and makes a statement without overshadowing the day. Here are some dos and don’ts to guide you through the process:
Dos:
Do Veil: If you are debating wether or not you should have one I would recommend it. Veils create incredibly beautiful portraits. Of course it's a personal preference and whatever you choose it's going to be great. This is just my recommendation. You can always take it off when you are tired of it.
Do Start Early: Begin your search at least 6–9 months before the wedding if possible. Custom
dresses, alterations, and fittings can take time, and you’ll want room for adjustments.
Do Consider Your Wedding Style:
Do pick a dress that matches your wedding theme and venue. A ball gown might be perfect for a grand church wedding, while a more bohemian style may suit a beach or garden ceremony. At the end get the one you love the most
Do Listen to Your Gut:
Do trust your instincts. If you feel beautiful and confident in a dress, it’s probably the one. It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s opinions, but remember, this is your moment.
Do Try on Different Styles:
Do experiment with styles you might not initially think suit you. You might be surprised! For example, if you thought you wanted something fitted, a ball gown might look amazing, or vice versa.
Do Factor in Comfort:
Do choose a dress that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. You’ll be moving, dancing, and posing for photos, so make sure the fabric, fit, and shape allow for ease of movement.
Do Keep Your Budget in Mind:
Do set a realistic budget and stick to it. Wedding dresses can be pricey, but there are beautiful options at all price points. Factor in alterations, accessories, and shoes as well.
Do Think About Alterations:
Do choose a dress that can be altered if needed. Even off-the-rack dresses often need some tweaking (hem length, bust adjustments, etc.), so make sure the dress fits your body perfectly.
Do Consider Your Accessories:
Do think about how your veil, jewelry, and shoes will complement the dress. Sometimes, a dress might need minimal accessories, while others might shine with a bold statement piece.
Do Be Open to Adjusting Your Vision:
Do be flexible with your vision. You might walk into a bridal shop thinking you want one style, but end up falling in love with something completely different.
Don’ts:
Don’t Rush the Decision:
Don’t rush into picking a wedding dress. It’s tempting to settle on the first one that looks good, but take your time to really feel out the options.
Don’t Ignore the Weather or Season:
Don’t choose a dress that’s not appropriate for the season or weather. A heavy, long-sleeve gown might be beautiful for a winter wedding, but could leave you sweltering at a summer ceremony.
Don’t Overload on Accessories:
Don’t over-accessorize. Let your dress take center stage. Accessories should complement, not overpower, the dress—so keep it simple if the gown already has a lot of detail.
Don’t Go Too Trendy:
Don’t go for something too trendy if you’re unsure about how long you'll love it. Wedding trends change fast, so picking something classic and timeless might be a safer choice if you want to cherish your photos years from now.
Don’t Forget to Budget for Alterations:
Don’t overlook the cost of alterations. Many brides underestimate how much they’ll spend on adjustments like hemming, taking in seams, or adding custom details.
Don’t Compromise on Fit:
Don’t settle for a dress that isn’t quite right. The fit should be perfect or very close. A dress that’s too tight or too loose will never look as good as one that’s tailored to your body.
Don’t Ignore Your Shoes:
Don’t forget to bring the shoes you plan to wear (or something with a similar heel height) when trying on dresses. The length and fit of a dress can change depending on your shoe choice.
Don’t Forget About Comfort in the Long Run:
Don’t choose a dress that looks gorgeous in the fitting room but feels unbearable after a few hours. Test the dress by moving around, sitting, and walking to make sure it's as comfy as it is beautiful.
Choosing the right wedding dress is all about finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, and sentiment.
