I've been a part of so many weddings over the past couple of years, including my favorite—my own—that expanding my styling business to include brides was a natural progression. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of working with a gorgeous bride from Ohio who traveled all the way to Miami in search of her dream wedding dress. After six stores, countless gowns, and well-deserved mimosa breaks in between, she very happily said, "yes to the dress!"
For most brides, the search for a wedding gown begins with little pressure while browsing Pinterest or the latest issue of The Knot, and texting photos back and forth in a bridesmaids group chat. But more often than not, you're not prepared for the overwhelming stress that can ensue when it's time to actually choose the most important dress you'll ever wear. Before stepping foot in that first dressing room, consider this advice that I share with my girlfriends, sisters and clients alike.
1) You've committed to a man, now commit to a budget.
Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend, and remember that you’ll also need to purchase accessories like a veil, jewelry and shoes. (Alterations will also be an additional cost.) Be up front with your bridal stylist about your budget to avoid falling in love with a dress that you can’t afford.
Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend, and remember that you’ll also need to purchase accessories like a veil, jewelry and shoes. (Alterations will also be an additional cost.) Be up front with your bridal stylist about your budget to avoid falling in love with a dress that you can’t afford.
2) Start a Pinterest board.
Prior to your first appointment, do some research to determine what style dress you envision yourself wearing. A private Pinterest board is a great place to keep all of your favorites in one place. Are you a romantic or sexy bride? Do you see yourself walking down the aisle in a classic or more modern dress? Your stylist will ask to see the photos to best determine what dresses to to pull for your fitting room.
Prior to your first appointment, do some research to determine what style dress you envision yourself wearing. A private Pinterest board is a great place to keep all of your favorites in one place. Are you a romantic or sexy bride? Do you see yourself walking down the aisle in a classic or more modern dress? Your stylist will ask to see the photos to best determine what dresses to to pull for your fitting room.
3) Stay open minded and try things on.
Even if you’ve dreamed of wearing a strapless lace mermaid-style gown since you were 10 years old, try on at least one ball gown…you may love it! You never know how something will look until you try it on, and you might as well rule out all options before deciding on the most important dress you’ll ever wear. From experience, it’s not uncommon for a bride to end up choosing a completely different style dress than what she initially wanted.
Even if you’ve dreamed of wearing a strapless lace mermaid-style gown since you were 10 years old, try on at least one ball gown…you may love it! You never know how something will look until you try it on, and you might as well rule out all options before deciding on the most important dress you’ll ever wear. From experience, it’s not uncommon for a bride to end up choosing a completely different style dress than what she initially wanted.
4) This is not the time to be on a diet.
Eat a hearty breakfast or lunch, and plan for a meal or snack break if you’re visiting more than one atelier on the same day. (Don't worry about looking "bloated". A hangry bride won't accomplish much.) Shopping on an empty stomach is no fun for anyone—especially family and friends that are dedicating their time to you.
Eat a hearty breakfast or lunch, and plan for a meal or snack break if you’re visiting more than one atelier on the same day. (Don't worry about looking "bloated". A hangry bride won't accomplish much.) Shopping on an empty stomach is no fun for anyone—especially family and friends that are dedicating their time to you.
5) Get a blow out and put on some lipstick, you're the bride!
You may not typically go shopping in a full face of makeup, but wedding dress shopping is not a typical activity. Looking your best while trying on dresses will help you to better envision your bridal look. Plus, your squad will be taking a million photos that you’ll definitely want to look cute in.
You may not typically go shopping in a full face of makeup, but wedding dress shopping is not a typical activity. Looking your best while trying on dresses will help you to better envision your bridal look. Plus, your squad will be taking a million photos that you’ll definitely want to look cute in.
6) Save your cute undies for your fiancé.
For your comfort during appointments, wear a nude thong (or brief) and a strapless bra. Brightly colored undergarments can be distracting when trying on certain types of gowns. If you’re more modest, I recommend also wearing pasties since you may have an audience while changing dresses.
For your comfort during appointments, wear a nude thong (or brief) and a strapless bra. Brightly colored undergarments can be distracting when trying on certain types of gowns. If you’re more modest, I recommend also wearing pasties since you may have an audience while changing dresses.
7) Don’t rule out a gently used or preowned wedding dress.
Stores like La Vie en Blanc offer “preloved” gowns & accessories at up to 75% off retail prices, and are a great option for brides that don’t want to compromise their dream day because of their love for bridal couture. How real are the savings? While visiting La Vie en Blanc with my client this weekend, I spotted a popular Berta bridal style, (originally $10,000,) on sale for $6,000.
For more information about my concierge bridal styling services, email me with subject line "Bridal Styling."
Photo via Hello May
Stores like La Vie en Blanc offer “preloved” gowns & accessories at up to 75% off retail prices, and are a great option for brides that don’t want to compromise their dream day because of their love for bridal couture. How real are the savings? While visiting La Vie en Blanc with my client this weekend, I spotted a popular Berta bridal style, (originally $10,000,) on sale for $6,000.
For more information about my concierge bridal styling services, email me with subject line "Bridal Styling."
Photo via Hello May
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