What to Expect When Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

By Georgina Clatworthy

Your wedding dress will be the most important and probably the most expensive piece of clothing you will ever purchase.  It is for this reason that you should not enter into a decision lightly and neither should you be rushed into making one!

Whilst your final choice of dress is important, your choice of retailer is equally as in important, if not more so.  A good bridal retailer will offer good sound advice on the shape, style, color and fabric of your wedding dress as well as being able to give you good advice on accessories to coordinate.

When you begin shopping for your wedding dress start by asking around friends and family for recommendations on good retailers in your area.  If someone has had a good experience they will be only too glad to tell you, likewise, if they have had a bad experience then they will probably guide you away from that particular bridal store!

Many bridal stores will operate on an appointment only basis, however larger stores will usually be open 6 days a week and many smaller independent shops will have at least one day and maybe an evening where you can go in and browse the stock without being under any obligation to try one on.

Try to visit as many stores as you can and if possible try to speak with the shop owner or assistants to gauge how knowledgeable they are and if you feel comfortable with them.  Remember you will probably be spending a large amount time parading around in your underwear whilst various dresses and accessories are thrown at you! So you need to feel comfortable with them seeing you like that!

Once you have found a store that suits you and which you feel can provide you with good service then arrange an appointment to try dresses on.  On the day of the appointment there are several things that you should consider before you turn up at the shop:

• Take a maximum of two people with you. Bridal stores tend to be small and any more than two will begin to feel rather crowded.
• Take with you people whom you trust to give you sound advice and who will reign you in should you get carried away and try to blow the entire wedding budget on a dream gown!
• Bridal stores are no place for children so arrange a babysitter if needed.
• Wear a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to that which you will want on your wedding day. You don’t need to buy wedding shoes, but wear a pair of shoes which are comfortable.
• Wear white or light colored lingerie and try to wear a strapless bra which fits well. Many wedding dresses are strapless these days and a strapless can be worn with any style of dress without spoiling the look.
• Have some idea of the style and shape of dress you would like to help the bridal store guide you to the right dresses. They may tell you that your vision will not be suitable for you, but ask to try something on anyway so you can decide if they are right. Take some pictures, magazine clippings etc as well.
• Be prepared for a long day as it can take time to find the perfect wedding dress!