There are some unbelievable wedding fashions this year, and every year. The gowns we shot for our upcoming issue were so gorgeous that I had to talk myself out of trying on a couple of them when no one was looking (I put a veil on instead).
I don’t get to have my “dress buying” experience again, but I’ll settle for living vicariously through you lovely brides. It’s fun seeing what you choose to wear.
Over the past 13 issues, I’ve seen my fair share of brides in gowns so perfect for them I could cry—as well as brides in gowns and accessories that seem a little bit out of left field per their personalities and body types. Thus, I want to share my top tips for choosing the perfect gown. Take ’em or leave ’em, but if nothing else, promise that you’ll cherish this once-in-a-lifetime experience of finding your dream dress.
1. Shop local.
I cannot say this enough. I have talked with so many brides who think they’re going to save money shopping at say, David’s Bridal, or online at a China-wholesale site disguised as something less seedy. Well, they’re just plain wrong. And thus I always give the same little lecture:
Arkansas bridal boutiques carry gowns at wide-range of prices to fit varying budgets, they also host sales throughout the year, including sample sales where you can get couture gowns at clearance prices, and trunk shows where you get to preview a designer’s new collection before anyone else (and get a discount if you buy during the show). Our art director, in fact, got a wedding gown for a few hundred dollars on clearance at Low’s Bridal & Formal in Brinkley!
Unless you’re dead set on Vera Wang or Carolina Herrera, there is no reason to go to Dallas, Chicago, New York and for couture bridal gown. Arkansas’ bridal stores carry many of the same brands and go to the same bridal market.
2. Don’t buy your gown online.
If you do, it’s a BIG risk. There are hundreds of counterfit sites out there and scam artists. I’ve heard so many horror stories.
3. Be choosy about who gets to come with you.
I strongly suggest you DO NOT invite all of the females in your family, all of your bridesmaids, or any overly opinionated friends. It may be awkward at times (because some people will basically invite themselves to come shop with you), but stand your ground and decide on a select, very intimate group. Trust me on this. Whoever comes with you needs to love you, be polite, be respectful—be someone known for building you up with their words.
4. Take your time.
Don’t buy the first gown you try on—or at least don’t buy it before trying on some others first. Enjoy the process. Make it fun. Try all the different silhouettes on—you never know what might be the most flattering.
5. Always try on a few gowns you don’t think you like.
I was one of those brides whose mom found a gown in the salon and showed it to me. I tried it on to make her happy and it ended up being my dream dress. The sales team knows what they’re doing and your close shopping companions should know you well enough that if they see something they think is you, it just might be!
Pro tip: Ask the sales team specifically, “What do you think would look best on me?” The do this everyday, and are generally pretty good at their jobs. You’ll probably love what they choose for you.
6. Buy a gown that makes you feel confident.
Or, buy a gown that flatters your body type. If you are insecure about a certain part of your body, be sure your wedding gown hides whatever it is you don’t like. You do not want to feel insecure at all on your wedding day or during bridal portraits. The insecurity comes through in your photos. If you don’t like your arms in photos (like me!), try cap-sleeves, off the shoulder or long sleeves.
6b. Don’t assume you’re going to lose weight before the wedding.
Buy a gown you look amazing in when you buy it, and if you end up getting into better shape before the big day, count that as a bonus!
7. Factor alterations into your gown budget from the start.
Wedding gown alterations can exceed $400. So if you buy a gown at the top of your price range, I hope you have a seperate budget for alterations.
7b. Factor the veil and any accessories into your gown budget too. Like, those beaded belts that are so popular can run any $200
8. Don’t go too trendy.
I’m not saying don’t be fashion forward. Just think long and hard about whether the trend—whether it’s a floral crown or a blue wedding dress—is really YOU. When you look back at your photos in 10 years, are you going to be glad you wore what you did? Are you going to wish you looked more like yourself? Ask yourself these things before you buy any gown or accessories. Be authentically you.
9. Schedule a bridal appointment(s).
And then, try for a week night or week day appointment. Generally, you’ll get more time and attention due to fewer customers in store at the same time.
10. Choose a gown that fits the asthetic of your wedding, especially your venue.
Please no princess ball gowns in a barn.
If your wedding day getup fits your personality and feels like you. Then you got it right, girlfriend, and it’s time to say “I do.”
