July 24, 2024
Annette Ambrose Photography, an Arizona wedding photographer turned bride, shares her most recommended tips for wedding dress shopping.
Undoubtedly, wedding dress shopping was one of the most special and memorable moments of my entire life.
I don’t think that I will ever forget the feeling of trying on each dress (queue the tears).
The thing about wedding dress shopping, it is one of the best times of your entire life, and I want to help you cherish it as much as you can.
So, here are all of my favorite tips for saying, “YES TO THE DRESS!”
What You Should Know BEFORE You Go Wedding Dress Shopping
One thing I noticed when I was looking for a dress was that all of the bridal shops I went to wanted to know what I wanted as far as dresses went.
Honestly, I HAD NO IDEA.
I was all over the place with either a slimmer-fitting dress style or a fun, fuller style.
So, where did I go from there?
Refer to Pinterest
Before I went shopping, I had already started a Pinterest board that was FULL of wedding dress ideas, and it was an absolute game changer.
Not only did it help with helping narrow down what I wanted, but I was also able to send my board to the bridal shops to help them narrow down their options for me.
Wear Proper Undergarments
The underwear you wear is important contrary to popular belief.
You are going to be in and out of dresses, and you are going to want to make sure that whatever you are wearing makes slipping in is easy peasy.
I recommend wearing nude colors in a strapless bra, spanx, skims, thongs, etc.
Don’t Set Any Expectations for Yourself
You know how most girls have their weddings planned since they were three years old? Well, I wasn’t any different… which is exactly why I left the bridal shop absolutely shocked.
Do you want to know why?
The dress that I ended up saying yes to was a dress that I would have never, in a million years, would have thought that I would pick. The way the body of it fit me was just automatically unique and fit me so differently than any other dress.
I thought I was going to find a slimmer fit, easy to travel with to Europe. However, I went in a completely difference direction.
It is more of a feeling type of thing.
Bring Those Closest to You
I ended up bringing my sister and my mom with me, but I wanted to keep it a surprise from everyone else… even my future mother-in-law.
There are not very many times in your life where you get to keep a surprise like this one, so don’t feel like you owe anyone anything.
Research the Dress Shops
About a month prior, secure the times and dates you want.
All bridal shops tend to be busy, especially on the weekends, SO BOOK AHEAD. Don’t forget to make sure that the shops you are interested in fit your price range.
You Found “THE ONE” Wedding Dress Shopping: NOW WHAT?
Test it Out
Obviously, you want to have the feeling that this is the dress you envision walking down the aisle with which means you need to make sure you can move around in it, and it is comfortable.
As a wedding photographer, I have seen plenty of women not able to sit down or walk.
I promise, no matter how beautiful it is, you don’t want to be miserable on your wedding day.
Be Honest
If you are not feeling the dress, make sure you tell the bridal consultant.
BE VERBAL.
Your consultant wants to know how you feel. At the end of the day, you are the one wearing the dress. You won’t hurt their feelings.
Sizing Can Be Different
Bridal sizing can be different, so keep an open mind when trying on the dresses because most of the stores have a bigger sample size.
Where You Are Getting Married Can Affect the Dress
For me, I am getting married in Positano, Italy where the backdrop is very busy. Since I don’t want my dress and the landscape/cityscape to clash, I opted for a simpler style.
Set Your Budget
Most of the bridal shops will ask you what your budget is when you start looking and most do a really good job helping you keep in that budget.
Or, they let you know before trying on the dress that way you are able to decide beforehand if you still want to try it on regardless of the price tag. There is nothing worse than trying on a dress, falling in love, just to realize it is way out of your price range.
Make a Day of It
Plan a day with the closest women in your life and pick out three-ish shops.
I noticed each shop averaged 1.5 – 2 hours with trying on so when you plan your appointments, keep that timeframe in mind.
SHOPS I VISITED:
Grace Loves Lace
AandBe Bridal
Lovely Bride
SHOPS I RECOMMEND IN ARIZONA:
Brillant Bridal
Modern Bride AZ
True Society
Anthropologie/BHLDN at the Biltmore
Lovely Bride
Grace Loves Lace
Mariee Bridal
Luv Bridal
Bring Your Wedding Shoes
This is optional, but it might just change your wedding dress experience.
I am on the taller side (5’9). So, when we ordered my dress, we had to add a few inches on and that was without even having shoes on.
So, you can always be on the safe side and bring your shoe (or shoe height).
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips Summary
- BUILD A PINTEREST BOARD. Be prepared to answer questions regarding dresses that you potentially want, and show your Pinterest to the dress shops.
- RESEARCH WEDDING SHOPS. Make sure to book your bridal dress appointments early. I recommend at least a month out.
- WEAR ACCESSIBLE UNDERWEAR. Always wear something that is easy to get in and out of dresses with. I tell everyone to wear something nude.
- SET YOUR BUDGET. This is one of the most important things you can do. I swear that not having a firm budget can really make or break your wedding.
- LEAVE THE EXPECTATIONS AT THE DOOR. It is important to just focus on enjoying your experience. You are only going to pick your dress once.
For more wedding planning tips:
Wright to the Alter: How to Style Your Engagement Session
Enhance Your Wedding Day Memories with Super 8 Highlight Film
The Most Important Wedding Planning Tips for Newly Engaged Couples
