Before Saying Yes to the Dress//
Wedding dress shopping can be both highly anticipated, and a stressful affair. As you embark on the journey of finding your dream wedding dress, preparation is key to making the experience enjoyable and productive. From the right undergarments to an open mind, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to bring with you when trying on wedding dresses.
1. Simple Undergarments in Neutral Colors
Start with the basics. Opt for seamless, nude-colored undergarments that will not distract from the dresses you try on. A strapless bra and seamless panties are generally good choices, as they provide the necessary support without interfering with the gown’s silhouette. However, if you plan on using a particular set on your wedding day be sure to bring or wear those to the appointment. If you’re in the market for these undergarment essentials, check out our top picks to bring with you:
2. Shapewear
A regular pair of underwear and a bra can work fine, but if you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, bring it along to your dress appointments. Trying on dresses with your preferred shapewear will give you a more accurate idea of how the gown will look and feel on your big day. We recommend picking something that will be comfy for all day wear and that will give you the look you’re going for. Most wedding dress boutiques will have some you can try on and buy if you’re not sure if you want them yet. But here are a few decently priced options if you want to get them beforehand:
General shapewear with tummy control*
*This one unzips for easy bathroom access on your wedding day!
3. Pinterest Board or Style Inspiration
What did we ever do before Pinterest? It’s a bride-to-be’s best friend for inspiration and planning! Create a Pinterest board to gather images of wedding dresses that inspire you. Having a visual reference will help your bridal consultant understand your preferences and guide you toward dresses that align with your vision. If you’re not sure what styles you like best, then simply search around the site. There are so many boards already created with great ideas.
For example, here’s our Pinterest board of gorgeous A-line wedding dresses: Pinterest
4. Heels or Wedding Shoes
One thing most brides forget to plan for is future alterations of their wedding dress. Be sure to think about the rest of your outfit on your wedding day while dress shopping. An inch or two difference on a heel can severely alter how it will look on you after your fitting and alterations. Bring shoes that are similar in height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you’ve already selected your wedding shoes, even better! Bring them! Wearing the right heel height will give you a better sense of how the dress will fall and whether alterations are even needed. No shoes yet? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a few fun options here:
5. Hair Accessories
Have you decided what your hair will be doing on your wedding day? You might think you want an up do, but maybe your dress will look better with soft curls going down your back instead. To test out your wedding dress contestants fully we recommend bringing hair ties, clips, or any accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day. Experimenting with different hairstyles during your dress fittings will help you envision the overall bridal look. For a few hair accessory options that won’t wreck your hair during your dress appointment we recommend something like these:
6. Camera or Phone
It’s not cliche to say that a picture of your wedding dresses is worth a thousand words from your bridesmaids. Capture the moment by bringing a camera or smartphone. While many bridal boutiques have mirrors for you to admire yourself in, having photos from different angles can be invaluable when making your decision. That mermaid cut dress might look amazing from the back, but from the side might be a different story. And if you’re attending the appointment alone, don’t hesitate to ask the staff or your bridal consultant to take pictures for you. They will be more than happy to help!
7. Supportive Group
While it might be daunting to think about parading around in front of family and friends, it’s a really good idea to take others with you to this appointment. Choose your entourage wisely. Bring people who are supportive, encouraging, and whose opinions you trust. While honesty is important, you want feedback that is constructive and kind. Avoid bringing along individuals who are overly critical or negative, as this can detract from the joy of finding your perfect dress.
And if the people with you turn this appointment into an uncomfortable experience, remember that you DON’T need to pick that dress this time. Take this as a dry run and an opportunity to test out different styles instead of choosing the final dress. You can always try again with a close friend for a do over.
8. An Open Mind
Lastly, keep an open mind. There is a literal mountain of options to choose from. Different cuts, colors, even types of fabric. Even if you have a specific style in mind, be willing to try on different silhouettes and designs. Wedding dresses can look quite different on the hanger than they do on your body, so be open to surprises. Your dream dress might be one you never expected! If you want more inspiration, our personal Pinterest boards might come in handy!
Our Pinterest dream wedding dress board: Pinterest
So, Ready to go Shopping for Wedding Dresses?//
Remember, the process of finding the perfect wedding dress should be enjoyable and memorable. By bringing the right items and mindset to your dress appointments, you’ll be well-prepared to say “yes” to the dress of your dreams. So, take a deep breath and remember that this is all so worth it, and a little planning before you go will help you have a fun and productive appointment.
Comment down below and tell us what style of wedding dress you are excited to try out!
Or, for more ideas to make your wedding planning pain-free, come check out our other tips and tricks!
Maid of Honor: The Ultimate Guide for the Bride’s Right Hand Woman
Day of Coordinator: What Do They Do And Why Do You Want One?
