Wedding Dresses

How to Say Yes to Your Wedding Dress

Whether you've been imagining your perfect wedding dress since you were young, or just starting your search, WeddingWire has all the tools you need to make finding your dress a total breeze! If you're just looking for inspiration or want to do a bit of browsing before setting up your first appointment, check out our wedding dresses photos page and wedding fashion ideas from our editorial team.

When it's finally time to start trying on dresses, here are a few tips and tricks to make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Start Your Wedding Dress Shopping

First, keep in mind that it's important to find your dress early. Unlike other clothing stores, wedding gowns are not typically held in stock at a specific bridal shop or boutique. Once you've found your dress, the shop or boutique will need to order it in your size or create it specifically for your measurements. This takes time. Once the dress is complete, you'll still need to have several fittings after it's arrived in the store for any other alterations. When all's said and done, the whole process takes about seven or eight months, so leave yourself around that much time to buy your dress before the wedding.

Now that you've set a date and likely booked your venue, it's time to look for dresses. Before making an appointment at a bridal shop, have an idea of what you like and don't like. Find what fabrics, silhouettes, lengths, and necklines you find most flattering. A little research may be needed, so here is a wedding dress fabric glossary and figure-flattering wedding dresses.

When it's time to for the appointment follow these 10 Golden Rules for wedding dress shopping. It's important to be open and upfront with your stylist so they can help you find the perfect dress for you style, budget and figure. Keep an open mind because you could fall in love with a style of wedding gowns you never expected!

Some expert advice to remember includes: make sure the salon or boutique you are visiting is reputable. Decide what your budget is before you start shopping- this will help you set clear guidelines while at the store. When trying on wedding gowns, wear undergarments (in light colors) and shoes similar to what you will be wearing on your wedding day. It's good to bring several options if you're planning on trying on a number of differing necklines. Remember, sometimes you fall in love with the first dress you try, and other times you don't find it right away. Try to be open to all options and bring someone with you that you trust!

It's Your Dress So It's Your Choice

All in all, finding your perfect wedding dress is supposed to be a fun and fantastic experience. Don't waste time over-thinking it or stressing about pleasing too many people. Your wedding is all about you and your fiancé(e) making that very special commitment to each other. As long as you feel amazing in the wedding gown you picked, no one else's opinion really matters.