Dress Shopping Prep!

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Aw thanks for the advice Katie!!

Have some dress styles in mind and fit like a line or ballgown. That will be one of the first questions you are asked and then what would you like in your dress such as lace or beading will probably be the next. I was dead set on Maggie sottero dress but my 2nd favorite designer was Essense of Australia (which my dress ended up being) and I love it. I am very indecisive too but when I put my dress on I just knew I didn't want any other dress. Don't let others opinions change how you feel about a dress. My mom liked it but said she saw me in something more plain. But every time I have put it on she says it's beautiful. Just have an open mind because what you think you dislike you might end up liking.

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I def. have styles that I like and don't like, but I agree that I need to have an open mind! Thank you!!

Definitely keep an open mind with your consultant, but let them know if there is anything you don't want and will not budge on. For example, I ****,000% of the time do NOT feel comfortable in a strapless or one-shoulder dress. Basically anything that would require a strapless bra is off-limits for me because I refuse to spend my day feeling uncomfortable. To that end, I won't even bother trying something like that on because (as an indecisive person) I don't need the stress of maybe looking really good in one of those styles and then possibly compromising and having dress regret. For other things, I'm open to suggestions. I'm generally not a huge fan of ball gowns and can't really see an a-line dress working with my cowboy boots, but I'm not opposed to trying them on. Hey, I could be wrong about an a-line looking weird and end up loving the look.

I definitely agree with the suggestions of bringing water and asking those with you to reserve their comments until after you've had your say. (That'll be a fun one with my mom! She'll be good about not saying anything, but we both have VERY expressive faces and can't exactly shut those up...) Also definitely wear the undergarments you plan to wear day-of, and the shoes as well if you already have those. If you don't, grab the closest thing you have to what you envision for your shoes. If you plan to buy your shoes and dress together, then make sure to try on shoes and dress at the same time. If you know what accessories you plan to wear on the big day, it would probably be a good idea to wear those as well.

If you, like so many other brides (myself included) are planning on losing some weight before the wedding, also keep that in mind. If THE dress is fitting you pretty well or just slightly loose right now, will it still fit that way once you've lost the weight? If it's a significant amount you're trying to lose, you may way to buy the dress a size down so there are fewer alterations later. Or, if there's time for it and you're not worried about it no longer being available, maybe wait a few weeks and go back for a second fitting after dropping a few pounds to see how much different the dress feels.

Having pictures in each dress is super helpful for reasons already mentioned. Because you're more on the indecisive side of things and your mom is really opinionated, I would suggest not making an impulse buy and taking some time away from others' opinions to look at those pictures and be a little more analytical about it. And, as Stacey mentioned, don't put too much emphasis on what emotions you have when initially trying on the dress or worry about having a specific reaction. Personally, I don't really like dresses. I'm fairly certain that my reaction to the dress I end up choosing will be along the lines of, "All right, well I can move around in this and it's not uncomfortable and I could probably use it again for a different occasion. Is it in the budget and won't need too many alterations? Yes? Dope. Let's do it." No tears, just basically "yeah, all right" and that's fine. (Granted, the dress is super low on the priority list for me, which I realize is way different than most brides.)

Most importantly, have fun and try not to take it too seriously! Obviously it's a big decision. Don't downplay that. But try not to get too worked up about it. If you need a sanity break, take one! Go outside and get some water and fresh air, then go back in when things are a little less stressful.

Best of luck!! I will be doing one in March

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Thank you!! You as well!!

Research the dresses at the bridal shop to find out if they have the style/s you're interested in. If you *KNOW* without a doubt what silhouette and style you want, then don't be afraid to tell the consultant that.


I'm off the unpopular opinion that you shouldn't have to try on silhouettes or styles you're not interested in. That's what my first consultant convinced me to do, and I hated most of the dresses she pulled for me because she insisted I should try on a variety of styles even though I know what I like. I ended up leaving without a dress. The shop I bought my dress from, the consultant listened to what I had in mind and pulled a variety within the parameters of my preferences. I didn't have to waste precious time trying on dresses that I knew were not for me.

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Thank you for the advice Tracie!! I really appreciate it!

I've got some pictures of dresses from both shops that I know they carry, and have seen on their website! They also had me list a few of their dresses I liked on their forum, so hopefully they pull those dresses first. I know for a fact I don't like mermaid or really fitted dresses, so I think I'll take your advice and let them know that that's not the style for me.