Dress Shopping

Be open to trying on and seeing different styles because you may never know what you'll end up liking. And I'm definitely one to tell brides especially, not to be boxed into a category. Don't forget that a dress is just a dress - so in other words if you see a beautiful dress you love it doesn't need to be in the wedding or bride section - many people use prom dresses and whatever other category of dresses as their gowns and it's fine!

Don’t tell too many opinions deter you from the one that you love if you’re dress shopping for yourself. Have fun and enjoy the moment.

Yes, lots! I just did this!

For you:

- Know what elements are deal breakers to you (button or corset back? Train? strapless or with straps?) and what elements you can be flexible on. You don't want to lock yourself into stressing over the perfect unicorn dress that has 17 MUSTS

- Try different things. Even if you are pretty sure you don't want a ballgown, try one on anyway to be sure and to articulate to yourself why you don't like that dress. That will help you recognize elements you like and don't like in other dresses

- Be sure to move around in the dress so you know how it looks from different angles

- stay firm on your budget

- have a chat with those going with you. Let them know what kind of comments and critiques you wouldn't find helpful

- know what body parts are your fav and least fav. You don't want something that will highlight areas you don't love, because you won't be comfortable

- know it will look MUCH BETTER once it's fitted and altered. Don't stress too much if it's not perfect right away

- Go to a shop where the attendant knows what they're doing. Anyone can fetch you dresses from a rack. You want someone who can guide you and help you look your best

- DON'T PRESSURE YOURSELF TO HAVE A MAGICAL TV MOMENT. You may cry, you may not cry. Just because you didn't cry doesn't mean it's not 'the one'. Other people may not love your 'the one' as much as you, and that's ok!

FOR BRIDESMAIDS

- Know the budget of your friends

- Know what body parts they are self conscious of, see above notes

- know the body shapes of your friends. Realize that your big boobed friend and your small boobed friend will probably gravitate toward different things. See if there is a middle ground

- EVERYONE LOVES POCKETS

- Make sure they can dance and bend and move and be comfortable

- Finally, they're your friends, not props. Pay attention to their facial expressions to see if they really like a dress, or are just trying to appease you. If they're happy and confident in the dress, the whole day will be more fun! If you think you look good, you feel good, if you feel like you look bad, it can change your whole mood.

Lastly, good luck!

Something I didn’t think of before I went: they’ll be helping you dress. If you’re more on the reserved side, make sure you wear something underneath that you’re comfortable someone else seeing you in. For example, spanx instead of next to nothing type underwear. This may not bother some people but to me I was a little uncomfortable!!

EAT BEFORE, if you can! You'll be starving. It's a ton of work. Drink a lot of water, and bring a water bottle. Wear a tan strapless bra & tan seamless panties. Honestly, it's a tiring process but so fun! Take lots of pictures so you can reflect later. Don't feel like you have to get a dress even if you feel like it's "the one". Chances are it will be there for a long time and you should try on as many as you can.

EAT 100%. The first time I went, I had some crackers and then went and I thought I was going to DIE after like 3-4 dresses. The second time I ate a big lunch at like 12 and then ate a peanut butter sandwich right before my appointment at like 230 and that worked much better.

Don't be afraid to say things you like and don't like, even if someone is telling you it looks beautiful.

Be prepared to find out that you don't like what you thought you would, and that you actually love something you thought you'd hate.

Definitely eat something before you go! I underestimated how emotionally drained I'd be afterwards! Wear shoes that are similar in height to the ones that you'll wear on your wedding day! And don't be shy! Speak about about things you like and don't like. You're the spending all this money, you should get what you want. And from my experience, if you've never tried on dresses before, the first few will be a little overwhelming so it's okay to really take your time with them.

Thank you all!