How To Start Wedding Dress Shopping???

I started dress shopping in the middle of March for my January 2022 wedding!

What I did first was set my budget. Then I just looked through pinterest and online and saved dresses that I liked! I also searched bridal shops in my area and went to their social media and website. I looked to see what price range their gowns were in, if they were out of my price range, then I crossed them off of the list! I ended up narrowing my list down to 3 shops, and I already had seen some dresses that they had posted that I knew I wanted to try on.

I ended up finding my dress at the third shop I went to, and left with 2 dresses but stayed under budget! I have a dress for the ceremony, and one for the reception. I'd advise you to know what style/look you're going for, but also be open minded. If I didn't trust my consultant, I would've never known that a fitted dress looked amazing on me! Be honest with them, if you don't like dresses they're pulling, tell them! They'll learn what you like and don't like and will start pulling dresses that fit better for you.

Also, don't get discouraged if you don't find your dress at the first shop, or that you don't have that 'WOW' moment when you're in the dress. I didn't cry or felt overflowing with emotion, but I still knew the dresses I picked are the ones for me!

Lastly, HAVE FUN!!

Not knowing what you want is ok. Sometimes it is actually better than knowing exactly what you want because you already have an open mind. Focus first on your budget (ugh, I know) and then your body type. What types of dresses look good on you in general? Then get to the other questions: Do you like form-fitting or a wide flowing skirt? Sleeves? How long or short? Etc. Pinterest can help you get familiar with what is out there and what designers you like. Some people pick their bridal salon because it stocks one or more designers they like.


When you get to the point of trying dresses on, I would say you should try a number of silhouettes (fit and flare, A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath). I ended up picking a dress that was completely different from what I went in thinking I wanted. My mom picked it out and convinced me to try it on and it was just right.

I figured out my budget and browsed online at different styles. I booked an appointment at a local bridal shop (the 1st was actual David's Bridal) and the consultant had me try on a variety of styles, necklines, etc. to get a feel for what these dresses look like on my body. I didn't find anything that screamed "yes" there and then went to a small boutique in my area a week or so later, where I found my dress. I think getting an idea of what you like is good, but also keep an open mind (I got a fit and flare which looked amazing, but not what I was looking at initially). Stand firm on your budget though.

Hi April! I think one of the most helpful ways to start your dress search is by finding a few designers that you really like!! Whether you’re looking by price-point or specific dress styles, find a few top designers and then look for stores that carry their gowns near you. That way you know there will be at least a few dresses you love at each store you visit!

WeddingWire has a great dress gallery that lets you browse by style and designer:

Browse Wedding Dresses

A Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping From Start to Finish

I also totally agree on keeping an open mind! I went in pretty dead-set on wanting an illusion neckline and then quickly realized it wasn’t the best style for me.