Picking my Dress!

I would go in with an opened mind and try on all different types of dress styles. I love ballgowns so I knew that's likely what I would end up with, but my mom wanted to see me in a more form fitting style. I ended up trying on sorts of different dresses, but I ended up with a ballgown just like I thought.

Try to wear minimal or flesh toned undergarments. where something that is easy to slip into and out of. keep an open mind and go with what feels right and comfortable to you as a bride. also don't shop outside of your budget.

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Thank you! I will definitely do all of that! I need to go get undergarments for it today!

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That's what I thought too! I have a specific style in mind but plan to try on a lot of different types just in case!

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I would also wear a strapless bra.

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Thank you!

I like what PP said about going in with an open mind. It’s good to try on different styles just so you get a better idea of what works on you and what you might like that you didn’t think you would

I think it's already been said, but the best advice I have - OPEN MIND.... I'm sure you've researched all sorts of dresses and have a vision in mind. Try it, but also try other styles. I ended up choosing a style I would not have otherwise.

Remember - You will know the dress when it's the right dress. The dress should wear you...Not you wear the dress. The dress is to accentuate you and all your beautiful features.

When you walk up the aisle, the dress should be your accessory - People should see YOU and say, "wow, she's so beautiful, that dress just brings out her beauty even more." NOT "wow, that dress is so beautiful, and yeah, she looks great in it. "

First, make sure to eat! I spent 2 hours at the first boutique and was exhausted by the end of the day lol. Also, be sure to try on dresses that you may not think you'd like. Don't bring too many people, only bring people who's opinion you value. And wear nude undergarments!

I tried on dresses for the first time last weekend, and took three family members. The absolute BEST advice they gave me was to Take Pictures!! Some salons will not allow this, but all of the ones I went to did allow it. It made a huge difference and I was so surprised how much pictures helped! Seeing yourself in a photo of the dress will really give you a good idea what it looks like and how it will photograph.

Try on lots of different styles, set a budget and stick to it. Good luck!

Yay how exciting! I went dress shopping twice, once with a not great experience, the other was perfect and I found the one! My advice is to be patient and don't worry if you don't find the perfect dress immediately! Bring supportive people with you (if possible) and don't be afraid to speak up if your attendant isn't being cooperative with budget or style. The attendant you have can make all the difference! Don't be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone either, I thought I knew what kind of dress I wanted, but it turned out I hated the way they looked on me. My attendant brought me a dress she thought I might like even if it was a lot different than the ones I had been eyeing, and that was my dress!! If you aren't sure about something, be firm in telling them you'll make a decision later. The first time I went dress shopping, the manager talked me into buying a dress that I didn't like. Good luck and have fun!!

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That is great advice thank you! I will definitely make sure to eat! I am on a mission today to find some good nude undergarments as well! Thank you!

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I am so excited for it! I am bringing my mom and grandma because I knew they would be supportive with whatever I loved! I will make sure to stay strong and speak up if I need to! That is something I struggle with so thank you for mentioning that! I will stay strong and stick to my gut! Thank you!

Definitely try on a few styles even ones you wouldn't think you would want. I always want a mermaid gown and could never imagine me in a ballgown. Well my first dress appointment all I tried on was mermaid gowns and realized at the end of the appointment that I didn't actually like the look of the mermaid gown on me. I just didn't feel like a bride. Now I'm going on Sunday for my next dress appointment and I'm going to have an open mind and try on a couple of different styles. Also set a budget not only for the dress but for any alteration it may need and accessories. You might have budgeted to spend on a dress is $1000 and get a dress for $1000 but after alteration and accessories you will end up spending on the dress way more than you anticipated.

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Thanks Katie! I will definitely try on all different kinds! I didn't even consider the alterations and accessories! Thank you so much! I will keep that in mind!

View Quoted Comment You're welcome and good luck

View Quoted Comment No problem!! I struggle with it too! Good luck and have fun!

Eat a small but filling meal before you go and bring a water bottle -- you will get really hot trying on dresses. If you have longer hair, bring something so you can quickly put it up if you want to see a "different look" with a dress and/or get hot. Daughter bought some flesh colored bikeshorts-type underwear (I think at Target?) and wore a strapless bra. (You won't have a lot of privacy getting in and out of dresses....) Most salons with have bustiers and slips they might offer you to try. Wear street clothes that are easy to get in and out of. Try to be patient and relaxed. Daughter and I had a wonderful time planning her entire wedding, but dress shopping was probably our most favorite experience. We were thrilled when she found her perfect dress, but a little sorry when the process was behind us because it was so much fun. Be careful about letting anyone pressure or influence you. Daughter shopped at four different salons. David's was by far the most high-pressure; if you're concerned, just ask your mom/gramma/whomever to remind you to take your time. Daughter liked a dress at David's, but was very glad she said she wanted to think about it because she found her perfect dress at the next salon. Most of all, enjoy! Congrats!

PS -- I agree about being clear about what your TOTAL budget is for dress, accessories, and alterations. The more layers and details a dress has, the potentially more expensive alterations might be (it costs more to hem a skirt with 5 layers than one with two). Daughter's total budget was $2000. She ended up choosing a dress that was $1200 and alterations cost us another $450 (started at $275, but it took more work to get the bodice to fit exactly right...). I made her veil and she chose to wear Converse, so she actually came in under budget by a little bit, but the dress itself is just part of the overall cost.

Go with an open mind. You might not love anything you thought you saw yourself in. Take people who are supportive and don't just throw opinions around. Take your time, don't let them rush you. It's ok to not find "the one" on the first few runs. If there's one thing you don't love about a dress, don't get it. Dress regret is REAL! Have fun with it!