Whether you've had dreams of wedding dress shopping since you were a little girl or have recently embarked into the world of wedding gowns post-engagement, trying on bridal dresses is a significant undertaking. It demands considerable time and energy, and for many, the process can feel overwhelming. While some brides experience love at first sight with the first ever dress they try on, most find themselves spending many weekends exploring various bridal shops and sampling every gown in sight before reaching a final decision.
Amidst the multitude of decisions that are going to be required when wedding dress shopping, your timeline and how long you’ve got until your wedding day is going to be one of the most prominent factors. You should look to have chosen your dress approximately nine to twelve months out of the wedding day. Although this may seem early, it’s essential to ensure your dress arrives in plenty of time and that you allow sufficient time for alterations and any extra fittings.
Given these time-sensitive aspects, you may be wondering how to approach your wedding dress shopping and how many wedding dresses should you should try on? And is there such a thing as trying on too many dresses? Read on for all of these answers and our best tips to find your dream dress.
HOW MANY WEDDING DRESSES SHOULD YOU TRY ON?
There's no definitive answer to how many dresses brides should try on during their search, as experts offer varying opinions on the ideal number. Ultimately, everyone is unique, but if you are someone who struggles to make a decision it may be wise to establish a personal limit before heading to the salon. For instance, you might decide, "I'll try on a maximum of eight dresses at this particular store." This approach encourages selective consideration and helps avoid unnecessary time spent on dresses that may not meet your criteria. While not an inflexible rule, setting boundaries can streamline your search. Seek the advice from the bridal assistant too, trying on dresses with different shapes at the beginning of your search can quickly rule out the styles and shapes you aren’t keen on, which narrows down the choice even further.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH TRYING ON TOO MANY DRESSES?
Trying on an excessive amount of wedding dresses can be overwhelming and confusing. To avoid this confusion, limit the number of dresses you try on. If you've already explored numerous options, review the photos of dresses you've previously tried. Viewing yourself in pictures offers a different perspective than the mirror and can clarify your preferences. Don’t feel pressured to come to a decision in the shop, simply stepping out for a coffee and speaking to your entourage can also help you come to a decision.
SHOULD YOU TRY DRESSES FROM MULTIPLE SALONS?
There are advantages and disadvantages to trying on dresses from various salons, and each bride's experience differs. If you are someone who doesn’t want the hassle of lots of different trips opt for a bridal salon that stocks a few different designers.
SHOULD YOU CONTINUE TRYING DRESSES AFTER MAKING A PURCHASE?
We would highly discourage this and advise you to stop the search once you’ve made your decision. Close the magazines, remove yourself from the Pinterest boards and stop searching for bridal inspiration.
If you have feelings of doubt but you’ve already purchased your gown try it on again and see how you feel. If you're still unsure, speak to your bridal assistant and shop to explore what alternative options are possible for you, although this should be a last resort.
Before heading wedding dress shopping there’s some tips that can help the process go all the more smoothly.
Firstly research! Yes, vast amounts of research can prove unhelpful and overwhelming but if you limit the amount you do it can save you time and stress in the long run. You’ll want to research what styles you initially like, where they are stocked and where you may need to travel to try on those dresses.
We advise choosing your bridal entourage carefully and bringing a small but trusted group with you to provide honest opinions. The more people you bring, the more opinions you’ll have to deal with!
Accessories can totally change the look and feel of a dress. Consider trying on sleeves, bridal jackets, belts and veils to see if any of them give you the custom look you are going for.
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting but a little bit of a daunting experience. To ensure a successful and stress-free journey, here are some key takeaways:
Set a Limit: Establish a maximum number of dresses to try on at each visit to avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Trust Your Instincts: Focus on finding a dress that feels right for you, rather than endlessly searching for something better. Remember, your gut feeling is often the most reliable guide.
Consider Your Support Team: Bring a small group of trusted individuals who will provide honest opinions and support without overwhelming you with conflicting advice.
Avoid Over-Trying: Trying on too many dresses can lead to confusion and frustration. Instead, limit your selection and don’t be afraid to listen to the shop assistant to avoid unnecessary stress and decision fatigue.
Know When to Stop: Once you've found the dress that captures your heart, resist the temptation to keep searching. Continuing to try on dresses after making a decision can create unnecessary doubt and detract from the excitement of finding your dream gown.
By following these tips, you can approach wedding dress shopping with confidence and clarity, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience as you find the perfect gown for your special day.
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