When I found my dream wedding dress, I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I was crying, everyone I brought with me shopping that day was crying…random strangers in the store were coming up to me telling me it was the perfect dress for me as I walked back to the fitting room.
It was a lot. Truthfully, the whole wedding dress shopping experience was A LOT and there’s so much that went on that I was not expecting. After trying on over 20 dresses, I’m here to share a few things I learned about wedding dress shopping.
1. Take every angle into consideration
When you’re trying on a beautiful wedding dress, chances are you’re looking at yourself straight on in the mirror. Possibly giving the backside a look-see. But something to keep in mind is that when your at the altar, under the chuppa, or just standing up in front of your family and friends declaring your love for your soon to be life partner – everyone is seeing you from the side (not to mention the number of pictures, both professional and just from your friends and family that’ll be taken). So how does the dress look from that angle? How do you feel in the dress when viewed at that angle?
2. Undergarments can make or break the look
Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Literally. No matter the shape or style of the dress, your undergarments will play a role. If you’re loving the sheath, body hugging styles – think about those pesky panty lines! Of course, it’s common knowledge to go strapless with the bra (if you’re wearing one at all) but also make sure you’re wearing your correct size. Wearing the incorrect size may shift how the wedding dresses fit you, and how they look on you. May be a good idea to go out and get properly fitted before your appointment. Heck, getting properly fitted is something every woman should do because wearing the wrong size bra every day can cause a lot of unnecessary pain and stress on your body.
3. Bridal sizes run A LOT smaller than street sizes
This one was a little difficult one for me. My weight has fluctuated a bit over the years, and I’ve always been self conscious about that. So when the consultants told me the size in which my dress would have to be ordered, it was bit of a tough pull to swallow. Something else to keep in mind is that the majority of the sample sizes they’ll have in store to try on will run a bit small, so they may need to add a piece of fabric and some clips to “close” it, and give you the illusion of what it will look like. I’m not going to lie – it won’t be pretty, but you have to envision the end product.
4. Do your research, but go in with an open mind
The day after Mike and I got engaged I immediately jumped into wedding planning mode and one of the things I was MOST excited for was wedding dress shopping. I bought every magazine I could find and had a Pinterest board designated just for wedding dress inspiration. I envisioned myself in a certain style and saw that my clippings and Pinterest board were leaning towards that style. Until one day a few days before my appointment at Kleinfeld Canada. That’s when I fell head over heels in love with a completely different style wedding dress. To say I was obsessed was an understatement. I even called Kleinfeld to see if they had the dress I was obsessing over. They didn’t…but they, apparently had something similar and sent me the link. I knew by looking at that picture line that that was my dress. I just knew it. I went in and tried on A LOT of dresses, but needed up purchasing that one the consultant emailed me prior to my appointment. I had this idea in my head for so long and ended up in the complete opposite direction. It happens. Keep an open mind and try different styles because while you may love how it looks in print (or online) – but that doesn’t mean you’ll love how YOU look and feel in it.
5. Wedding dress shopping can be mentally and physically exhausting
Literally. Wedding dress shopping can be mentally and physically exhausting. It can feel discouraging trying on many, many wedding dresses and not feeling as if you’ve found “the one.” You may start to question yourself, your wants and desires for a wedding dress. Not everyone finds their dress on their first wedding dress shopping excursion. Don’t feel discouraged – just remember what styles you were leaning more towards for your next appointment. As for the physical exhaustion – depending on the style, the dresses you try on could be quite large and heavy. And if you’re trying on double-digit numbers…you’re going to be tired. Be sure to hydrate with water throughout the appointment, and if you do find your dress – celebrate with some bubbly!
Hit up the comments and let me know if there’s anything you’d add to this list of things no one tells you about before wedding dress shopping!