Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning! It's a day you’ve probably dreamed about since you were little, imagining yourself in the perfect gown as you walk down the aisle. But with so many styles, fabrics, and designers to choose from, it can also be a bit overwhelming.
Many brides-to-be come to the bridal shop armed with an extensive checklist of what they want in their dream dress. While it’s great to have a good handle on your preferences, having a rigid checklist can sometimes hinder you from finding the perfect dress. That’s why at Lily’s, we think it’s better to come with an “empty checklist” and an open mind. And here’s why!
The problem with having a check list for your wedding dress
It’s easy to get caught up in the image of the perfect wedding dress you’ve been envisioning for years. You might have your heart set on a specific style, like a mermaid silhouette or a princess ball gown, based on the beautiful dresses you’ve seen on Pinterest or worn by your favourite celebs. However, the reality is that the dress you’ve imagined might not be the best fit for your body type or even your personal style.
Many brides experience a disconnect between the dress they thought they wanted and the dress that truly makes them feel beautiful. They try on the gown they’ve dreamed of, only to find that it doesn’t flatter them in the way they had hoped. This can lead to disappointment and frustration.
That’s where the concept of coming in with an empty checklist comes in. By letting go of preconceived notions and being open to different styles, you allow yourself the opportunity to find a dress that genuinely makes your heart sing (and your wedding guest’s jaws drop)!
Be open to trying different wedding dress styles
The key to successful wedding dress shopping is to be prepared to try on lots of styles, even those you never imagined yourself wearing. Try to be open to experimenting and listening to the advice of our wonderful team of bridal consultants. They have a wealth of experience and can provide valuable thoughts and advice into what styles might suit your body shape and preferences.
Trust the experts
Speaking of our fabulous bridal consultants, they are experts at finding the perfect dress for each bride! They’ve worked with countless brides and have a keen eye for what works. When you arrive at our boutique, try to be open to their suggestions. They might pick out something you wouldn’t have considered but ends up being the perfect fit!
Listen to their advice about the fabric, cut, and fit, as they can guide you to options that flatter your body type and make you feel confident. You might even be surprised by how much you love a style you never imagined yourself trying! Our girls have also worn many of these dresses themselves for photoshoots, so they know quite literally how they feel on.
Practical tips for dress shopping
While coming with an empty checklist and an open mind is crucial, here are some practical tips to make your dress shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Wear appropriate underwear
When trying on wedding dresses, it's a good idea to wear the right underwear. We recommend nude-coloured undergarments are ideal as they won’t show through the dress. A strapless bra is also handy, as it will work with a variety of necklines and give you a better idea of what a strapless design will look like on your big day!
Bring a pair of heels
You don’t need to bring your actual wedding shoes (although you can if you’d like to!) but having a pair of heels with you can be helpful. Wearing heels can give you a better sense of how the dress will look on your wedding day, as they can affect your posture and how the dress falls. It can also help to work out whether you’ll need any adjustments made to the dress to ensure it’s not too long or too short.
Limit your entourage
While it’s tempting to bring all your friends and family to share in the experience (we get it, it’s exciting!), it’s often best to keep your entourage small. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and make it harder to decide, so we recommend that you bring one or two trusted friends or family members who understand your style and whose opinions you value.
Ready to find your dream wedding dress? Contact us today to book an appointment!
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