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How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of your life, and you want everything to be perfect, especially your wedding dress. But how do you find the one that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident? There are so many factors to consider, such as your budget, body type, wedding theme, personal style, and more. It can be overwhelming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning, research, and guidance, you can find the perfect wedding dress for your big day.
In this article, we will share some tips and advice on how to choose the perfect wedding dress for your big day. We will cover everything from setting a budget, finding your body shape, matching your dress to your wedding theme and venue, expressing your personality and preferences, shopping at the right places and times, trying on dresses, narrowing down your options, accessorizing your dress, and caring for your dress. By following these steps, you will be able to find the wedding dress of your dreams.
Know Your Budget
Before you start looking for your wedding dress, you need to know how much you can afford to spend on it. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the designer, fabric, style, embellishments, alterations, and other factors. You don’t want to fall in love with a dress that is way out of your budget or spend more than you planned on your dress and compromise on other aspects of your wedding.
To set a realistic budget for your wedding dress, you need to consider your overall wedding budget, how much you have saved or can save for your dress, how important your dress is to you compared to other wedding expenses, and what other costs are associated with your dress, such as accessories, alterations, cleaning, etc. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget for your dress and accessories.
Once you have a budget in mind, stick to it. Only look at dresses that are within or slightly above your budget range (you can always negotiate or look for discounts). Be honest with yourself and with the bridal consultants about your budget and don’t let them pressure you into trying on or buying a dress that is beyond your means.
Know Your Body Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing your wedding dress is your body type. Different styles of wedding dresses flatter different body shapes and highlight or hide different features. You want to find a dress that accentuates your best assets and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
To determine your body type, you need to measure your bust, waist, and hips and compare them with these common body shapes:
- Hourglass: Your bust and hips are roughly equal in size and you have a well-defined waist.
To match your wedding dress to your wedding theme and venue, you need to consider the following aspects:
- Color: While white is the traditional color for wedding dresses, you can also choose other colors that suit your theme and personality. For example, you can choose a blush, champagne, or ivory dress for a romantic or vintage theme, a red, gold, or black dress for a glamorous or cultural theme, or a blue, green, or purple dress for a whimsical or bohemian theme. You can also add some color accents to your dress, such as a sash, a belt, or a ribbon.
- Fabric: The fabric of your wedding dress affects not only how it looks, but also how it feels and moves. You want to choose a fabric that is appropriate for the season and the venue of your wedding. For example, you can choose a light and breathable fabric, such as chiffon, organza, or tulle, for a summer or outdoor wedding, a medium-weight and versatile fabric, such as satin, silk, or lace, for a spring or fall wedding, or a heavy and warm fabric, such as velvet, brocade, or fur, for a winter or indoor wedding.
- Length: The length of your wedding dress depends on how formal or casual your wedding is and how comfortable you are with showing your legs. For example, you can choose a long and flowing dress, such as a cathedral or chapel train, for a formal or traditional wedding, a medium-length dress, such as a floor-length or sweep train, for a semi-formal or modern wedding, or a short and fun dress, such as a tea-length or mini dress, for a casual or playful wedding.
- Style: The style of your wedding dress reflects your personality and taste. You want to choose a style that suits your theme and venue, but also makes you feel like yourself. For example, you can choose a classic and elegant style, such as a ball gown or an A-line dress, for a timeless and sophisticated wedding, a sexy and glamorous style, such as a mermaid or a trumpet dress, for a chic and edgy wedding, or a simple and minimalist style, such as a sheath or a column dress, for a sleek and modern wedding.
Know Your Personal Style and Preferences
While it is important to consider your budget, body type, wedding theme and venue, you also need to consider your personal style and preferences when choosing your wedding dress. After all, it is your big day and you want to wear a dress that makes you happy and reflects who you are. Don’t let anyone else tell you what to wear or how to look. You are the one who has to wear the dress and feel comfortable and confident in it.
To find your personal style and preferences, you need to ask yourself some questions, such as:
- What do you like and dislike about your appearance? Think about what features you want to highlight or hide, what colors suit you best, what fabrics feel good on your skin, etc.
- What are some of your favorite fashion styles and trends? Think about what styles and trends appeal to you, whether they are vintage, bohemian, modern, etc.
- What are some of your favorite wedding dresses that you have seen or tried on? Think about what dresses made you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident, and why.
- What are some of your inspirations for your wedding dress? Think about where you get your ideas and inspiration from, whether they are from magazines, blogs, celebrities, movies, etc.
By answering these questions, you will be able to narrow down your choices and find a wedding dress that suits your personal style and preferences. You can also create a mood board or a Pinterest board with images of dresses that you like and show them to your bridal consultant or designer for reference.
Know Where to Shop
Once you have an idea of what kind of wedding dress you want, you need to know where to shop for it. There are many options available for brides-to-be, such as bridal shops, online stores, designers, rental services, consignment shops, etc. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to weigh them carefully and choose the one that works best for you.
Here are some tips on how to choose where to shop for your wedding dress:
- Bridal shops: Bridal shops are the most common and traditional option for buying a wedding dress. They offer a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices from different designers and brands. They also provide professional services such as fittings, alterations, and consultations. However, bridal shops can also be expensive, crowded, and stressful. You might have to deal with pushy salespeople, limited appointment times, hidden fees, etc.
- Online stores: Online stores are a convenient and affordable option for buying a wedding dress. They offer a vast selection of styles, sizes and prices from different sources and countries. They also allow you to shop at your own pace and time, compare and contrast different options, and read reviews from other customers. However, online stores can also be risky, unreliable, and disappointing. You might have to deal with scams, frauds, delays, shipping costs, returns, etc. You also can’t see, touch, or try on the dress before buying it, so you might end up with a dress that doesn’t fit or look like the picture.
- Designers: Designers are a personalized and creative option for buying a wedding dress. They offer you the opportunity to design your own dress or customize an existing one according to your preferences and specifications. They also provide high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and services. However, designers can also be very expensive, time-consuming, and demanding. You might have to pay a lot of money upfront, wait for months for your dress to be made, and follow strict rules and guidelines.
- Rental services: Rental services are a practical and economical option for buying a wedding dress. They offer you the chance to rent a dress for a fraction of the cost of buying one. They also save you the hassle of storing, cleaning, or reselling your dress after the wedding. However, rental services can also be limited, restrictive, and risky. You might have to compromise on your style, size, or quality of the dress. You also have to return the dress in good condition and on time, or face penalties or fees.
- Consignment shops: Consignment shops are a smart and eco-friendly option for buying a wedding dress. They offer you the chance to buy a pre-owned or vintage dress at a discounted price. They also help you reduce waste and support local businesses and charities. However, consignment shops can also be unpredictable, inconsistent, and challenging. You might have to search through many racks of dresses to find one that suits you. You also have to check the condition, authenticity, and history of the dress before buying it.
Know When to Shop
Besides knowing where to shop for your wedding dress , you also need to know when to shop for it. Timing is crucial when it comes to finding and buying your wedding dress. You don’t want to shop too early or too late, as both can cause problems and stress. You want to shop at the right time, when you have enough options, time, and flexibility.
Here are some tips on how to choose when to shop for your wedding dress:
- Start early: The ideal time to start looking for your wedding dress is about 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to browse different styles, visit different shops, try on different dresses, and order your dress. It also gives you enough time for alterations, fittings, and adjustments, which can take up to 3 months.
- Don’t start too early: While it is good to start early, you don’t want to start too early, as this can cause confusion and regret. If you start looking for your wedding dress more than a year before your wedding date, you might change your mind about your style, theme, or venue later on. You might also find a new dress that you like better than the one you already bought or ordered. You might also lose or gain weight, which can affect the fit of your dress.
- Don’t start too late: On the other hand, you don’t want to start too late, as this can cause panic and frustration. If you start looking for your wedding dress less than 6 months before your wedding date, you might have limited options, time, and flexibility. You might have to pay extra fees for rush orders or alterations. You might also have to settle for a dress that is not your first choice or that doesn’t fit you well.
- Be flexible: While it is good to have a timeline and a plan for shopping for your wedding dress, you also need to be flexible and adaptable. You never know when you might find the perfect dress or when you might encounter a problem or a delay. You need to be prepared for any situation and be willing to adjust your schedule and expectations accordingly.
Know How to Try On Dresses
One of the most exciting and fun parts of shopping for your wedding dress is trying on different dresses. However, it can also be one of the most stressful and exhausting parts. You want to make the most of your fittings and enjoy the experience. You want to try on dresses that suit you and make you feel good.
Here are some tips on how to try on dresses:
- Prepare yourself: Before you go to your fittings, make sure you are well-rested, hydrated, and nourished. You don’t want to be tired, hungry, or thirsty while trying on dresses. You also want to wear comfortable and appropriate underwear, such as a strapless bra, seamless panties, and shapewear if needed. You also want to bring some shoes that are similar in height and style to the ones you plan to wear on your wedding day.
- Bring someone with you: It is always helpful to have someone with you when you try on dresses, such as a friend, a family member, or a bridal consultant. They can offer you honest feedback, support, and advice. They can also help you with zipping, buttoning, or lacing up the dresses. However, don’t bring too many people with you, as this can cause confusion and conflict. You don’t want to have too many opinions or preferences that clash with yours.
- Be open-minded: When you try on dresses , don’t limit yourself to the styles, colors, or sizes that you think you want or need. You might be surprised by how different a dress looks on you than on the hanger or on the model. You might also discover a new style, color, or size that suits you better than the ones you had in mind. Be willing to try on different dresses and experiment with different options. You never know when you might find the one.
- Trust your instincts: While it is good to listen to the feedback, support, and advice of others, you also need to listen to your own instincts and feelings. You are the one who has to wear the dress and feel comfortable and confident in it. You know yourself best and what makes you happy. Don’t let anyone else pressure you into buying or wearing a dress that you don’t like or that doesn’t fit you well. Trust your gut and your heart and choose the dress that makes you feel like a bride.
Know How to Narrow Down Your Options
After trying on several dresses, you might find yourself with a lot of options and no clear decision. You might like different aspects of different dresses, but not one single dress that has everything you want. You might also have doubts or second thoughts about the dresses that you liked. You want to narrow down your options and find the one that is perfect for you.
Here are some tips on how to narrow down your options:
- Compare and contrast: To help you decide between different dresses, you need to compare and contrast them based on various criteria, such as style, fit, quality, price, etc. You can use a spreadsheet, a checklist, or a rating system to organize your thoughts and preferences. You can also take pictures or videos of yourself wearing the dresses and review them later. This can help you see how the dresses look on you from different angles and in different lighting.
- Eliminate: To help you reduce the number of dresses that you are considering, you need to eliminate the ones that are not suitable for you based on various factors, such as budget, theme, venue, season, etc. You can also eliminate the ones that have obvious flaws or defects, such as stains, tears, or missing buttons. You can also eliminate the ones that don’t make you feel good or that don’t match your vision.
- Focus: To help you focus on the dresses that are most likely to be the one for you, you need to pay attention to how they make you feel and what they say about you. You can ask yourself some questions, such as: Do I feel comfortable and confident in this dress? Does this dress reflect my personality and style? Does this dress match my wedding theme and venue? Does this dress make me happy? Does this dress make me feel like a bride?
- Choose: To help you choose the one dress that is perfect for you , you need to trust your instincts and feelings and go with the one that makes you feel the most happy and confident. You can also ask for the opinions and feedback of your trusted friends, family, or bridal consultant, but ultimately, the decision is yours. You can also try on the dress again and see how you feel in it. You can also imagine yourself walking down the aisle in it and see how it makes you feel. If you have a strong emotional reaction to the dress, such as tears, laughter, or joy, then you have found the one.
Know How to Accessorize Your Dress
Once you have chosen your wedding dress, you need to know how to accessorize it. Accessories can enhance your look and add some personality and flair to your dress. However, accessories can also ruin your look and distract from your dress. You want to find the right balance and harmony between your dress and your accessories.
Here are some tips on how to accessorize your dress:
- Choose your accessories based on your dress: The style, color, and details of your dress should guide your choice of accessories. You want to choose accessories that complement and match your dress, not clash or compete with it. For example, if your dress is simple and minimalist, you can choose more elaborate and colorful accessories, such as a statement necklace or earrings. If your dress is elaborate and detailed, you can choose more simple and subtle accessories, such as a delicate bracelet or a pearl necklace.
- Choose your accessories based on your theme and venue: The mood, season, and location of your wedding should also influence your choice of accessories. You want to choose accessories that suit your theme and venue, not contradict or conflict with them. For example, if you are having a beach wedding in summer, you can choose more casual and fun accessories, such as a flower crown or a shell necklace. If you are having a winter wedding in a church, you can choose more formal and elegant accessories, such as a fur stole or a diamond tiara.
- Choose your accessories based on your personal style and preferences: The most important factor to consider when choosing your accessories is your personal style and preferences. You want to choose accessories that reflect who you are and what you like, not what others expect or want from you. You want to choose accessories that make you feel good and express your personality and taste. For example, if you are a romantic and feminine bride, you can choose more soft and delicate accessories , such as a lace veil or a pearl earrings. If you are a modern and edgy bride, you can choose more bold and unique accessories, such as a leather jacket or a geometric necklace.
Know How to Care for Your Dress
The last thing you need to know about your wedding dress is how to care for it. Your wedding dress is not only a beautiful garment, but also a precious memory and a valuable investment. You want to keep it in good condition and preserve it for years to come.
Here are some tips on how to care for your dress:
- Before the wedding: Before your wedding day, you need to store your dress properly and safely. You want to keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture, dust, and insects. You also want to avoid wrinkles, stains, or damages. You can hang your dress in a garment bag or a breathable cover in a cool and dry place. You can also lay it flat in a box with acid-free tissue paper. You can also have it professionally steamed or pressed before the wedding.
- During the wedding: During your wedding day, you need to protect your dress from dirt, spills, or tears. You want to avoid contact with food, drinks, makeup, or perfume. You also want to avoid stepping on or snagging your dress. You can use a bustle or a loop to lift your train when walking or dancing. You can also have an emergency kit with some safety pins, scissors, tape, stain remover, etc.
- After the wedding: After your wedding day, you need to clean and preserve your dress as soon as possible. You want to remove any dirt, stains, or odors from your dress. You also want to prevent any yellowing, fading, or deterioration of your dress. You can have it professionally cleaned and preserved by a reputable dry cleaner or preservation service. They will inspect, treat, and package your dress in a special box with acid-free materials. You can also store your dress in a cool and dry place away from light and heat.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wedding dress for your big day is not an easy task, but it can be a fun and rewarding one. By following these tips and advice on how to choose the perfect wedding dress for your big day, you will be able to find the one that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. You will be able to enjoy your wedding day and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about wedding dresses:
- Q: How much does a wedding dress cost?
- A: The cost of a wedding dress depends on many factors, such as the designer, fabric, style , embellishments, alterations, etc. The average cost of a wedding dress in the US is about $1,600, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. You should set a realistic budget for your wedding dress and stick to it.
- Q: How many sizes should I order up for my wedding dress?
- A: The size of your wedding dress depends on the measurements and the sizing chart of the designer or the brand. You should not order a size based on your regular clothing size, as wedding dresses tend to run smaller. You should order a size based on your current measurements, not your expected measurements. You can always have your dress altered to fit you better later on.
- Q: How many wedding dresses should I try on before I find the one?
- A: There is no definitive answer to how many wedding dresses you should try on before you find the one. Some brides find their dream dress on their first try, while others try on dozens of dresses before they make a decision. The most important thing is to try on dresses that suit your budget, body type, wedding theme and venue, personal style and preferences, and make you feel good. You should also trust your instincts and feelings and choose the dress that makes you happy and confident.
- Q: Can I wear a white wedding dress if I am not a virgin?
- A: The color of your wedding dress is not determined by your virginity or purity. You can wear any color that you want for your wedding dress, including white. White is a traditional and classic color for wedding dresses, but it is not a symbol of chastity or innocence. It is a symbol of joy and celebration. You should choose a color that suits your theme, personality, and taste.
- Q: Can I wear a black wedding dress?
- A: Yes, you can wear a black wedding dress if you want to. Black is a chic and edgy color for wedding dresses, but it is not a symbol of mourning or sadness. It is a symbol of elegance and sophistication. You should choose a color that suits your theme, personality, and taste.
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