It may very well be ALL about the dress. It is your day after all and all eyes will be on you, so what you decide to wear is a big decision. After the venue is secured, typically the next step is purchasing your wedding gown. It is no easy task finding the perfect ensemble that gives you all the feels so you can confidently say yes to the dress. We have collected advice, insight, and tips to assist you in your wedding gown shopping adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding gowns.
Styles of Wedding Gowns. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the style and fit of wedding dresses. Here are some of the more general types of gowns and their styles. Your gown plays just as much of a significant role in the overall style of your wedding as your venue or flower design selection.
- Skirt
- A-line
- Ballgown
- Mermaid
- Fit + Flair
- Column
- Empire
- Sheath
- Neckline
- Sweetheart
- Halter
- V-neck
- Square
- Backless
- Sleeves
- Strapless
- Long Sleeves
- Cap Sleeves
- Off the shoulder
- One Shoulder
Info for Consultant. With so many points to discuss with your consultant, it is important to have certain information gathered before your visit.
- Name and location of venue(s)
- Indoor or outdoor ceremony and/or reception
- Date + Season of wedding
- Your theme and/or color scheme
- Gown inspiration photos
General gown budget A gown budget isn’t always just about the gown itself. Veils, capes, jewelry, additional accessories, a reception gown. All things to consider when wedding gown shopping.
- Do you want a veil/head piece?
- Are you interested in other accessories?
- Are you interested in bridesmaids or MOB gowns?
Before the Consultation. Know that every bridal salon has a different set of policies and procedures, as well as a variety of designers available. Before you schedule an appointment, familiarize yourself with the salon’s expectations and consider the following information.
- Is there an appointment cancelation policy?
- How long is the consultation?
- How many people can you bring to the appointment?
- Can you take pictures?
- Can you look through the gown collection or are the gowns brought to the appointment based on preferences?
- Is there a limit on the number of gowns you can try on?
- What is the policy for touching and pulling gowns to try on?
Tips + Tricks. When it comes to selecting the perfect wedding dress, there are a few tricks of the trade that will help you find that magic moment when a gown brings tears of joy to your eyes.
ONE. It is great to have an idea of the style of dress that you might like, but be open to your consultants’ suggestions. They are trained to know what styles will look good on your body type and might pull the perfect gown you didn’t know that you loved.
TWO. Don’t stress about the size of the gown. Wedding dress sizes rarely align with everyday clothing sizes. In fact, sizing also varies between designers. It is about the look, feel and fit…not the size number.
THREE. Know that unless you are on a tight time limit, more than likely you will not buy your gown off the rack. Your gown will begin production once you have made your purchase. It can take several months for your gown to arrive. Do not hesitate to book your shopping appointment early in your planning process.
FOUR. Discuss with your consultant if you are concerned about a weight fluctuation. Your consultant will lead you in the right direction to order the correct sizing. Alterations can do wonders for the fit of your gown.
FIVE. It is very likely that your gown will need alterations. Do not fret about this! It is completely normal. Check with the salon that you purchased your gown from on how alterations will work or if they can recommend an alteration specialist.
SIX. Trust your gut! It is not always necessary to try on every dress in the store or visit multiple salons. If you have “the feeling” in a dress, then have confidence in your choice.
SEVEN. Choose wisely what family and friends attend consultations with you. Ideally, no more than three people is recommended.
It is ok to not know exactly what you want. Through the process of trying on dresses, you will narrow does what styles you like and which you want to pass on.
EIGHT. When possible, select a week day for visiting salons. They are busiest on the weekends.
NINE. We recommend not trying on gowns outside of your budget. If the price is out of range, it is heartbreaking to fall in love with a gown that is not available to you.
Have a Burning Question for us? Fill out this form and we’ll get it answered in an upcoming blog post! For now, check out all of the Burning Questions we’ve answered related to wedding planning!
Photography Credit: Laning Photography
