Wedding dress shopping can be such an exciting time! We’ve ALL seen Say Yes to the Dress, haven’t we? We dream of that moment when our entire entourage is in tears over the perfect dress, but sometimes it doesn’t happen exactly the way you think. Wedding dress shopping anxiety is a very real thing whether it’s worry about finding the dress, the reaction from your friends and family, body issues… so let’s take a look at what common mistakes you can avoid to make sure the experience is a positive one!
Shopping too early OR too late
Dress shopping can be one of the most exciting elements to planning your wedding! I mean, who doesn’t want to dress up like a princess or sultry seductress… but shopping before you are actually ready to buy is a bad idea. It can lead to trying on too many dresses, which, believe it or not can ultimately confuse the brain and make it harder to decide on a gown. Also, location should be decided on before the dress. Wearing a full, multi-tiered voluminous ballgown might be a perfect fit for a classy affair in a ballroom, but would be completely out of place for a beachfront ceremony.
Alternately, I’ve seen so many brides start shopping only a few months before their I do’s. Typically, it takes anywhere from 5-8 months for a dress to arrive at your bridal salon, so when you wait too long you limit the number of dresses that are available to choose from. Some shops are able to put a rush on an order, but that will cost you.
Bringing too many people (or the wrong people) with you
When I went shopping for my first wedding dress the very first time, I went with my dad and sister. We had very different visions for what we saw me wearing down the aisle and at the end of that appointment, I left empty handed.
Most salons are happy to welcome you and a small group of guests (best to check with your salon’s covid policies, however). While you will want to have people with you that you love and trust, having the wrong group can be a disaster. Picture this: your mother and mother-in-law who don’t get along, maid of honor, sister (who wanted to be m.o.h.), 2 bridesmaids, and your cousin whose opinion you trust even though she didn’t make the bridal party cut. Oh man… that is a recipe for drama and one bride in tears! Take one or two people who you trust the most and you’ll walk away a winner!
Trying on dresses you can’t afford
Every bridal salon will warn you about trying on a dress that is out of your budget, and for good reason. It is SO easy to want to try on that one of a kind Pnina Tornai gown, but beware… you may end up going thousands of dollars over your budget, causing financial stress or going into unnecessary debt. Alternatively, you might actually fall in love with a gown you know you can’t afford, running the risk of no other dress living up to that one leaving you unable to find your perfect dress. Also, don’t forget to factor in the cost of alterations!
Going in with a closed mind
You’ve probably done a bunch of research… checked out designers online and completed a few “What’s your dress personality” quizzes. While I think you absolutely should, don’t go in thinking you absolutely must only try on ballgowns.
I was absolutely set on a huge ballroom-style tiered dress… every picture in my Pinterest feed was a variation on the same style. So when I went in for my appointment, that’s what I tried on and you know what happened? I didn’t feel anything in any of them. I thought I needed to hide behind layers of tulle and so when my consultant suggested I try on an a-line dress with a chiffon skirt (nothing to hide behind in that one), I was leary. Guess what I left with?! What’s my point? Do your research, yes, but be open-minded to styles, fabrics, and designers. Your consultant will know her stuff – she’s a pro after all!
Don’t forget to have fun!
At the end of the day, this is supposed to be an exciting experience and one you won’t likely forget. Pack up the strappy shoes you’ll wear on your big day, put your hair up, and don’t forget to put on a bit of mascara and try on as many dresses as you need to. A word of caution though… do not go into a salon with body makeup on thinking a tanned set of shoulders is a good idea!
Photo credit: White Creek Ranch Photography
To find the dress featured in this blog post, visit Your Wedding Place today. Owner Janelle Leer, has owned and operated this beautiful studio for the last 16 years and houses an amazing collection of dresses, both bridal and formal for to suit any bride’s taste or budget. You can call them at 403-340- 0808 to book an appointment (the do the most amazing VIP appts!) or visit them at 4946 53 Avenue in Red Deer.
Vendor Team:
- Photographer: Buckland Imagery
- Behind the Scenes Lead Photographer: The SnapHappy Photographer
- Event Rentals and Concept Design: The Maby Studio
- Planning & Coordination: Vesta Weddings
- Venue: 52 North Venue
- Cake/Cupcakes: You Had me at Cupcake
- Bridal Couture: Your Wedding Place
- Men’s Attire: Rob Rae Clothiers
- Stationery: AJS Craft Creations
- Makeup Artistry: Maici LeFabvre Makeup Co.
- Videography: Flying Goose Media
- Bartending: Roadpop
- Floral: Stems Flowers & Cafe
- Hair: Michelle Doupe
- Models: Jay and Tiara Adams
