Every bride wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day, and the dress you choose plays a big part in making that happen. However, with so many styles, designs, and price points available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect wedding dress for your big day.
It’s important to consider your personal style and preferences, as well as your wedding theme and venue. Your body type should also be taken into account, as certain styles will flatter you more than others. Of course, it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. And don’t forget to bring a trusted friend or family member to help you decide.
Ultimately, trust your gut feeling and choose the dress that feels right. After all, this is your day to shine and feel beautiful.
Read on for our expert tips on how to choose the perfect wedding dress for your big day.
Consider Your Personal Style and Preferences
Your wedding dress should reflect your personal style and preferences. Do you prefer a classic, timeless look, or something more modern and daring? Do you want to wear something traditional, or are you open to trying a non-traditional color or style? These are all important factors to consider when choosing your wedding dress.
One way to get inspired and hone in on your personal style is to look at bridal magazines, Pinterest boards, and Instagram accounts for ideas. You can also draw inspiration from your everyday wardrobe, as well as your wedding theme and venue.
Consider Your Body Type
When choosing a wedding dress, it’s important to consider your body type. Certain styles will flatter you more than others, and it’s important to highlight your best features. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a mermaid or trumpet style dress will accentuate your curves. If you have a pear-shaped body, an A-line or ball gown style dress will balance out your proportions.
Think About Your Wedding Theme and Venue
Your wedding theme and venue can also play a role in choosing the perfect wedding dress. For a beach wedding, a lightweight and flowy dress is ideal, while a formal ballroom wedding may call for a more structured and elegant gown. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, consider a dress with a shorter hemline to avoid getting it dirty or tangled in the grass.
Set a Realistic Budget
Wedding dresses can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. There are plenty of gorgeous dresses available at all price points, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to look beautiful on your big day. Be sure to also factor in the cost of alterations and accessories when setting your budget.
- When shopping for your dress, be upfront with the sales associate about your budget. They can help you find dresses within your price range and steer you away from dresses that are outside of it.
- Consider buying a pre-owned or sample dress to save money.
- Don’t forget to factor in the cost of alterations when budgeting for your dress. Alterations can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the extent of the alterations needed.
Keep these tips in mind when choosing your perfect wedding dress, and remember to trust your instincts and choose the dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your big day.
Take Your Wedding Theme and Venue into Account
Another important factor to consider when choosing your wedding dress is your wedding theme and venue. Whether you’re having a traditional church wedding or a beach wedding, your dress should complement the theme and setting of your big day.
If you’re having a formal wedding, consider a long, elegant gown with intricate details, while a shorter dress with a playful design would be more fitting for a casual outdoor wedding. Similarly, if you’re getting married on the beach, you may want to opt for a lightweight, flowing dress that is easy to move around in, rather than a heavy ballgown that may be difficult to manage on sand.
Consider Your Wedding Venue
One of the first things to take into account when choosing your wedding dress is your venue. Different venues will require different types of dresses to ensure that you look your best and feel comfortable throughout your big day.
- For a church wedding, consider a more modest dress with sleeves or a higher neckline, and avoid dresses with a too-revealing cut or low back.
- For an outdoor wedding, consider dresses with lightweight fabrics, shorter lengths, or comfortable sandals or flats.
- For a ballroom wedding, consider dresses with elegant details, such as lace, embroidery, or beading, and opt for higher heels to complement the formal setting.
Match Your Dress to Your Wedding Theme
In addition to the venue, your wedding theme is an important factor to consider when choosing your dress. Whether you’re having a rustic country wedding, a modern city wedding, or a bohemian beach wedding, you want your dress to match the overall vibe of your big day.
- For a rustic wedding, consider dresses with lace or embroidery details and natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen.
- For a modern wedding, consider sleek, simple dresses with clean lines and minimal embellishments.
- For a bohemian wedding, consider dresses with flowing fabrics, loose silhouettes, and floral or nature-inspired details.
By taking your wedding theme and venue into account when choosing your dress, you’ll ensure that your overall look is cohesive and stylish, and that you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.
Think About Your Body Type and What Flatters You Most
Choosing a wedding dress can be overwhelming, but considering your body type and what flatters you most can help narrow down your options. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident on your big day, and finding a dress that suits your body type can help you achieve just that.
Start by identifying your body shape – are you pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass, or rectangle? Then, consider what styles and fabrics will accentuate your best features and flatter your figure. Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and experiment with different fabrics to find the perfect dress for you.
Consider Your Body Shape
- Pear-shaped brides should look for dresses that accentuate the waist and have fuller skirts to balance out the hips.
- Apple-shaped brides should consider dresses with empire waists or A-line silhouettes that create a more defined waistline and draw attention away from the midsection.
- Hourglass-shaped brides should look for dresses that hug their curves and accentuate their waistline, such as mermaid or trumpet styles.
Find Styles that Flatter Your Figure
A-line dresses are a great option for brides who want a classic and elegant look that flatters all body types. The A-line silhouette cinches at the waist and gradually widens towards the bottom, creating a flattering and feminine shape.
Mermaid or trumpet dresses are perfect for brides who want to accentuate their curves. This style hugs the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out at the bottom, creating a dramatic and glamorous look.
Experiment with Fabrics
- Lace is a classic wedding dress fabric that adds a touch of romance and femininity to any dress.
- Tulle is a lightweight and versatile fabric that can create a variety of different looks, from ethereal and dreamy to structured and modern.
- Satin is a luxurious and elegant fabric that is perfect for brides who want a sophisticated and glamorous look.
Remember, the most important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your special day. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts – you’ll know when you’ve found the perfect dress!
Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Weddings can be expensive affairs, and it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. The last thing you want is to overspend and start your married life with a mountain of debt. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that your wedding is both memorable and financially responsible.
Here are some tips to help you set a realistic budget:
Prioritize Your Expenses
When setting your budget, it’s important to prioritize your expenses. Decide what aspects of your wedding are most important to you, and allocate more of your budget towards those items. For example, if having a stunning wedding dress is a top priority for you, allocate more of your budget towards it, and cut back on other areas that are less important to you.
Get Creative with Your Planning
Getting creative with your wedding planning can help you save money. For example, instead of having a traditional sit-down dinner, consider having a cocktail-style reception or a buffet. These options can be just as elegant and enjoyable as a sit-down dinner, but they are often less expensive.
Don’t Forget About Hidden Costs
When setting your budget, don’t forget about hidden costs. These can include things like taxes, gratuities, and delivery fees. Make sure to factor in all of these expenses so that you don’t go over budget.
- Wedding Planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner who can help you stay within your budget while still creating the wedding of your dreams.
- DIY: Consider DIY projects for wedding decorations and favors. Not only can this save money, but it also adds a personal touch to your special day.
Setting a realistic budget and sticking to it can help ensure that your wedding is both memorable and financially responsible. By prioritizing your expenses, getting creative with your planning, and factoring in hidden costs, you can plan the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member to Help You Decide
Shopping for clothes can be a daunting task, especially when you’re not sure what looks good on you. This is where having a trusted friend or family member by your side can be a lifesaver. Not only can they offer an objective opinion on what looks good on you, but they can also provide helpful advice on fit and style.
Before you head out to the store, be sure to talk to your friend or family member about what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a new outfit for a special occasion or some basic pieces to update your wardrobe, make sure they understand your needs and preferences. This way, they can help guide you in the right direction and save you time and frustration in the process.
Benefits of Bringing a Shopping Buddy
- Objective Opinion: A trusted friend or family member can offer an unbiased opinion on what looks good on you, helping you make the right choice.
- Feedback on Fit and Style: Your shopping buddy can provide helpful advice on fit and style, helping you find clothes that flatter your body type and reflect your personal style.
- Fun and Memorable Experience: Shopping with a friend or family member can turn a stressful experience into a fun and memorable one.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you do decide to bring a shopping buddy, keep in mind that you don’t have to take all of their advice. Ultimately, the decision of what to buy is yours. Also, make sure you choose someone who has a similar sense of style and who will be honest with you.
Overall, bringing a trusted friend or family member with you when shopping for clothes can be a great way to make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Not only can they offer helpful advice, but they can also provide a second opinion to ensure you make the right choice.
Trust Your Gut Feeling and Choose the Dress That Feels Right
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a bride. It’s a dress that you’ll wear on one of the most special days of your life, so it’s understandable to want everything to be perfect. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which dress is “the one.” Here are some tips to help you trust your gut feeling and choose the dress that feels right for you.
First, consider the style of wedding you’re having and what dress style would be most appropriate. Are you having a beach wedding? A ballroom wedding? A destination wedding? These factors will play a big role in what type of dress you’ll want to choose. But ultimately, you want to choose a dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel comfortable and confident on your big day.
Try On a Variety of Styles
- Don’t be afraid to try on different styles of dresses, even ones that you may not have initially considered. You may be surprised at what looks great on you!
- Take photos of yourself in each dress to compare later. This will help you see the dress from different angles and get a better idea of how it looks on you.
- Take your time and don’t rush the decision. This is a big purchase and you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member to Help You Decide
Having a trusted friend or family member with you when trying on dresses can be incredibly helpful. They can provide a second opinion and give you honest feedback. But be careful not to bring too many people with you – too many opinions can be overwhelming and make the decision-making process even harder.
Remember, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose a dress that you feel comfortable and confident in. Trust your gut feeling and don’t be afraid to choose the dress that feels right for you, even if it’s not what you initially expected. This is your special day, and you deserve to feel amazing in your dress!
Consider the Practicalities
- Consider the weather and season of your wedding when choosing a dress. You don’t want to be too hot or too cold on your big day!
- Think about the logistics of wearing the dress – can you move comfortably in it? Will it be easy to sit, dance, and walk around in?
- Factor in alterations when choosing a dress. Most dresses will need some sort of alteration to fit perfectly, so make sure to budget for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between two wedding dresses?
First, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding. Which dress aligns better with the aesthetic you envision for your big day? Next, think about the venue and the season you’ll be getting married in. Will one dress be more practical or comfortable than the other? Finally, trust your gut feeling and choose the dress that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful on your special day.
Should I bring someone with me to help me decide?
It’s always a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member with you when trying on wedding dresses. They can provide valuable feedback and support as you make your decision. Just remember, ultimately the decision should be yours and you should choose the dress that makes you the happiest.
What should I consider when deciding between two dresses?
When deciding between two wedding dresses, consider factors such as the fit, the style, the material, and the cost. Which dress flatters your figure the most? Which dress aligns with your personal style? Which dress is made of a material that suits the season and location of your wedding? Which dress is within your budget?
What if I’m torn between two dresses?
If you’re torn between two wedding dresses, try them on again and ask yourself which dress you can’t stop thinking about. Which dress feels like “the one”? You can also try mixing and matching different elements of the two dresses to create a unique custom look that incorporates your favorite aspects of both dresses.
Is it okay to take some time to think about it?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay to take some time to think about your decision. Don’t feel pressured to make a choice on the spot if you’re not ready. Take a break, sleep on it, and come back to the decision when you feel more confident and clear-headed.
What if I change my mind after purchasing a dress?
If you change your mind after purchasing a wedding dress, don’t panic. Most bridal shops have a return or exchange policy, so check with the store to see if you can make a change. Keep in mind that alterations are also an option if you love the dress but it doesn’t fit perfectly.