Written by | Bethany Cannon

Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming even for the most calm and collected bride-to-be. The pressure of finding the perfect dress is nearly as intense as that of finding a soulmate. After all, what bride doesn’t want to look like the most beautiful version of herself on her wedding day? Whether newly engaged, or married for years and preparing to renew vows – this guide is designed to help any bride-to-be find the perfect dress for her big day.

What should a bride consider when shopping for a wedding dress?

What areas of her body she is wanting to accentuate the most and what look is she going for.
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

A bride should consider her vision for her big day before she ever steps foot into a bridal boutique. For many brides who have been dreaming of their wedding day since they were a little girl, their ideal wedding has probably taken many different forms. Having an idea of the vision she is looking to achieve is 100% the most helpful aspect of shopping for a dress.
– Lauren O’Banion, Consultant at Sara Loree’s Bridal & Formal

Come with a budget in mind, nothing is worse than falling in love with a dress that you can’t afford. Know your budget and be honest with your consultant about it. At Gracie’s, we work hard to find every bride a beautiful dress that they love and that fits in their budget.
– Kamryn Hesington, Gracie’s Bridal, Owner

1. Budget
2. What is most important in “THE” dress. For example: How does it feel? How do others react? Price? Style?
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

When is best to begin trying on dresses?

The sooner the better! We tell all our brides that it’s never too soon to find “the one.” We highly recommend a bride to start shopping for her dream gown one year before the wedding. They also need to keep in mind that they will need alterations. That should be done 6 weeks before the wedding date.
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

A bride should begin shopping for dresses 9-12 months (or more) before her wedding. A bride who knows she will want to shop around should expect to give herself more time than a bride who knows she will be satisfied after shopping at one bridal boutique.
– Lauren O’Banion, Sara Loree’s Bridal & Formal, Consultant

7 months to 1 year is ideal, however, many brides who like to prepare and plan shop much earlier. It is wise to shop only if you are ready to make the purchase if you find the dress.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

Who to consider bringing when shopping for dresses?

The people they bring should be important to the bride, as well as supportive. A very large group can have too many differing opinions and can cause stress to the bride. We recommend bringing six or less.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

Immediate family and the bridal party!
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

Our best advice is to keep the shopping entourage to a minimum. Brides should bring two to four of their closest family members or friends, whose opinions they value greatly, while shopping for their dress.
– Lauren O’Banion, Sara Loree’s Bridal & Formal, Consultant

Choose your bridal babes wisely, bring only the people who you need to say yes to the dress. These people should be positive, keep in mind what you like, and understand that the day is about you choosing your gown.
– Kamryn Hesington, Gracie’s Bridal, Owner

How many dresses would you suggest a bride to try on?

Less is more! You do not need to go to every store and try on every gown! Don’t overwhelm yourself and remember it’s YOUR wedding. Trying on too many gowns will do nothing but ruin this special experience. Make sure to let your bridal party know in advance that you only want to try on gowns that you see yourself in so you do not get exhausted.
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

We advise brides to try on no more than twenty dresses before saying yes! It sounds crazy, I know, but most brides fall in love with one of the first seven gowns they try on. Continuing to try on dresses after finding the one can cause a bride to feel frustrated and discouraged during her dress shopping journey.
– Lauren O’Banion, Sara Loree’s Bridal & Formal, Consultant

Between two and ten dresses.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

What are some tips for choosing the perfect accessories?

This day is about the bride and groom. The accessories should speak to the bride and her personality and not overwhelm her. Veils often complete the bridal look so don’t overlook their importance.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

It is best to find your dress first and choose pieces compliment it. In some dresses the neckline can serve as the necklace! Finding pieces with special meaning to you and your fiancé can be a special touch to your day!
– Kamryn Hesington, Gracie’s Bridal, Owner

Go simple! Simple is more! If your gown is busy with lace and detail, go with a set of simple pearls or diamond studs. For a simple gown, go with a longer dangle earring and possibly a bracelet.
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

What to wear when wedding dress shopping?

Our gowns have bras and structure built in so all that is needed is basic undergarments at your appointment! Come in clothing that is comfortable and easy to change out of. Wearing makeup and hair that is similar to what you imagine for your day can be helpful!
– Kamryn Hesington, Gracie’s Bridal, Owner

Brides should wear what they would expect to wear under a wedding dress. Nude undies are best. Most brides don’t wear a bra so they can get the look of the dress without added straps. All wedding dresses have built-in bra cups for support so bras are not needed. If the bride wishes to see a more complete look she is welcome to arrive with hair and make up ready, but that is totally up to the bride.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

A bride should bring clothing and undergarments they feel COMFORTABLE in. Whether or not a bride wears makeup or has her hair done is entirely up to her, what we suggest is arriving at the appointment having done whatever makes her feel beautiful and comfortable.
– Lauren O’Banion, Sara Loree’s Bridal & Formal, Consultant

We always encourage the bride to be comfortable and be YOU! They must wear underwear. They can bring undergarments if they wish. Wearing makeup will help give them a better idea of what they will look like on their wedding day!
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

Personal advice for finding the right wedding dress?

Relax! Get to know your stylist. They are 100% there to help. Be ready to have a great time.
– Liz Stoner, Normans Bridal, Co-owner

Don’t wait, follow your gut and remember it’s your special day!
– Hannah Diemer, The Dress Bridal, Owner

Keep in mind, wedding dresses notoriously run small. Don’t let the size of your wedding dress have any bearing on your self-esteem!
– Bethany Cannon, Metropolitan Weddings, Contributing Writer

Above all else, have fun! This is such a special day to find the dress that you get to marry your fiancé in! It should be stress-free and you should go with your gut!
– Kamryn Hesington, Gracie’s Bridal, Owner

XOXO