Everything you need to know about buying your wedding dress for your big day!

The dress. It’s a big part of the vision for your big day. Many brides dream of wedding dresses for longer than they’ve even known who would be standing at the end of the aisle on their big day. It’s an important outfit choice to be sure, and there are so many factors to consider when you’re making the big decision.

When it comes to choosing the dress you’ll wear on your wedding day, it can be difficult to know where to start. I recommend beginning by gathering inspiration. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What are your favorite outfits? Think about the clothing you have in your closet. What are your favorite clothing items to wear? Which pieces make you feel your best? Do certain fabrics bother your skin? Does a particular sleeve length irritate you? Make notes for yourself about these preferences, because they could come in handy when dress shopping!

3.What styles flatter your body type the most? Think about the outfits you own that look the best on you. Do they have anything in particular in common? Do you love tops that have ruching at the waist, or skirts that hug your curves? Keep these things in mind as you consider your ideal wedding dress style.

4. What types of wedding dresses flatter each body type? Do you have any “problem areas” that you don’t love or want to consider in the design of your dress? If you don’t like showing your arms, you may want to find dresses with full sleeves. If you’re a little rounder in the middle, there are certain types of rushing that can really disguise and flatter your midsection.

5. What kind of venue are you using for your wedding? What is the level of formality for your event? You want the gown you choose to work well with your chosen venue and match the level of formality of your event. If you’re hosting a casual backyard wedding, a full satin ballgown encrusted with crystals may not be the most appropriate choice. Generally speaking, your wedding dress should fit the vibe of the entire event so you don’t seem out of place. If you’re getting married on a beach, steer clear of dresses with long, sweeping trains as they could make it difficult to walk.

6.During what season is the wedding taking place? What’s the average temperature? The weather could play a big part in the type of dress you choose to wear for your wedding. Keep the temperature and season in mind when choosing your dress. Lighter-weight fabrics like chiffon are great for hotter temps, while heavy satins and silks and even some laces are better worn in cooler months.

7. What type of gown will be the most comfortable to wear? You’ll likely be wearing your wedding dress for anywhere from 4-10 hours on the big day, so keep your comfort in mind. If you’re not feeling comfortable in your gown, it will likely show on your face, which won’t make for good photos.

8. Are there certain styles I am particularly drawn to? Head over to Pinterest and search for wedding dress inspiration. Start pinning dresses that you like! If you already have ideas of what you’re drawn to, try searching specifically for similar styles. Such as “Lace wedding dress” or “sweetheart neckline” or “asymmetrical wedding dress.”

Setting Your Wedding Dress Budget

9. What is your wedding dress budget? What percentage of your wedding budget should you use on your wedding dress? Learn how to decide on your wedding dress budget below: Most experts say that you will likely spend 5-10% of your budget on your wedding attire, but that’s not *just* the dress. That factors in your partner’s attire as well as any alternations or accessories like shoes, veils, ties, and the like. It also includes wedding day beauty like hair and makeup! So if you want to get a rough idea of what you could or should spend your wedding dress, we would recommend to shoot for the lower end of the spectrum (about 5%) on the dress itself.

Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

10. Should I shop in-person or online? What does your schedule allow for? Do you have a few weekends to dedicate to visiting bridal shops to try on some dresses in-person? Or would you rather have the convenience of shopping online? There are many online options that make it possible for you to “try before you buy” at home, or at least have generous and flexible return policies.

11. What should I bring with me to my appointment? Undergarments. If you’re not 100% sure on the type of dress you’re going to buy, it’s best to bring a few different styles of bras to try on with your dresses. It’s also important to bring a pair of shoes similar to the style/heel height you plan to wear on the big day.

12. What do I need to know before going to try on wedding dresses? Know the types of styles you are drawn to but be open to trying different things. Also, be open to potentially altering any of the dresses you find to make them absolutely perfect for you! You should definitely know your MAX budget for your dress, and be sure to leave room for potential alterations in the cost.

13. How do I find a dress within my budget? Once you’ve set a general budget for yourself and gotten an idea of what you like, you can start seriously shopping! When you visit salons, let them know what your budget is. Ask them to not show you anything over your budget if you are really tight when it comes to your expenses.