Preparation for the “big day” is a mixed assortment of anticipated excitement to hectic and overwhelming. One of the most important facets of the backdrop for the wedding day is selecting the perfect wedding dress. All eyes are on the bride when she walks down that aisle towards her eager groom, and in that moment, the perfect wedding gown is more important than ever. Shopping for the wedding gown can seem to be a daunting task, but if the right steps are taken, the experience can be a memorable one.
The first important point to figure out is your budget. Before you even take one step inside any bridal store, set aside some time to know for sure which budget amount you are working with. This will allow you to keep your focus towards beautiful gowns within your price range. There are many affordable dresses that are gorgeous and unforgettable. So first things first, get your wedding gown budget firmly settled, and do not forget to include alterations and accessories in the amount as well.
As a good rule of thumb, it is always wise to set aside anywhere from 10–15% of the overall budget for your wedding strictly for the wedding gown. Some women also like to have a second dress available for the reception, one that is slightly less formal and a bit more comfortable. If this is something which interests you, keep it in mind when budgeting.
Another important point is researching the style you are interested in. To minimize the stress of shopping for the perfect dress, afford yourself some time to research online a bit before you go shopping. You can also start collecting wedding magazines and invest some time browsing through them. Map out the wedding dress stores you would like to approach in advance. Select one or two that stick out to you. Set aside appointments with these stores. This will allow you to have more personalized experience, so an associate can focus entirely on your needs and fittings.
Also, it goes without saying that this occasion is the perfect opportunity to bond with your bridesmaids. Have them go with you to add excitement to the day. Bring a selective number of close family and friends, so they can offer their honest opinions and thoughts on your selections. Just be sure to keep the number minimal; you do not need an entire boardroom of opinions being thrown out at you. An overall smart move would be to bring your mother, maid of honor, sister and/or a close friend.
Be prepared in advance for how the sizing of the gown works. Many brides are surprised when they realize the wedding dress is slightly bigger than most sizes they normally would wear. An example would be someone who normally wears a size 8 ending up with a wedding gown that is a size 14. Consider being measured ahead of time, that way you can invest your day in trying on dresses that fit comfortably.
Once you have found the perfect dress for your big day, buy it and have no regrets! If the dress looks amazing on you, it is within your ideal budget range, and the style speaks to your hopes and vision, then listen to that gut instinct which is telling you, “This is the one!”
The most important rule is to enjoy the day and the experience. Shopping for your wedding dress, and picking the perfect one, should be a memory that you treasure forever. Utilizing these tips will allow you to fully take hold of this day and make it unforgettable. Once you have the wedding gown of your dreams, then enjoy the remainder of your engagement experience with eager anticipation for the day you walk down the aisle, with the perfect wedding dress, and in front of your family and friends, say “I Do” to your best friend.
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