Its happened, the day you’ve been dreaming of – you’re going from “Miss” to “Mrs” YAY! You’ve probably popped a few bottles of something sparkly to celebrate, I mean this is one of life’s very exciting milestones. By now maybe the cards have been put away, You’ve created the “My Wedding” board on Pinterest, out comes the planner and its down to business, first perhaps on many girls lists is THE dress, never an outfit so planned and dreamed of than the wedding dress, its the one dress that you will hope to be a little different, something that reflects who you are and perhaps be that dress people talk about for quite some time. But one things for sure! it will grace thousands of photos and those images will take pride of place within parents homes and you will look back time and time again – I know I do.
But before heading out, here is a little advice that I’ve seen shared and spoken of time and time again via both friends and bridal suppliers alike.
1. Firstly – Please Please Please, Don’t feel pushed into spending more than you planned, have rough budget and keep that figure in mind – any reputable bridal shop will not force your hand in buying something you’re not 100% certain of. You absolutely can have the dress of your dreams and it not blow the bank or the wedding budget.
You’ll want to factor in alteration costs, depending on what you have done I’d say around £150 is a rough starting point, Think about possible extras – for example will you need to buy an underskirt to make your princess dress that bit bigger, a vail or added details – belt, capped sleeves or bolero.
2. Be open to suggestions, Walking into a bridal shop can be a little overwhelming but the owner and their assistances are worth their weight in industry knowhow and they are there to get you the dress of your dreams, they may suggest something a little different to what you envisioned but go with it, it might be that you’ve overlooked a style because you may have thought you wouldn’t suit it- I know had this happen when I looked, I thought A-lines were what would look good on me and actually I better suited a more figure hugging dress.
3. Play dress up! Remember as a little girl you would don your Mothers wedding dress, pretending to be her? Pop a bit of blush and mascara on, and a little lippy, add some jewellery, even the veil/head piece. Bring as many elements as you can to really help bring it all together.
4. Undies! Wear good nude undies, if you’re set on a strapless number there is no point in wearing a strapped bra, you don’t want to be tucking the straps in trying to see how it would look, Nope invest in a good strapless bra with plenty of support. Also modest knickers too!
5. Heels! (If you’re wearing them) No point trying to balance on tippy toes trying to see if the length is right. Bring along a pair of heels so you can get a really good feel of how you’ll be moving around in the dress, also it’s super helpful for getting then length of your dress just right.
6. Dance around in the dresses you try on, ask one of your bridal party to act as the groom and see how close you can get – this is partly why you asked them to be in your wedding 😉 you’ll want to be close during that 1st dance so don’t let your dress get to in the way, also walk around a bit, does it glide well or are you having to really push it out with your feet, Can you twirl around like SJP in her Vivienne Westward dress?
7. And Lastly but so important, don’t rush the buy. Go for a coffee with your girls and have a good chat about it all, share your thoughts and maybe concerns talk it out. It’s a big buy so don’t go ahead if you’re unsure.
Images credits
Abigail Steed
Holly Cade Photography
Jason Mark Harris Photography
Greg Milner Photography
Island Bridal Supplies:
Dresses
Forget me not
Gems Bridal wear
Dornellie
Under garments
Sugar and Spice
The lovely Mr and Mrs Groves!
Photo credits:
