How to Start Your Wedding Dress Shopping: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day!

Whether you've dreamt of this moment for years or you're diving into the process with no idea where to begin, finding the perfect wedding dress should be a special experience. But before you dive headfirst into a sea of lace, tulle, and satin, it helps to have a plan.

Here’s All About Eve’s step-by-step guide on how to start your wedding dress shopping journey, ensuring it’s fun, stress-free, and memorable.

1. Set a Budget

Before you start dreaming of your dress, it’s important to figure out how much you want to spend. Wedding dresses come in a wide range of prices, so setting a budget will help narrow down your options and keep you focused on what’s realistic for you.

Don’t forget extras: Keep in mind that your dress budget should also include alterations, accessories (like a veil or shoes), and any special undergarments. Alterations alone can add several hundred pounds to the final cost of your gown. We can help advise you on this at your appointment.
Be honest with your stylist: When you visit bridal boutiques, let them know your budget upfront so they can bring you dresses within your price range.

2. Start Early (But Not Too Early)

Wedding dresses can take months to order and alter, so starting early is crucial. However, starting too early can sometimes lead to indecision, especially if trends change or your personal style evolves.

When to start: The ideal time to start dress shopping is about 12-18 months before your wedding. This allows enough time for ordering, fittings, and alterations without feeling rushed.

3. Do Your Research

Before stepping into a bridal shop, spend some time gathering inspiration. Knowing what styles, silhouettes, and designers you like will make the shopping process smoother and help you narrow down your options.

Browse online: Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal magazines are perfect for discovering your favourite styles. Save images of gowns that catch your eye so you can show your consultant your preferences.

Understand silhouettes: From A-line to mermaid, familiarize yourself with different dress silhouettes and how they flatter various body types. This will help you figure out what might work best for your shape.

Know your designers: Learn about different bridal designers and their signature styles. Some might specialize in modern minimalism, while others might focus on romantic lace or boho chic.

4. Consider Your Wedding Theme and Venue

Your wedding dress should not only reflect your personal style but also complement the overall theme and setting of your wedding. Where you're getting married can help guide your dress-shopping decisions.

Formal vs. casual: A formal, black-tie wedding might call for a glamorous ball gown or a sleek sheath dress, while a relaxed beach wedding could be perfect for a flowy, lightweight gown.

Venue considerations: Think about the venue’s location and weather. A heavy satin dress may not be ideal for a summer garden wedding, while a lightweight, airy dress could be perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

5. Book Appointments at Bridal Shops

Once you have an idea of your style and budget, it’s time to make appointments at bridal boutiques. Many shops require appointments to ensure that you have a consultant’s full attention during your visit.

Start with 2-3 stores: You don’t want to overwhelm yourself by visiting too many stores at once. Start with a couple of reputable bridal salons and see how you feel after trying on a few dresses.
Be open-minded: While it’s great to have an idea of what you want, be open to trying on different styles. Many brides end up falling in love with a dress they never imagined they’d like!

6. Bring the Right People

Choosing who will accompany you on your wedding dress-shopping journey is important. You want to bring people whose opinions you trust but who will also support and uplift you during this special time.

Limit your entourage: Too many opinions can become overwhelming. Bring 1-3 close family members or friends whose feedback is valuable to you.

Positive vibes only: Choose people who will focus on helping you feel beautiful and confident rather than those who may criticize your choices or make the process stressful.

7. Wear the Right Underwear

The underwear you wear to your bridal appointments can affect how dresses look and fit. Make sure you’re prepared with the right essentials.

Bring a strapless bra: Many wedding dresses are strapless, so wearing a supportive strapless bra will help you see how the dress really fits.

Consider shapewear: If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, bring it to your appointment so you can get an accurate idea of the dress’s fit.

Minimal makeup and easy hair: Avoid heavy makeup, and fake tan that could transfer onto the dresses and wear your hair in a simple style so you can envision how you’ll look on your big day.

8. Trust the Process (and Your Gut)

Finding the perfect dress is a process, but it’s important to trust yourself and your instincts. Don’t feel pressured by trends, other people’s opinions, or even the consultant’s recommendations if they don’t feel like "you."

Don’t be afraid to say yes: When you find a dress you love and feel confident in, don’t hesitate to say yes! It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, but if a dress makes you feel beautiful, that’s a great sign.
Give yourself time to think: If you’re unsure, take a step back and sleep on it. Sometimes, taking a little break gives you the clarity you need to make the right decision.

9. Don’t Forget Alterations

Once you’ve chosen your dress, alterations are the final step to ensuring it fits you perfectly. Most wedding dresses need some tailoring to get the best fit, so make sure you factor in the time and cost for alterations.

Schedule fittings: Aim for your first fitting about 2-3 months before the wedding. This allows time for additional tweaks if needed.
Bring accessories: At your fittings, bring your shoes, veil, and any other accessories you plan to wear to see how everything comes together.

10. Enjoy the Moment!

Above all, remember to enjoy your wedding dress shopping experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and it’s an opportunity to feel beautiful and excited about your big day. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and have fun throughout the process.

Start Your Journey with Confidence

Starting your wedding dress shopping journey should be fun and exciting, not overwhelming. By setting a budget, researching styles, booking appointments at the right shops, and trusting your instincts, you’ll be well on your way to finding the dress of your dreams. Happy shopping, and we hope to see you soon at All About Eve Bridal.

Click here to book your appointment with our experienced team today!