Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning your special day—but it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not quite sure where to begin. Whether you’ve had a dream dress in mind for years or you’re approaching this adventure with a completely open heart, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our top tips to help you find a dress that feels as unique and authentic as your love story.
1. Wedding dresses can come with a hefty price tag, so setting a budget before you start shopping is essential. Staying within your price range ensures you can focus on dresses that are both stunning and affordable, without falling for something far beyond what you’re comfortable spending.
2. For your first dress shopping trip, bring along just one trusted person—someone whose opinion you value and who knows you well. Whether it’s your mom, sister, or best friend, having someone honest and supportive by your side can make the experience even more special and stress-free.
3. Wedding dress consultants are experts for a reason—they know the styles, fits, and details that will complement you best. Be open to their suggestions; their expertise might just lead you to a dress that’s even more perfect than you imagined.
4. Choosing your wedding dress isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels when you wear it. When you’ve found “the one,” you’ll know. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s absolutely true.
5. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your dress shopping experience. If you’re curious about why one dress is priced higher than others, go ahead and ask—it’s a great opportunity to learn about the craftsmanship, materials, and details that make each gown unique. Your consultant might even be able to recommend a similar style that fits your budget by using alternative fabrics without compromising on beauty.
6. Choosing the right shop to find your dream wedding dress can be challenging, but a little preparation can make all the difference. Start by calling the shop ahead of time to get a sense of their customer service. Do you feel a connection with the person on the phone? Are they engaged, knowledgeable, and attentive? Share your budget and any specific styles you’re looking for—they should be able to guide you on whether they have options that match your vision. If you’re a plus-sized bride, it’s especially important to confirm they carry sample dresses in your size. There’s nothing more disheartening than arriving at a shop only to find nothing you can try on. A quick call can ensure a more positive and personalized shopping experience.
7. When it comes to wedding dresses, sizing works a little differently—especially with high-end or couture gowns. If you’re typically a size 10 in everyday clothing, don’t be surprised if your wedding dress size is entirely different. Bridal sizing often doesn’t align with standard sizing, so try not to focus too much on the number on the label. Instead, trust the fit and how the dress makes you feel.
8. Keep an open mind when shopping for your wedding dress. The style or silhouette you’ve been imagining might not be the one you fall in love with. Often, the dress you least expect becomes “the one.” Trust your sales consultant’s expertise and be willing to try on something you wouldn’t normally consider—you might just discover it’s the dress of your dreams.
9. If there’s a special piece of jewelry you’ve always envisioned wearing on your big day, like your nan’s necklace or your mom’s pearls, be sure to bring it with you when you go dress shopping. This way, you can make sure it complements your chosen gown perfectly.
10. If you’re set on wearing a veil on your wedding day, be sure to try it on with the dresses you’re considering. You’ll want to make sure everything—dress, veil, and accessories—works beautifully together for your big day.
11. Here’s a tip that’s close to my heart. I’ve always known I didn’t want the traditional white wedding dress—I don’t usually wear white, and it just didn’t feel like me. So, I started by searching for styles that resonated with me and then took my ideas to a dressmaker. We discussed fabrics, colors, and designs until we crafted a dress that truly matched my vision. The result? The dress of my dreams, custom-made to fit me perfectly—and surprisingly affordable. In the end, I paid £1400 for my dress, my bridesmaid’s dress, matching bags, a wrap for the bridesmaid, and embroidery on the groom’s and best man’s shirts to tie everything together. The whole experience was so personal, and it’s something I’ll treasure forever.
If you have found this blog post helpful then you may want to read the companion blog post "A Guide To Wedding Veils"
Or maybe "5 Ways to Avoid Wedding Dress Dramas"
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