Trying to find the perfect gown can be a rather overwhelming experience. This is a shopping trip like no other and sometimes you can feel a little bit lost! To help you ease into the process, we have the best 11 tips that you should know before wedding dress shopping.

PICKING YOUR SQUAD…
This is such an exciting time and of course everyone wants to be involved! From friends to cousins, you will most likely have a list of loved ones who will want to experience this with you. In the case of shopping for a wedding dress, there is such a thing as too many opinions. Your wedding day and gown are about you and your partner, which can be easy to forget when bringing a large group with you. Be selective with your group and don’t worry about people feeling left out. There are many ways to have your nearest and dearest involved in your day and they will be seeing you in your full bridal glory very soon! We recommend 2 to 4 people at one time. Don’t be afraid to spread this across a few appointments as well.

LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS LIKE A MOVIE…
We’ve all seen in before. In both movies and TV shows, we see a bride put on a gown and shed a tear. Overcome with emotion, you often expect to cry when you put on your dream gown. Whilst this happens for some brides, it doesn’t happen for everyone. Choosing a wedding gown is often a logical decision which takes into account cost, design, destination and availability. As long as you feel 100% happy with the gown, then it’s the one for you!

THE THREE TIPS…
The look of the gown is what everyone notices first, but just remember that you will be wearing this all day and will be looking back at the photos of your magical day for years to come. There are three important tips that you should remember when choosing your wedding dress. Do you love the look? It is comfortable? Do you feel like yourself? If you can tick all three boxes, then it could be the one!

UNDER PRESSURE…
Occasionally you may find yourself being pressured into choosing your wedding gown. Whether it is pressure from a sale assistant, your family or yourself, it’s important not to rush into a decision. If you think it might be the one but you are not ready to commit, then sleep on it. This will give you a chance to relax and really think it through and will ensure that you make the right decision.

GLAM UP…
When searching for a wedding dress, you definitely don’t have to be in full bridal glam. Having said that, it can help you envision your wedding day look if you have your hair and make up done in the way that you imagine you might on the big day. If you are really wanting to get the full look, arrange a hair and make up trial on the same day so that you are able to really capture that bridal look.

FINER DETAILS…
When purchasing your gown, you will often be asked to fill out a contract. Be sure to read through the fine print and ask as many questions as you need. This will ensure that you are aware of delivery times, additional costs and any other essential information.

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER…
The chances are that if you are a size 10 in everyday clothes, that you won’t be a bridal size 10. The design of these gowns is quite different and therefore is scaled differently. The size of the gown is just a number and is purely there to make sure you have the perfect fit on your special day. If you are in the process of trying to lose weight, then don’t pressure yourself and order a size or two smaller. A gown can always be taken in during alterations if necessary, but that extra pressure will most likely add to your stress!

IT’S A LONG DAY…
Shopping with your loved ones to find the perfect wedding gown sounds like the most fabulous day but be careful, it’s a big one too! The process can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Make sure you have a good breakfast beforehand and schedule in time for breaks throughout the day. After all, you want to make sure you are feeling excited and energetic when you are modelling those gowns.

AN EXPERT OPINION…
After all of the research and planning that you have put into your wedding, you will probably be quite sure you know what you are looking for. Whilst looking through boutiques, just remember that the team there are experts. They may suggest something you aren’t sure about or to try something a little bit different, but have an open mind. They have helped countless women find their dream gown and all they want is to do the same for you.

BUDGET TIME…
Many boutiques and bridal stores will have gowns that range in price. Be sure to have a budget in mind and stick to gowns that are within your price range. Try to avoid trying on gowns that are well over your budget as it can be quite upsetting if you are then unable to purchase it. If your dream gown is a little bit over budget, consider if you are able to move some of the budget around to make your dreams come true.