Shopping for your wedding dress can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, so it’s important to know what to expect. Insider spoke with four wedding experts to learn more about what brides should keep in mind before they begin trying on gowns.
Before you visit a bridal salon, be sure to have a list of questions ready. During your appointment ask about how long it takes to make your gown and if they offer expert alterations services.
Size
When shopping for a wedding gown, it’s important to know the size of the dress you want to purchase. Bridal dresses are typically sized two to four sizes smaller than retail clothing, so you should always measure yourself before purchasing your gown to ensure that it fits perfectly.
You’ll need to measure the fullest part of your bust, waist and hips (not the smallest point). Wrap a tape measure around these areas, making sure that you mark off the fullest portion of your body.
It’s important to note that bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, so it’s often two or more sizes smaller than your regular “street size” for everyday clothing.
This doesn’t mean you’re going to be unhappy with your gown; it just means that it may not fit exactly how you think it will. To ensure that you have the best possible fit on your big day, measure yourself before trying on any samples at the boutique.
Style
Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most important steps in your pre-wedding journey. It’s also the most technical part of the process, so it pays to be well-informed.
Your wedding dress off the rack wedding dress by winsome brides will set the mood for your entire look, so it’s essential to know which styles flatter your body shape. Formfitting shapes like fit-and-flare and mermaid add a touch of sexy appeal while straight silhouettes such as column and sheath are more forgiving.
The neckline of your wedding dress is another key detail to consider. A square or V-neckline is a classic choice but you can also try a sweetheart or off-the-shoulder neckline for a more feminine touch.
Sleeve length is another important consideration, especially if you have sensitive skin or a particular sleeve style that bothers you. Cap sleeves are a go-to for many brides, but barely-there styles, like spaghetti straps and boho bell sleeves, add a playful and sexy touch to any dress.
Fabric
Choosing the fabric for your wedding gown is one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to purchasing your wedding dress. Not only does it play an important role in how your dress will look, but it also helps to determine how well your outfit fits you.
Lace – This type of wedding fabric is very popular and it comes in many different styles and designs. It can also be embellished with beads, sequins and pearls.
Chiffon – This type of fabric is very lightweight and can be used for warmer weddings. It is also a very easy fabric to work with since it is flowy and can be easily draped.
Silk – This is an elegant fabric that can be worn year-round, but it is better suited for the colder months. Velvet – This is another very classic material that can be worn for your winter wedding.
The amount of fabric that is needed for your wedding dress depends on the silhouette that you have chosen and how long the train will be. The seamstress that is sewing the dress will be able to tell you exactly how much fabric you need.
Budget
A dress can be an incredible investment, so it’s important to determine your budget before you start shopping. This will help you avoid getting too carried away and spending more money than you can afford on the dress of your dreams.
The cost of a wedding gown can vary widely, depending on the materials used and the embellishments that are included. High-end fabrics, like lace, can be more expensive to produce than cheaper materials.
You also have to consider alterations and accessories, including undergarments, shoes and a veil. These items are often forgotten, but they can make or break the look of your gown.
If you’re on a tight budget, finding a simple and relatively unadorned wedding dress is a great way to keep costs down. It’s also important to remember that any significant alterations will require additional funds. You may also want to consider buying a used gown to save even more money! It’s also a good idea to check out designer sample sales.