Here comes the bride, all dressed in white… hmmm… Hold on a quick second. Today's brides spend a lot of time researching the perfect gown and tirelessly trying them on (not to mention bargain hunting!) before they take a trip down the aisle.
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress, our advice is simple. Every bride deserves to feel like she’s doing cartwheels down the aisle. When you find a dress that makes you feel that good, buy it. Or, keep trying dresses in a similar style – you’re onto something good!
Since you'll need to find your dress fairly quickly, we have tips to help you prepare for your upcoming shopping trips.
Research Budget-Friendly Options
Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming, especially since you have to start so early. Before you hit the stores, do your research to determine where and when you want to shop. Also, there is the teensy tiny detail of cost. Unless you’ve been secretly stashing money away for years, your wedding dress will come from your wedding budget. To plan your dress into your budget use this free wedding planning budget sheet download!
Fret not beautiful bride-to-be! There are ways to save without skimping on a single drop of satin or lace.
- Shopping designer trunk shows can save $150 to $500 off your gown.
- Buy your dress at a sample sale for a markdown of 20% to 90%. Sample sales commonly occur in late spring and early fall. Even if there isn’t a sample sale, it never hurts to check if the store sells samples.
Can't find a discounted dress? Be sure to check out the sale-priced bridal accessories to score a great deal on your veil and jewelry.
Determine Your Bridal Style
Most dresses need to be ordered 6-9 months in advance to leave time for alterations. So, narrowing your options ahead of time can make shopping less stressful. Figure out which styles flatter your natural figure. Understanding your curves (or, lack thereof) can save you hours of trying on unflattering styles. Go with what your mama gave you, and you'll turn heads as you take your first step down the aisle.
Bridal lingo is a little tricky. Here’s a quick guide on wedding dress styles, hemlines and train lengths. Brides, hold onto your bustles, this is where the f-u-n begins!
Silhouettes:
- Ball Gown - traditional style hides hips and thighs
- Empire - high-waisted dress flatters small-breasted and petite women
- A-Line - full skirt with less drama than a ball gown
- Mermaid (or fit-and-flare or trumpet) - shows off sexy curves, fits snugly to knees where it flares out
- Sheath - flattering for large-breasted women, tailored, perfect for less formal affairs like courthouse weddings
- Halter / One-shoulder - exposed shoulders flattering on long torsos
- Bateau - Boatneck neckline, retro, compliments pear-shaped and smaller-busted women
- V-neck - flattering on almost everybody, flaunts décolletage
Hemlines:
- Mini - above the knees
- Knee length - at knees
- Mid-calf - below the knees
- Tea length - at shins
- Floor length - touches floor
Trains:
- Chapel - 4 ft. from waist
- Semi- cathedral - 5-6 ft. from waist
- Cathedral - 7 ft. from waist
- Monarch - 9-12 ft. from waist
It’s time to do a happy dance! Narrowing your wedding dress preferences is huge. Don't forget to grab this bride wedding gown hanger to show case the dress of your dreams on your big day!
Keep the twelve month out excitement going by finding tips on saving money, hiring a wedding planner, budgeting, Pinterest 101 for brides, throwing an engagement party and setting up a successful registry.
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too!
Article written by: Melissa Collier
Photography by: Christie Conyer
