How To Shop For Your Wedding Dress Without The Stress

We all want to say yes to the dress but it’s no secret that wedding dress shopping can be stressful! Being on the thick side, I had an added layer of complication but preparation is key!

If you take nothing else away from this post- Do The Inner Work! You want to love the skin you are in before you go dress shopping! I remember the nervous bridal consultant saying, “it’s not you, you have killer curves,” after dress number 4 wouldn’t fit over my butt! I LOVE my shape and have learned to honor my body for all the amazing things it does for me so I was unfazed.

Had that not been the case, I may not have been able to continue shopping for my wedding dress that day! We tried on some crazy ball gowns, laughed a lot, and moved on to the next store!

Tips To Say Yes Without The Stress

1. Know your budget

If you have watched even one episode of Say Yes To The Dress, you know not to try on anything out of your budget! Save yourself and everyone else the drama, don’t do it! Your budget should be one of the first things you and your partner plan and that includes the price of the dress. Most couples allot about 10% to attire (dress, tux, shoes, etc.). Be sure to include alternations and a veil in your budget as well. Wedding dress alternations can range from $75-$500 with the average bride paying about $250.

2. Research

You want to book an appointment. While they will probably not turn you away, you want a scheduled time so you can get the attention you deserve!

You should also research the average price range for their dresses. Most shops have a FAQ section that can answer this. If not, call and ask. No need to visit a shop where the average dress is $4000 when your budget is $2000

The last thing you want to research is the style of dress you like. Going in with an idea of what you are looking for is good so they know where to start. Don’t get married to a dress before trying it on but have an idea of what you like.

I KNEW exactly how I wanted my wedding dress to look. I had known for years! IMMEDIATELY after trying on that first dress, I knew I would NOT be wearing that style on my wedding day. If I wasn’t open I would’ve been devastated.

3. Be Open

Be open to trying on different styles! You never know what may look good on you if you don’t try it on. I suggest setting up an appointment in a shop with a variety of styles. That way, you can try on a few different styles and silhouettes to see what works for you! I think you will be surprised how good some styles will look on you 😉

This is also a great time to remind you not to start with your dream dress. You want to be relaxed and over the awe of seeing yourself in a wedding gown first. Doing it this way will allow you to be open and not so single-minded around your selection.

4. Be Specific

You need to be very specific about what you like and don’t like regarding the dress. You don’t have to be rude, just detailed. Your bridal consultant can’t help you if you are not specific. Detailed dialogue around each dress will help them pull more things you may like. You should trust their expertise so if they bring something at least try it on! You may really be surprised 🙂

5. Dress The Part

You will be trying on a lot of dresses and you will need assistance with the majority of them. I am not shy, so I didn’t care, but I still took a modest approach for their sake lol. I’d suggest nice nude undergarments that you are comfy with others seeing!

Since I am not top-heavy, I didn’t plan to wear a bra on the big day (I had cups sewn in). But if you are, a nice strapless bra could be helpful. The same goes for shapewear if you plan to wear that! –Because of my UC shapewear can get uncomfortable, so I knew I was not planning to wear any on my big day!

6. Keep It Small

Don’t bring anyone that will silence your voice or make you uncomfortable. Too many opinions could also stress you out and most shops are not built to accommodate larger parties. You don’t have to bring anyone you don’t want there. Involve them after you have made the big decision (ie. take MIL for a fitting or do a dress reveal for your bridesmaids).

7. Plan to Eat

Dress shopping is a lot of work! Hunger only brings out the worst in people so plan to eat. As my crew got hungrier, their filters came off. I was appalled at how ratchet these ladies got (hi mom and Jess, Cat kept it cute).

That morning I prepared a cute breakfast burrito bar and made lunch plans for after! Pro Tip: Bring your own champagne. Not all shops offer or allow it.

8. You May Not Cry

How many times have you seen a bride cry on TV when she found the one? I cry all the time, happy, mad, sad, etc.! I didn’t cry when I first found The Dress so at first, I doubted it. It was too soon, only our 3rd shop and I was in Elkhart, IN! There has to be something better.

Long story short, I hit 4 shops in Atlanta and nothing came close! Be clear, I LOVED my dress from the moment I saw it. I didn’t want to take it off and that feeling didn’t happen with any other dress. It felt like my dress the moment I saw myself in it, but I had to be sure. I am glad I took a moment to be sure. It didn’t make saying yes to the dress any leas special in the end.

9. Start Early

Most wedding dresses are made to order and can take about 6-8 months. The stress of a wedding is enough without worrying about your dress not being ready. Also, if you are built anything but straight up and down, alternations will take time as well. It took me more than 5 fittings to get it just right.

Bonus Tips For Wedding Dress Shopping

• If you are between sizes, size up. It’s a lot easier to take a dress in vs. letting it out (I went up a few sizes to fit my butt vs. my waist).
• Buy what fits now! Life happens and you may not be able to lose that 20 pounds as planned.
• Bridal runs small so forget the number and go for what looks good.
• Wear your hair in a similar style to how you plan to wear it that day (ie. up or down). It will help you get a full picture of your look.
• You need your wedding shoes for dress alterations.
• Don’t wear a ton of makeup, you don’t want to worry about getting it on the dresses.
• Bridal veils and belts are much cheaper online than a bridal shop.

Let me know below or on social if you have any questions or comments about wedding dress shopping! I would love to help 🙂

XOXO, Laya