Picking out your wedding dress is one of the most thrilling and crucial choices you’ll make for your wedding day. It’s a time when your unique style meets your wedding dream creating a look that will stick in people’s minds for years. How to pick a wedding dress that shows who you are while not breaking the bank might seem tough, but with the right plan, it can be a fun and satisfying journey.
This wedding dress guide gives you the know-how to choose a Wedding Dress that fits your body and matches your wedding theme. We’ll show you how to set a budget you can stick to check out different dress styles, and book smart shopping trips. You’ll also learn how to find your dream dress by thinking about things like your venue, the weather, and any cultural meaning. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll feel sure about making a choice that shows who you are and makes sure you look and feel great on your big day.
Create Your Wedding Style and Vision
To pick a wedding dress that suits your style and budget, begin by shaping your wedding vision. This step involves thinking about different things that will affect your overall appearance on your special day.
Look at your venue
Your wedding location has a big impact on your dress style. Whether you plan to get married on a beach, in a city, at a garden, or at a vineyard, your dress should fit the setting. For instance, a light, flowing gown works well for a beach wedding, while a sleek polished look fits a city event.
Keep the season in mind
The season of your wedding has an impact on your dress selection. Spring weddings call for light breezy fabrics with flower details, while summer ceremonies favor cool materials like chiffon. Brides marrying in autumn might choose long sleeves and heavier fabrics, and winter weddings suit plush materials like mikado or satin.
Think about your personal style
Your wedding dress should show who you are. Look at your everyday clothes, makeup habits, and personal interests. Whether you like boho, retro, or cutting-edge styles, pick a dress that makes you feel sure of yourself and gorgeous.
Make a realistic budget
Don’t forget alterations
When you’re figuring out how much to spend on your wedding dress, make sure to include the cost of changes. These run between $400 and $800, based on how much work the dress needs. Simple changes often involve shortening the hem, adding seams, and creating a bustle. Dresses with fancy fabrics or decorations will cost more to alter.
Think about hidden expenses
Don’t overlook sales tax, which can add a lot to your total bill. Also, plan for taking care of your dress after the wedding. Professional cleaning can cost $100 to $200, while services to keep your dress in good shape might set you back $300 to $1,000. These costs help your dress stay beautiful long after your special day.
Hunt for sales and trunk shows
To stretch your budget, keep your eyes peeled for sample sales and trunk shows. Sample sales offer discounts ranging from 20% to 80% off original prices, while trunk shows give a 10% discount on orders placed during the event. However always make finding a dress you adore your top priority rather than just chasing a good deal.
Learn About Different Dress Shapes
To discover your ideal wedding dress, you need to get familiar with various silhouettes. Each style has its own special features and looks great on different body types.
A-line
A-line gowns have a bodice that fits snugly and narrows at the waist before widening into a gentle A-shaped skirt. This style looks good on everyone making the waist appear smaller and enhancing the bust.
Ball gown
Ball gowns combine a tight-fitting bodice with a big puffy skirt ideal for a storybook wedding. The full skirt balances out the snug top highlighting the waist. Just remember, it might make your hips look bigger.
Mermaid
Mermaid dresses shape your figure at the bodice, waist, and hips, with a flare starting at the knees. This design accentuates curves and suits apple-shaped bodies well. Don’t forget to pick the right shapewear to ensure comfort and easy movement.
Sheath
Sheath dresses fit contouring your body from top to bottom. This style makes petite brides look taller and gives definition to taller brides. It’s ideal for brides who want a sleek modern look without a train.
Plan Your Appointments
Begin
Start looking for your wedding dress about a year before your wedding day. This schedule gives you 6-8 months for the dress to arrive and 3-4 months to make changes. Starting your search means you’ll have more choices and less worry.
Bring a small group
Ask 2-3 people you trust to come with you such as your mom or maid of honor. Having too many people give their thoughts can be a lot to handle. Some brides even like to shop by themselves to think more . Keep in mind, you can always show pictures to others later.
Get ready
Pack the essential items for your dress fittings. This includes the underwear, shoes, and accessories you plan to wear. These pieces have an impact on the dress’s fit and appearance. Also, do your homework on the bridal shops ahead of time. Look into their designers and price points to make sure they match your taste and what you can afford. Schedule 1-2 appointments each day to steer clear of feeling overwhelmed and to keep the process fun.
Try On Various Styles
Keep an open mind
When you begin to try on wedding dresses, you may find yourself taken aback by what looks best on you. Most future brides have a particular look in mind, but they often end up picking something different. It’s key to be willing to experiment with various styles even ones you didn’t think about at first. You might discover your dream dress is nothing like what you had pictured.
Notice your feelings
The key thing to think about when picking your wedding dress is how it makes you feel. A dress might tick all the boxes on paper, but what counts is the emotional connection. When you try on “the one,” you’ll have that magical “aha” moment. Listen to your gut and go for the dress that makes you feel gorgeous and self-assured.
Take photos from all angles
To see how you’ll look when you walk down the aisle, ask someone to take pictures and videos of you in each dress. Make sure they get all the angles, including your back and sides. Remember to get some shots of you sitting in the gown from the waist up. These images will help you choose and make sure you’re happy with how you look from every angle.
Choose Your Dress
Think it over
When picking out your wedding dress, it’s fine to take a breather. Lots of brides get cold feet and need time to mull things over. While it’s a big buy keep in mind that your gown is more than just a practical choice—it’s an emotional one too. Try not to overthink photos at home, as this can make you freeze up. Instead, focus on how the dress made you feel.
Listen to your gut
In the end how you feel in the dress matters most. Go with your gut and pick a gown that makes you feel stunning and sure of yourself. Don’t let others’ views or fads sway you if they clash with what you want. The right dress is one that brings out your best self. Keep in mind, it’s fine to find the dress you love on your first try. Your instincts will lead you to the best choice.
Understand Your Body Type
To pick a wedding dress that complements your shape, you need to know your body type. Begin by taking measurements of your bust, waist, and hips to figure out your shape. Body types you’ll often see include hourglass, pear, rectangle, oval, and inverted triangle. Each type has its own traits that the right dress style can highlight.
Show off your best parts
Zero in on the parts you like most and select a dress that puts them in the spotlight. Let’s say you’re proud of your shoulders – you might want to look at strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses. If you’d like to draw attention to your waist, keep an eye out for styles that pull in at the middle.
Get to know which dress shapes suit you
Different dress shapes flatter various body types. A-line dresses look good on most figures, while mermaid styles highlight curves. Ball gowns add fullness to thinner frames, and sheath dresses make rectangular shapes look longer. Try on different styles to see what suits you best.
Think about comfort and how you’ll move
Style matters, but don’t overlook comfort. Make sure the dress you pick lets you move, sit, and dance . Keep in mind, feeling at ease will make you more confident and help you enjoy your big day more.
Explore Different Necklines and Sleeves
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline has a charm and lasting appeal that suits most body shapes. It highlights your chest area and creates the illusion of a longer neck. Many brides who want a traditional look choose this style. Designers offer lovely wedding gowns with sweetheart necklines for curvy brides in bigger sizes.
V-neck
V-necklines suit many body types. They make you look taller. This style works well if you have an average to full bust, as it shows off your cleavage . In recent years deep V-necks have become popular because they look sexy and feminine.
Off-the-shoulder
Off-the-shoulder necklines give a classy and timeless look that fits almost any bride’s shape. This style shows some skin while keeping a traditional modest feel. It looks good on pear-shaped brides with narrow shoulders. You can mix off-the-shoulder necklines with different sleeve lengths to create looks for any season.
Long sleeves
Long sleeves have an influence on the sophistication and elegance of your wedding dress. They suit fall or winter weddings well and can cover brides who want a more modest look. Long sleeves can be made from delicate lace see-through fabrics, or thicker materials, based on your style likes and the time of year.
Choose the Right Fabric
Consider the Venue and Weather
Your venue and wedding date play a key role to choose the perfect dress. Think about these factors:
Indoor vs outdoor
Indoor weddings give you more options with dress choices. You can pick heavier fabrics like crepe or satin, and even long sleeves. Outdoor ceremonies need lighter fabrics and styles that fit the setting.
Beach vs ballroom
For a beach wedding, pick light materials such as chiffon or tulle. A dress with a see-through corset top and flower lace details fits . Ballroom weddings let you wear fancier gowns maybe with velvet or brocade to add texture.
Summer vs winter
Summer needs breathable fabrics and fewer decorations. Think about A-line shapes or off-shoulder styles. For winter, go for rich fabrics like mikado or satin. Long sleeves or a classy veil add warmth and style. Keep in mind, your dress should match both the time of year and your venue to create a balanced look.
Choose Your Extras
Veils
To make your bridal look better, pick a veil that goes well with your dress. Select a style that matches your gown’s fabric and decorations. For instance, you can pair a veil with lace trim with a lace dress or go for a plain tulle veil with a smooth modern gown. The veil’s length should also go well with your dress style.
Jewelry
Choose jewelry that improves your overall look without taking over. Think about your dress’s neckline when picking necklaces. A simple pendant works well with a sweetheart neckline, while a big piece suits a straight neckline. Make sure your jewelry’s color matches your gown’s exact shade. Keep in mind, your accessories should show your personal style and go well with your dress.
Shoes
Pick shoes that feel good and go well with your dress and the place you’re getting married. Think about white heels for a timeless look, or bright colors to spice things up. If you’re tying the knot outside, flats or wedges work great. Make sure your shoes fit your dress style and won’t hurt your feet after hours of wear.
Get Ready for Alterations and Fittings
When to schedule fittings
Start getting your dress altered about three months before your wedding day. You’ll need three or four fittings to get your gown just right. Book your first appointment 10 to 12 weeks ahead then plan for more every 3 to 4 weeks. Your last fitting should happen 1 to 2 weeks before you say “I do.” Keep in mind, each tailor might have their own schedule so reach out to lock in your spots.
Budgeting for alterations
Put aside $50 to $1,000 to make changes to your dress when you plan your wedding budget. Some shops charge for each service, while others have a fixed price that covers all the changes you need. Simple changes like shortening the hem or taking in the sides cost less, while changing the design or adding decorations can cost several hundred dollars. To avoid surprises, talk about possible costs with your seamstress beforehand and include them in your total wedding dress budget.
Start with Online Research
Start your search for a wedding dress online to get ideas and find inspiration. Check out popular wedding sites to learn about trends, styles, and get tips from experts. Make a Pinterest board to save and sort the looks you like best. Follow designers who make wedding dresses on social media like Instagram to see their newest collections and get a peek behind the scenes.
Check out wedding websites
Look at trusted bridal sites for full guides on dress styles, shapes, and materials. These sites often give helpful advice on picking the right dress for your body and wedding style.
Make a Pinterest board
Create a special wedding dress board on Pinterest. Save pictures of dresses you adore, and jot down specific elements that grab your attention. This picture collection will help you spot trends in what you like and steer your hunt.
Keep up with bridal designers on social media
Link up with bridal designers on Instagram to check out their newest creations and draw inspiration from actual brides wearing their designs. This straight line to designers’ work can help you find one-of-a-kind styles and stay in the loop about upcoming lines.
Figure Out Your Wedding Dress Shopping Schedule
The right time to begin your search
You’ll want to kick off your wedding dress hunt about a year before your special day. This schedule opens up the most choices for styles, colors, and sizes. Getting an early start means you won’t be stuck with limited options due to delivery times or rushed changes. It’s important if you plan to customize your gown.
When to order
Aim to buy your dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. Most dresses need four to six months for making and shipping. Some might even take up to eight months, based on the designer and maker. Ordering ahead of time gives you some wiggle room for any unexpected hold-ups.
When to schedule fittings
Book your first fitting three to four months before your big day. This appointment focuses on major changes such as adding sleeves or changing the neckline. Plan your second fitting six to eight weeks before the wedding to make minor adjustments. Schedule the last fitting two to three weeks before you walk down the aisle to make sure everything looks flawless.
Explore Different Wedding Dress Designers
To discover your perfect wedding dress, check out different designers that fit your taste and price range. Top-end designers like Carolina Herrera and Oscar De La Renta sell fancy gowns often costing over $10,000. These brands use top-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. Middle-range choices include Vera Wang Collection and Monique Lhuillier, with prices from $2,900 to $6,900. For cheaper options, look at licensee designers such as Stella York, Morilee, and Maggie Sottero, with dresses under $2,000. These brands use man-made materials and machine-made construction. Keep in mind many designers launch new lines each year, so stay open-minded during your search. Your bridal stylist can suggest designers that match your look, budget, and timeframe.
Think About Other Choices
Old-fashioned dresses
You can show off classic beauty with wedding dresses that look old-fashioned. These gowns often have traditional high waists, lace on top, and chiffon details. Old-fashioned styles give a special charm, from mermaid shapes with holes in the back to high-neck designs with flowery lace. You can change the colors of these dresses to match what you like.
Borrowing a gown
To cut costs but still look great, you might want to borrow your wedding dress. Borrowing prices go from $50 to $600, with fancy designer options costing up to $2,000. This eco-friendly choice lets you wear different looks for less money and takes away worries about keeping the dress nice. Many companies that lend dresses also clean them for you, which saves you even more money.
Colorful Wedding Dresses
Ditch the classic white and opt for a wedding dress with a twist. Eye-catching gowns in hues like black, red, beige, or blue can turn heads. These out-of-the-box picks let you show off your style and create a one-of-a-kind bridal look. Keep in mind, you can make any dress your wedding dress if that’s what you want so don’t shy away from looking beyond the usual bridal shops.
It’s All in the Details
Decorative Elements
When picking your wedding dress, look at the little things that set it apart. Extras like beads, sparkles, and lace patterns can give it more depth and shine. Think about your own taste and wedding style as you pick these fancy bits. To look glitzy, go for crystal beads or fake diamonds. If you want a softer feel tiny flower lace might be just right.
Train length
How long the train is can change how you look overall. You can choose anything from a small sweep to a big royal train. Think about where you’re getting married and how comfy you want to be when you decide. A chapel train, which goes out 3-5 feet, looks fancy without being too much. For weddings outside, a shorter court train might work better.
Bustle options
Remember the bustle – it helps you raise your train so you can move around more . People often go for American, French, or ballroom bustles. Each one gives your dress a different look and changes how it falls. Talk to your seamstress about these choices to figure out what works best for your dress style and what you need.
Trust Your Instincts
When picking your wedding dress, go with your gut. Notice how you feel as you try on different gowns. The dress that’s right for you should boost your confidence and make you feel gorgeous giving you a glow from within. Don’t get bogged down in every little detail; look at the big picture instead. If you can’t decide between two dresses, take a break and come back later with a fresh perspective. Keep in mind, you’re not looking for a dress that’s perfect on paper, but one that clicks with who you are and your personal style. Your instincts will lead you to the dress that tells your unique love story.
Get Ready for Your Shopping Trip
Put on the right underwear
When trying on wedding dresses, wear underwear like you’ll wear on your wedding day. Pack a strapless bra and nude seamless underwear to hide lines. Think about shapewear if you wear it with dresses. Don’t worry about finding the perfect bra beforehand; your bridal advisor will guide you based on the dress you pick.
Pack inspiration photos
Make a Pinterest board or bring magazine cutouts of dresses you enjoy. This helps your stylist grasp your likes and select good options. Keep an open mind, as you might fall for a style you hadn’t thought about. Bring any accessories you’ve already picked, like shoes or jewelry, to see how they match different dresses.
Set a realistic budget
Come up with a clear budget before you go shopping to keep from spending too much. Put aside 10-15% of your total wedding budget for your dress. Add in costs for accessories, changes, and possible rush fees when you do the math. Be upfront with your stylist about your budget to make sure they respect your money limits while they help you find the dress of your dreams.
Know Different Dress Codes
Black Tie
For black tie events, women should put on floor-length gowns made of rich fabrics like silk or organza. Men have to wear tuxedos with bow ties and fancy shoes. In summer, men can choose white dinner jackets with black pants.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal attire changes depending on the time of day. Evening events call for darker colors. Women can put on knee-length dresses or classy pantsuits, while men should dress in shirts and slacks, with ties as an option.
Beach Casual
Beach weddings require light fabrics and breezy cuts. Women can slip into sundresses with fancy sandals, while men should pick khakis or dress pants with collared shirts. Stay away from jeans, shorts, and flip-flops unless the couple says it’s okay.
Think About Your Wedding Day Schedule
Your wedding day schedule has a big impact on when you should switch dresses. The move from ceremony to reception often changes the mood, so it’s a good time to put on something new. Many brides choose to change during drinks or after dinner but before the dancing starts. Talk to your wedding planner and photographer to make sure you don’t miss any key moments. Keep in mind, changing dresses takes 15-30 minutes, so add this to your timeline. While multiple outfits can be fun, don’t let changing clothes take away from enjoying your day. Find a balance between wanting different looks and spending time celebrating with family and friends.
Think About Cultural and Religious Factors
When you pick your wedding dress, you need to think about culture and religion. Many traditions have rules about what brides should wear. Take Jewish weddings – they have different levels of modesty based on the branch of Judaism. Some faiths, like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stress modest clothes with rules about skirt length and necklines. Buddhist ceremonies often use traditional outfits like the Bhaku and Hanju. Keep in mind, using cultural elements in your dress can show respect for your roots and make your wedding one-of-a-kind. You might want to include traditional patterns, symbols, or colors in your dress design. Finding a balance between your own style and what your family expects can be tough, but talking can help you reach a middle ground that honors both tradition and what you want.
Preserve Your Dress Post-Wedding
Cleaning options
Get your dress cleaned right after your wedding day. Pros can deal with stains you can’t see and stop damage that could happen later. Pick a cleaner who knows wedding dresses well, since different fabrics need special care. Check their background and talk about how they clean to make sure your dress gets the right treatment.
Storage solutions
Put your clean dress somewhere cool and dark so it doesn’t change color or get hurt. Use a box that won’t make acid and wrap it in paper that’s acid-free too. Don’t seal it up tight – that can make mold grow. Instead, store it in a way that lets air in and lets you check on it now and then. Think about getting pros to take care of it if you want to keep it nice for a long time.
Repurposing ideas
Give your dress a new life as a treasured memento or wearable piece. Display it as wall decor, or modify it into a party dress for special occasions. Make sentimental items like baby blankets or baptism gowns. To take a useful approach, create home accessories such as throw pillows or table runners. These ideas allow your dress to live on after your big day.
FAQs
1. How much of my budget should I set aside for a wedding dress?
A wedding dress costs between $1,000 and $2,000, which falls in the average price range. If you spend more than $2,500, you’ll be in a higher price category, while spending under $1,000 would be on the lower end.
2. How can I determine which wedding dress is right for me?
To find the perfect wedding dress look for one that boosts your comfort and confidence, and shows your personality. Think about your body shape and style likes to pick a dress that flatters you best.
3. What should I consider when choosing a dress for my wedding?
Follow these five easy steps to find your dream bridal dress:
a) Think about where you’ll have your wedding and its theme.
b) Check out what’s in style now to get ideas.
c) Go to different bridal shops to see various styles.
d) Pick a dress that fits you just right.
e) Take along close friends or family who get your style and will give you honest opinions.
Read More About Wedding Dresses:
How to Pick Bridesmaid Dress Color: Matching Styles and Shades
Best Man Dress for Wedding: Stylish Outfit Ideas
Top 10 Best Summer Wedding Suits You Need to See
Best Black Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget
[…] How to Choose a Wedding Dress: Matching Your Style and Budget […]
[…] How to Choose a Wedding Dress: Matching Your Style and Budget […]