Who knew shopping could seem stressful?! We would imagine, since being engaged, you’ve been asked a dizzying array of wedding dress questions – what you like, when you’re shopping, who’s going, are you wearing sleeves, can they come, who’s your favorite designer, who’s buying?
But worry not, thanks to our bridal friends at Yenny Lee Bridal Couture, we have all the best wedding dress shopping tips!
Follow our guide and not only will shopping for gown be your favorite planning to-do, the whole process can be the one totally flawless wedding excursion.
6. Choose Your Bride Tribe Wisely
First, check how many guests your salon will allow in their rooms (most often 3-4 including the bride). Second, take a good hard look at who needs to be there. For instance, is anyone helping pay for the gown? Finally, choose guests who are above all, positive people.
Take special care when you select which guests will join you on this wedding dress hunt. Certain close friends may not be suited for this day due to general cynicism (no matter how fun they are as friends!) Make sure your bride tribe is uplifting, understands who you are, what you like, and understand that this day is about you choosing your gown.
7. Make Bridal Salon Appointments
If you schedule your appointments all in one day, make a party of it! Try to schedule your bridal salon appointments all in one day or weekend. This way, each gown is fresh in your mind for comparison; you’re more likely to say “Yes!” if you’re not waiting on another appointment weeks later.
Plan a bridal lunch in between appointments to thank your bridal squad and do remember your ladies may not be able to make every single shop.
8. Call Your Bridal Salon Ahead
While certain salons may have your favorite designers, they’ll likely only have a select number of gowns. Ask them if they have your favorite style and if they can order a sample if it’s not already in the shop. This is also a great time to ask questions like “Do you have plus sized samples of your gowns?” Bridal salons almost always keep notes with all your favorite gowns, what kind of bride you are, and when and where the big day is taking place.
A top tip for a flawless dress buying experience: give your bridal salon a jingle to give them an idea of what you like. All of this helps them pull gowns perfect for you on the day you arrive. Many bridal salons offer champagne to their guests already, and some would prefer to keep stain creators away from the precious wedding dresses.
9. Bring The Proper Undergarments & Shoes
Everyone needs alterations, so that’s when you decide if you really want to wear a fancy bra underneath. Bring it with you to alterations to make sure it fits under the gown. Otherwise, it’s common to get cups sewn in during alterations. Our bridal experts suggest nude colored panties, and not to worry about the bra (unless you have an issue with support or want to be comfortable) a.k.a go braless.
Fun fact, strapless or plunging gowns are much more supportive than regular clothing. So for example, a strapless wedding gown is going to be more supportive than a regular strapless dress.
Salons will have heels on hand, but they may not be your size, or the height you intend to wear. Be sure to bring along heels at the height you think you will wear on your wedding day.
10. Forget About Sizing
Wedding dress sizes are vastly different than street sizes (what you wear on a day-to-day basis) so don’t get worked up when you see your wedding dress size. Nearly everyone needs alterations, so the gown you buy will eventually be taken in and tailored to fit you perfectly. In fact, when you’re at the salon, that sample you’re trying on is definitely “one-size-fits-no-one” – totally different from the usual “pick a size number” shopping experience.
Find your nearest retailer to schedule your appointment and start shopping!
Once you’ve taken a gander through our expert bridal tips, start your research with Yenny Lee’s new wedding dress collections. With three separate lines for brides of different style brides and budgets – Yenny Lee Custom Made Couture, Yenny Lee Bridal Shopping, and Yenny Lee Rent Collections – it would be hard not to find your dream dress.