A bridal designer’s tips to conquer wedding dress shopping

So you’ve been asked one of the most important & exciting questions by your soulmate, and without a doubt, you’ve said YES! But of course, following this, the next set of important questions come your way – have you started looking for your dress? As you begin your experience with one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, here’s how to ensure that the process of finding your dream gown is nothing but enjoyable and stress-free. 

Prepare for your appointments

It’s not unusual to be unsure of what to look for when trying on gowns, and many brides don’t find their dream gown on the first day of shopping. But there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Most bridal shops are by appointment only, so plan ahead and make some bookings at your chosen boutiques. 
• Bring some inspiration with you.
• If you already have the undergarments that you’ll be wearing under your wedding gown, wear them to your appointments.
• Bring along a pair of heels that are similar in height to what you might wear on your wedding day. 

Be open to different styles

‘Keep an open mind’ is one of the first things we say to our brides when they come in for their appointment. It’s great to have an idea of what you’re looking for and what might suit you, but it is also important to stay open-minded about other styles. 

Your consultant knows all things bridal and understands different body shapes and which silhouettes suit you best.  While we encourage going out of your comfort zone, being honest with your feedback is crucial. YOU are the one that will be wearing the gown, and it is YOU that must feel 100% confident & comfortable.  

A custom-made gown could be the answer

Many brides visit boutique after boutique and still struggle to find their dream gown. It could be that off-the-rack options just weren’t quite right or that there were different aspects you loved from different gowns. 

It’s easy to assume that custom-made gowns are too expensive, but by choosing the right designer, you could have a dress that fits you and your budget perfectly. Having a custom wedding dress means wearing a truly unique gown that reflects you and the woman you are. 

Limit your entourage 

Ever heard of the phrase “too many cooks spoil the broth”? Having too many people offering their well-intentioned advice and opinions at once could easily become overwhelming.  Keep your entourage to a few key people whose opinions matter the most to you, and listen to your own thoughts first.

Don’t rush the process

Finding the right dress can take time. It’s okay not to find “the one” at the first shop you visit. Or you may find a dress you love early on in your search but then take the time to visit other places and try on other options to make sure it’s the right one. When you know your wedding date, factor in the time for ordering, delivery and any alterations, so you know when you need to make the decision.  

However, when you find your dress, consider all options available to you and only make the final decision when you are happy.  

You can connect with Bernadette here: https://bernadettepimenta.com.au/