For some reason, over the past ten or so years the pressure brides are under to find the perfect dress seems to have increased exponentially, and these stories we keep telling each other aren’t helping!
So, what’s the truth about dress shopping? Read through these 5 myths and then book an appointment to find out!
1. You know when you know (aka, if you don’t cry it’s not The Dress)
It may seem like we’re coming out of the gate a little strong with this one, but honestly we want to get it out of the way. The idea that you “just know” when you put on The Dress is probably the most hurtful myth about wedding dress shopping we can tell each other.
If it were that easy, it wouldn’t be such a hard decision. But choosing your wedding dress IS a difficult decision, and telling ourselves that it will be easy once you find the right dress is, quite simply, nonsense.
Why is choosing your wedding dress difficult? Because you have to simultaneously listen to reason and emotion and get them to work together to make a decision.
About 40% of choosing your wedding dress is what boxes it checks - how you look, does it fit your venue/vibe for the big day, do you think your fiance will like it, will it give Great Uncle Horace heart palpitations, etc. 20% of choosing your wedding dress is what the most important people in your life think of your dress (whether this should matter or not is another myth we’ll discuss later). 10% is, for most of us, the realities of budget. And the remaining 30% is how you feel in the dress: do you feel like you want to feel on your wedding day. And this is where you will get tripped up because how do you know what you will want to feel like on your wedding day when it hasn’t even happened yet?!
And then, because everyone in the room has also bought into the myth that you will know when you know, the pressure is on to say yes or keep looking. Our advice? Spend time before you go shopping talking with your fiance about what defines you as a couple and what you want to showcase about each other on your wedding day. Not the physical attributes, but the parts of your personality that are going to make your wedding yours. Then when it’s time to ask yourself how you feel in a dress that checks all the other boxes, you’ll know if you feel like you want to feel on your wedding day.
2. I don’t look good in X style
We are all our own worst critics, but never more so than when we are getting ready to purchase the dress that is going to be in our wedding photos for the rest of our lives. And so, a lot of brides come in thinking that there are certain styles that they can’t wear because they’re petite or they’re worried about their arms or their pooch or their bust or… the list goes on. And we are here to tell you that it simply isn’t true. You will likely look good in several different styles, and each of them is going to speak to a different part of your personality. If you think you can’t pull off a form-fitting dress, talk to your stylist about it and get her recommendation on the best one for your body type. If you think you’re too short for a ballgown, talk to your stylist about how to choose a gown that lengthens your torso. Bottom line: tell your stylist what you think will look good and what you’re worried about, and then let them work their magic!
3. Nothing in the boutique is going to fit
We can’t speak for every wedding dress boutique, of course, but we carry samples in sizes 2-26 and can order sizes 00-32+. Not every dress is available in every size, but we can do pretty amazing things with clips! If you’re worried, just give the salon you’re going to a call and ask what sample sizes they carry. Similarly, if you have a specific style in mind, check out your boutique’s website to see what designers and styles they carry and, again, don’t hesitate to email or call and ask!
4. I have plenty of time to order a dress (or, I don’t have enough time to order a dress)
Ok, real talk. It generally takes 4-6 months for a dress to come in. It can be longer! Our rule of thumb is that about a year out is a good time to order your dress so you have plenty of time for alterations. If you’re in a time crunch, there are rush options or some designers are more flexible than others. As with most things, a dress on a tight timeline is probably going to cost you more than one you order with plenty of time to spare, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your wedding prep timeline!
5. Two heads are better than one
We have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this one, but the fact is w e as women tend to want group consensus on outfits. It’s why we always go shopping together, get ready for parties together, and take each other to the most important dress shopping experience of all: wedding dress shopping.
We will just say this: know yourself and choose your shopping companions wisely. Shop with people that will take into consideration what works for you, how you’re built, and what makes you happy - not themselves. If you have a friend or a family member who tends to be opinionated but would also be hurt to be left out, do a little pre-shopping so you know what you like before you get into the big appointment.
The best thing you can do in a wedding dress appointment? Give yourself some alone time in the gown and ask yourself: “Do I feel beautiful?”
Written by the team over at Something Bleu bridal in Saratoga Springs. Visit their website by clicking here!
