Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress for You
‘The One’… It’s truly difficult trying to find ‘The One’ and for good reason. It has to fit you well, ensure you’re always comfortable, look good and all whilst making you happy. It’s a difficult job and one many people fail to do on a daily basis, so how is it possible for ‘The One’ to achieve all that?
Hold on though, let’s get things straight first, we are talking about a wedding dress and not anything else right?
A wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, well… for most people it is! Nonetheless, it is an important day and every bride deserves to look and feel her absolute best. One of the most exciting, yet potentially daunting tasks for any bride-to-be is finding the perfect wedding dress. The sheer abundance of options, from fabrics to styles and designers, can be overwhelming. But fear not! Iceberg Media has got you covered with some invaluable tips and tricks to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams and ensure you’re walking down the aisle feeling like a QUEEN.
Phase One
Start early: Wedding planning typically starts a year in advance and finding the right dress will take an incredibly long time so we would suggest starting right away if not within the first 3 months. This provides ample time for fittings, alterations and any unexpected delays.
Set a budget: Our eyes are wanderers and it’s easy to get carried away by all the stunning bejewelled dresses that may come with a hefty price tag. Generally, the ladies in the store will ask for your budget before providing an array of options. Not only does this ensure that you keep within your budget but also avoids additional financial stress.
Research: Time to hit the old books and get onto our Pinterest Wedding Boards. We ALL have it so don’t be ashamed. Take a look into your previous desired styles and update your boards if your style has changed. Looking through bridal magazines is another great option to gather inspiration. This will save time and help your consultants with finding the perfect dress for you.
Silhouette: Every body is different and thus not every dress will flatter everyone. Make sure you understand your body type and what suits you the most. Different styles include A-line, mermaid, ball gown and more! The consultants will also have ample knowledge in this area so if you’re still unsure, fret not!
Phase Two
Open Up: We all have our preferences and that’s great! But take a look down memory lane and ask yourself if there was ever a time that your decision was not always the right one. Be open to options and try on the various styles your bridal consultants suggest and you might surprise yourself with your final decision!
Where & Who?: Do a little research into the bridal boutiques in your area and visit the few that you believe offer the best selection of dresses whilst also boosting great customer service. Don’t go on this journey alone and bring a small trusted group of friends and family. Not only will it be more enjoyable but also provides you with opinions from your close ones that you are more likely to trust.
Wedding Theme & Venue: Ensure that your Wedding theme and venue aligns with your idea of the perfect dress. For example, an extravagant ball gown may not be ideal for a beach wedding and instead, a loose flowy bohemian-inspired wedding dress may be better suited.
Comfort: Please remember that you’ll be in this dress for at least a few hours so while you may wish to look your best, comfort is equally as important. Ensure your wedding dress allows you to move, dance and sit with ease.
Phase Three
Alterations: If you’re buying and not renting, most wedding dresses will require alterations to ensure it snatches your body perfectly. These alterations may be pricey depending on its complexity so keep that in mind whilst budgeting! Do also keep in mind your time as certain alterations may take longer and delay for longer periods of time.
Negotiation: We know that ‘The One’ may sometimes be a bit out of your budget but you just don’t wish to let go! Don’t be shy and try to negotiate with the boutique! We promise that it never hurts to try and you’re not the first to be asking! There may be certain discounts or promotions on offer that you’re unaware of so don’t hesitate!
Trust your Gut: Whilst the opinions of the consultants and your close ones are important, the moment you find yourself in love with a dress, trust yourself and your instincts! As long as you feel beautiful and empowered, that’s ‘The One’!
Avoid Impulse Purchases: Just like any other big purchase, take some time to ponder over it before making the final purchase. A great tip is to leave the thought on hold for a few days and if you’re still thinking about it, that’s ‘The One’!
Alternatives: Have a seamstress as a mother or someone close to you? Ask if they’d be willing to create and make a dress for your special day! For example, down below we have Jess (left) adorned in her beautiful wedding dress made by her one and only mother. Walking down the aisle in a dress custom-made for you by your loved one personally in our opinion, makes you glow and shine brighter which is perfect for your special day!
Finding the best wedding dress requires patience, research, and an open mind. By starting early, setting a budget, doing your research, and trying on various styles, you're sure to find the perfect gown for your special day. Remember that the most important thing is how you feel in the dress, so trust your instincts, stay true to yourself, and you'll walk down the aisle with confidence and grace, looking absolutely stunning in your dream wedding dress. Happy shopping!
