Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day! It's your chance to try on stunning gowns in search of the perfect one. While movies make it seem simple—you walk in with an idea and leave with your dream dress—the reality is often a little more overwhelming. With so many options, it’s easy to feel lost in the process.
Learn the top mistakes to avoid when shopping for your wedding dress so you can have a stress-free and successful experience.
Overlooking Your Budget
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of going to a bridal boutique and trying on every gown that catches your eye. The problem is, this can be risky, as you may fall in love with a dress you can't afford.
Create a wedding budget before you start dress shopping, then break it down into categories for areas such as:
- Wedding apparel
- Venue
- Catering
- Decorations
- Flowers
- Photography
As you establish your dress budget, ensure you put aside enough money to cover the gown, taxes, alterations, and accessories.
Dress Shopping Tip
Browse dresses online for an idea of the typical price range to have a rough estimate before shopping.
Saying "Yes" Too Soon
Trying on your first wedding dress can feel magical, this is the first time you get to see yourself as a bride. Some brides-to-be get caught up in the moment and say yes to that dress without trying other options on. This can leave you with buyer’s remorse, especially if you didn’t explore all of your other options.
While you may buy the first dress you try on, it shouldn't be the only one you consider. Commit to trying on at least three other gowns before deciding. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your chosen dress is truly "the one."
You'll know you've found the dress because you’ll feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable when you wear it. The perfect dress feels right for more reasons than you can put into words, and you can't get it out of your head; it's like falling in love!
Waiting Too Long
If you start shopping too late in the game, you may feel rushed and end up with a dress you like but don't love. This can also make it harder to get alterations, and you may have to pay expedite fees to get the gown in time.
So, when is the best time to shop for your dress? Ideally, you should start shopping 10 to 12 months before the wedding to buy it 8-10 months before the big day.
Bringing Too Many People
Many movies and T.V. shows make dress shopping seem like a dreamy experience for everyone involved - more people mean more fun. While having your biggest support there with you is important, too many people complicate the process. Everyone has an opinion, so while one friend may love a dress you try on, a relative may say otherwise.
Rather than bring a large group, stick with a maximum of four people for each try-on appointment. The people you bring should be supportive and honest. There's a big difference between "you look horrible in that dress" and "I don't think that dress flatters your best features." You want people who will keep things fun and positive, even when they think a dress isn't the one for you.
Skipping Research on Bridal Shops
You'll likely make appointments at a few bridal shops so you can try on as many dresses as possible. Every bridal salon can have different inventory, rules, and appointment policies. It's best to research before you go so you know what to expect.
Check out reviews online and ask recently married friends for recommendations. You can also check the shop's website or call ahead to inquire about their selection and pricing range. This way, you won't be disappointed if your dream dress isn't available or out of your budget.
Forgetting About Accessories
Accessorizing takes any outfit to the next level. While wedding dresses are extravagant, a dress by itself may leave you feeling like something is missing.
Your accessories can include:
- Jewelry
- Veil
- Shoes
- Handbag
- Hairpiece
You may not have everything picked out before you start dress shopping, but you should bring anything you have in mind.
Dress Shopping Tip
Justin Alexander offers numerous stunning wedding gown accessories, including veils and detachable sleeves. Browse our collection and find them at your nearest retailer.
Ignoring Your Wedding Theme
Chances are you have a theme in mind for your special day that you'll want to reflect with your dress, venue, and decor. For example, a ballgown or A-line dress is perfect for a fairytale wedding, while a beachy theme may call for a more flowy and casual style.
You can also talk to your bridal consultant about your wedding theme and venue for an expert's opinion on the best dress style. They have experience in matching dresses to themes and settings, so they can offer valuable insight.
Not Considering Comfort
Feeling comfortable is just as important as looking gorgeous, especially on your wedding day. With hours of photos, walking down the aisle, and dancing the night away, comfort is key. If you're getting married in a grand hall or cathedral, a statement ball gown may be perfect for the setting and will look stunning in your photos. However, you might also want to consider a second dress for the evening that's more comfortable and easier to move in. Your gown should fit perfectly, be light enough to dance in, and make you feel confident all night long!
The fabric of the dress can play a big role in comfort. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, opt for a lighter fabric that won't trap heat. You may also consider wearing comfortable undergarments or adding padding for support and comfort.
As you try dresses on, test how well you can move in each one. Walk, sit, and dance to see if the dress restricts your movements or causes discomfort. While doing this, keep in mind that your dress will fit better than the one in the salon since the seamstress will tailor it to your body. However, if specific areas of the dress feel uncomfortable, such as boning in the corset, it's best to choose a different dress.
Focusing on the Wrong Things
The biggest mistake you should avoid when shopping for your wedding dress is getting too hung up on the wrong details. You may value everyone's opinion, but your entourage's word isn't final—your word is. Ask yourself what you do or don't love about each dress you try on to narrow down which details you prefer.
Additionally, avoid getting too focused on the trends. Wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles – trendy, classic, and vintage – and what's most important is that the gown reflects you. You don't want to look back on your wedding photos in 20 years and regret choosing a dress solely because it was in style at the time.
Ready To Shop?
Justin Alexander has stunning wedding dresses and accessories perfect for every bride. Use the 'Find a Retailer' option on our website to locate one of our authorized retailers. You'll look and feel your best on your big day with the right dress and accessories!
