Detroit Brides

1. Set Your Wedding Dress Budget Before You Start

Before scheduling your first bridal appointment, decide how much you’re comfortable spending on your wedding dress.

Having a budget gives you a realistic starting point and helps your bridal stylist show you gowns within a comfortable price range.

Remember to consider more than just the price of the gown. Your wedding dress budget may also need to include alterations, accessories, shoes, undergarments, and other finishing touches.

And be careful about falling in love with a dress that’s significantly over budget! It’s much easier to enjoy the shopping experience when you’re trying on gowns you can realistically purchase.

2. Do Your Research

Spend some time researching wedding dress styles before heading to the bridal salon.

Look at different silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, designers, and details to get an idea of what catches your attention. Saving a few inspiration photos can also help your bridal stylist understand your vision.

You don’t have to know exactly what you want before your appointment. The goal is to arrive with a little inspiration and an open mind.

3. Shop Around

Visiting more than one bridal shop can allow you to experience different designers, dress selections, and shopping environments.

Finding the right bridal salon is about more than finding a beautiful dress. You also want to feel comfortable with the stylist helping you through such an important decision.

Before making appointments, research bridal shops in your area and check which designers, sizes, and price ranges they carry.

4. Try On Dresses You Wouldn’t Normally Consider

You might walk into your appointment convinced you want one particular style—and leave loving something completely different!

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. If your bridal stylist recommends a silhouette, neckline, or fabric you hadn’t considered, give it a try.

A wedding gown can look completely different on your body than it does on a hanger or in a photograph. You never know which dress might surprise you.

5. Bring Supportive Friends or Family

Choosing who comes wedding dress shopping with you can make a big difference in your experience.

Bring a small group of people you trust who understand your style and will give you supportive, thoughtful feedback.

Too many opinions can quickly become overwhelming. At the end of the day, you are the person wearing the dress, so the most important opinion is your own.

6. Give Yourself Time to Decide

You don’t have to say yes just because you’ve found a dress you like.

If you’re unsure, give yourself some time to think about it. Look back at your photos if the bridal salon allows them, consider how you felt wearing the gown, and decide whether you can truly picture yourself walking down the aisle in it.

At the same time, don’t put pressure on yourself to have an emotional “this is the one!” moment. Every bride reacts differently.

When you find a dress that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful—and it works with your wedding vision and budget—you may have found your dream wedding dress.

Enjoy Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress

Wedding dress shopping is one of the many special experiences that comes with planning your wedding. Give yourself enough time, keep an open mind, and try to enjoy the process instead of putting pressure on yourself to find the perfect gown immediately.

Your dream wedding dress should ultimately feel like you.

Once you’ve found the dress, you’ll be one exciting step closer to your wedding day!

Are you getting married soon? How will you be finding your dream wedding dress? Let us know in the comment section below.
For help planning your perfect wedding contact tracie@yourethebride.com or call 
248-408-4602