16 Must-Know Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

Hey Amarra brides! It’s never too early to start looking for your perfect wedding dress. Look radiant on your big day in one of Amarra’s gorgeous wedding dresses! Picking the perfect gown can be intimidating, but we’ve got your back. Here are our sixteen MUST know tips for wedding dress shopping!

1. Stick with the season.

Knowing your wedding date will make choosing a dress much easier! Choose something seasonally appropriate so you’re not stuck in long sleeves in the middle of August.

2. Make a timeline.

Don’t make the mistake of starting your search too late! Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect dress- nine months to a year before your date is typically the best time to start. Stick to your wedding dress timeline to avoid unnecessary stress!

3. Decide your budget.

This will help you narrow down dresses and boutiques to visit. Find a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it!

4. Choose your entourage wisely.

Don’t bring your entire bridal party to the bridal salon! Everyone is going to have an opinion on every dress you try on. The fewer opinions, the easier it will probably be to find one that you love. And that’s what really matters!

5. Do your research.

Before you start heading to boutiques, do some research on the types of dresses that you like! Scour Pinterest, bridal blogs, and magazines for inspiration. It never hurts to bring some pictures so store attendants can get a better idea of what you’re looking for.

6. Plan ahead.

While some bridal salons allow walk-ins, it’s always best to make an appointment ahead of time. This ensures that there will be a staff member ready to help you when you arrive!

7. Look at the part.

No one looks great under harsh lights, and putting on a fancy gown with a bare face and a messy bun might make it harder to appreciate the beauty of the dress. You’ll also look more like you will on your wedding day if you put a little effort in.

8. Dress for the occasion.

Now isn’t the time to rock grannie panties and a sports bra. Wear undergarments that will go well under dresses, like seamless thongs or strapless bras. Your guests and the dress attendants might see you in these as they assist with the dresses, so make sure you’re wearing something you’re comfortable being seen in!

9. Wear heels.

Unless you’re planning on wearing flats to your wedding, you’ll want to see how each gown looks with heels! Some salons have communal heels you can borrow, but it’s probably best to just bring your own.

10. Bridal sizing is not the same.

We all know how inconsistent sizing can be in women’s clothes, and wedding dresses are no exception. Be prepared for your number size to be higher than your street clothes. This is normal! Don’t stress babe, you’re still gorgeous!

11. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

It’s normal to not find your dream dress on your first try. Don’t panic! Trying on too many dresses all at once will leave you exhausted and overwhelmed. They might start to blur together. Don’t risk picking a “desperation” dress- you’ll find the one. Be patient!

12. Stay true to yourself.

It’s hard to tell your mom that the dress she’s in love with isn’t the one. Just remember that this is your dress for your wedding- what anyone else thinks doesn’t really matter as long as you are happy.

13. Make some moves.

If you find a dress you’re really into, take it for a test drive! Try sitting down, doing some twirls, and walking in it. You might fall in love with the way it moves, or you might decide it’s not as comfortable as you’d like.

14. Get ready for the nitty-gritty.

Once you’ve found ~the dress~, it’s time for the not-so-fun details. It’ll be time to put down a deposit, sign a dress contract, and start to plan and schedule alterations. Make sure your alteration schedule fits into your wedding dress timeline!

15. Hold your peace.

Once you find the perfect dress, stop looking! There’s no sense in wondering what that one dress on Pinterest would have looked like on you. If you’re happy with your selection, leave it be. Having found your dress is less thing to worry about- take a breath!

16. Enjoy yourself.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Enjoy the opportunity to try on gorgeous dresses surrounded by your loved ones. You’ll be the center of attention all day- soak it up!

No matter the dress you’re going for, Amarra has you covered. Check out our gorgeous selection of wedding dresses to get you looking stunning on your big day. Check out our Instagram for inspo!