There’s a lot to do when it comes to planning the perfect wedding, including setting a budget, browsing venues, choosing a wedding date, listing your invitations, and much more! However, most brides will likely prioritize wedding dress shopping for the perfect look for their special day.

Even during constantly changing weather, multiple postponements, and changing plans from large ceremonies to smaller intimate ones, every bride-to-be still wants to look their best. So, when it’s finally time for you to visit your top bridal boutique, prepare to filter out anything that doesn’t reflect you!

Start by trusting your gut instinct and be honest with your consultant about what you love and what you don’t. The reason is that you might end up liking a selection that wasn’t initially on your radar. Want some more tips? It’s important to avoid the common wedding dress shopping mistakes listed below. 

You aren’t Set on Your Wedding Date

The first thing a consultant usually asks when a bride comes into their boutique is when she is getting married, as this will determine her wedding dress options. For example, a bride who’s getting married in a shorter time frame (under four months) usually has limited choices as every dress is carefully altered based on their preferences.

Therefore, you should look for a boutique store that is made-to-order and offers fabrics and materials sourced from all over the world. With a set wedding date, the consultant will have a better time frame for creating your dress that matches your timeline. 

You Have No Clear Expectations

Stylist experts say brides often need clear expectations of what silhouette they want to try on. It’s a good thing to have an open mind when shopping, but shopping without any expectations on what you want to look like on your wedding day will lead to more confusion.

To get an idea of the dress that suits you, try looking in your closet and find the shapes and silhouettes that complement your body. So before you head to your favorite boutique shop, find something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Take note of what you like about the stuff you wear and translate them into your dream dress. When a bride feels comfortable and confident in her dress, her beauty radiates from the inside and out. 

You Rely Heavily on Social Media

Today’s brides are overwhelmed with the sheer options via Instagram and Pinterest. Sometimes, brides get so wrapped up searching for the perfect dress they see on a model or their favorite celebrity that they forget to look for something that speaks their personal style. 

Remember that photos on social media can be deceiving, and to avoid this mistake, try limiting the time you spend on social media when looking for the perfect wedding dress. Indeed, you can look at them for inspiration, but remember that the translation may be different once you try out the gown. 

You Forgot about Matching Wedding Shoes 

Something brides may be unaware of is forgetting to bring proper shoes when shopping for a gown. This can either be the shoes you wear on your wedding day or something similar. 

Allison Hanrahan, Kleinfeld Bridal’s marketing manager, says that a less common mistake a bride will likely make is not bringing their wedding shoes during alteration fitting. “Forgetting your wedding shoes will add more work for the fitter and may even add an extra cost to the fitting process. This is because the heel height and shoe type can change your posture, affecting how the dress fits on your body.” Hanrahan explains. 

You Have an Unrealistic Budget 

Another common mistake brides make, according to bridal experts, is forgetting to finalize their budget or setting an unrealistic budget. Having a good idea of what you want to invest in a gown lets you shop faster and more effectively. Besides the gown, it’s always an excellent idea to start your wedding planning process with a budget and then set a budget for your dress. 

Make sure to look up boutique stores, online retailers, and designers within your price range before you consider stepping into a salon. And when you visit a store, ask politely about the dresses they have according to your price range. However, experts warn that in the retail bridal industry, there are numerous anecdotes of salespeople who dress brides in dresses that are way over their price range. 

You Want to Buy a Dress Quickly 

Your first bridal appointment will always be emotional and exciting, and there’s a chance of finding “the dress” on your first shopping attempt. However, for most brides, it will take a few visits to some bridal boutiques along with some online browsing and even a few custom orders for the perfect dress. 

So, even if you feel excited when trying out your first dress, remember to move slowly and discover all the options. Take your time to visit several stores and speak to a few designers before finding your dream gown. There’s no rule of thumb that says you need to have a dress as quickly as you can! 

Final Thoughts 

Finding the perfect wedding dress is a crucial aspect of planning your dream wedding, and avoiding common shopping mistakes can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Your wedding day is a reflection of your personal style and uniqueness, so it’s essential to approach dress shopping with careful consideration and a well-thought-out plan. 

Patience is key, and by avoiding these common wedding dress shopping mistakes, you’ll enhance your chances of discovering a dress that not only suits your style but also makes you feel confident and radiant on your special day.