Welcome, dear BRIDE-TO-BE. Whether you've been enchanted by visions of your perfect wedding dress for years or have only just been swept up in the magic of planning, the path to discovering your dream dress can be overwhelming. As you enter a world of fabrics and silhouettes that may feel unfamiliar, the pressure to find the perfect gown can be daunting. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of 10 tips to guide you on your quest for the perfect wedding dress.
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Wander through the pages of magazines, flip through bridal boutiques online, and explore Pinterest to compile a visual collection of your favorite gowns. Look for a connection theme among your favorite styles and bring your ideas to your first appointment.
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Begin shopping for a wedding dress early. Most gowns take four to eight months to be produced, and once it arrives, you still have to factor in more time for alterations and accessorizing.
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Make an appointment with a bridal atelier. The dresses are usually not displayed in a way where you can browse on your own, so a consultant can help you select dresses and try them on.
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Make shopping for a wedding dress a whole-day affair. Trying on several dresses can be time-consuming, so leave a few hours to take your time browsing and trying on dresses.
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Wear heels to the appointment. Bring heels of the same height you think you'll likely wear for your big day, so you'll have a better idea of how the dress will look.
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Choose your shopping crew wisely. Narrow the group down to the two or three people whose opinions matter most to you.
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Bring dress photos for inspiration. Come armed with a photo collage of the wedding dress styles you like.
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Believe your consultant when they say a gown looks better "on." Wedding dresses often have heavy details that can make them sag on a hanger, so be open if your consultant promises the dress will look better on you than it does on the hanger.
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Be open to new possibilities. Bridal consultants have witnessed many brides come in with a predetermined idea of what they want, but then fall for something they never considered before. Keep an open mind while shopping for a wedding dress.
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Trust your gut feeling. Go with what you love and what feels like your dream dress, regardless of other people's expectations. The gown that makes you feel the most beautiful usually is ''the one''.
Lastly, have fun and enjoy the experience! Finding the perfect wedding dress should be a magical and memorable moment, so cherish every step of the way.