Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

The search for your perfect bridal gown can seem tireless. Follow Wedding Journal’s tips and advice on everything from designer wedding dresses and previously loved bridal gowns, to our extensive wedding dress directory.

Researching your wedding dress options

Buy a copy of Wedding Journal Magazine and have a look at the range of wedding dress styles available. Learn the different cuts available – from empire line wedding dresses to the A line bridal gowns. Keep pages of the magazine featuring the wedding dress styles you like and keep notes on your favoured designers.

Call a few bridal shops in your area and arrange an appointment wedding dress viewing. You can find your local bridal outlets in the WJ online wedding directory. Try to keep the search for your bridal gown small at first .The more dresses you see the more confused you get.

Don't go wedding dress shopping on your own. Bring someone that you trust such as a few of your bridesmaids or the mother of the bride.

What to bring with you

Generally it is a good idea to bring a few types of bra such as a strapless bra and a corset style bra. Also bring a pair of wedding shoes with you, ideally a style with the same size of heel as your bridal shoes. Don't wear fake tan or heavy make-up as the shops are very precious about their sample gowns and won't want them getting dirty.

At The Fitting

To begin the sales consultant will spend a few minutes getting to know you and the styles of wedding dresses you might like. Give her the clippings you have pulled out of Wedding Journal magazine and don't be embarrassed to tell her what you are looking for. Be honest and up front about your wedding dress budget as there is no point torturing yourself with expensive dresses you can't afford.

Be prepared to stand in your wedding lingerie with a complete stranger, as the sales assistant will be helping you in and out of wedding dresses, so be sure to wear appropriate underwear.

Be open minded about trying on wedding dresses that the consultant suggests, it might not be your idea of your dream wedding gown, but when you try it on, you could be pleasantly surprised.

Most importantly have fun and don't feel pressured. This should be a pleasant experience and the consultant is there to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams. So if there is a bridal gown that you don't like, ask to see more. In the time you have you should be able to try on at least five to eight wedding dresses.

Knowing it is the 'One'

This is the big question that all brides ask: How do you know when you find the right wedding dress?' You will know. You might try on five wedding dresses, maybe 25, until you find the right one, but when you put that dress on everything about you will change. Some brides will cry, others will scream with happiness, but the most important thing to remember is that you will know when it's 'The One'!

Visit our wedding directory to find bridal gown retailers in your area