Ten Things to Know About Finding Your Dream Wedding Dresses

January 16, 2018-Jennifer Dorothy

Whether you've been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were five and know the exact specifications you want for it down to the last sequin, or you've never thought about your dress until the groom's mother nagged, "You still haven't gotten your gown?" — we've got you covered.
Finding your dream gown can be stressful. After all, you've likely never even tried one on before, and it's the most expensive garment many women will ever own, so it can feel like the pressure is definitely on. Plus, your dress sets the tone for the wedding as a whole, whether it's a grand ballroom affair or a casual beach bash. It may also feel like there's a whole new language to decode — tulle, A-line, fit and flare, organza, sheath. Plus, more brides than ever are doing multiple dresses, a more formal one for the ceremony and a party-centric (danceable or more blingy and outrageous) one for the reception, which can doubling the task of shopping.

1. Do Research to Find What You Like



Rip pages out of magazines, click through bridal boutiques online, explore on Pinterest, and check out what celebrity brides are wearing to compile a visual file of your favorite dresses. Then look for a connecting theme — are they all very embellished? Lacy? Voluminous? Have open backs? Find a couple commonalities of styles you like and bring your ideas to your first appointment.

2.Shop Early



Many 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.

3.Figure out Your Budget



Yes, it's uncomfortable to talk numbers, but it will save you from heartache later on. Before your first appointment, figure out who is paying for the gown (your family, the groom, you?). If someone else is paying, get the hard numbers on your limit, so you can choose to stay within that budget or pay the difference yourself to get the dress you want.

4.Make Shopping a Whole-Day Affair



It's surprisingly time-consuming to put one wedding gown on and off, let alone three or four, and you definitely don't want to feel rushed to make a decision. Instead of making plans for brunch after your appointment or trying to fit it in between other errands, leave a few hours so you can take your time browsing and trying on dresses.

5.Consider Shopping Online



Around 18 percent of brides end up buying their gown online. Just check the return policy — especially if you're ordering a few to try on and consider — to make sure you're entitled to a full refund if it doesn't look as dreamy in person. You can click ericdress.com for selecting wedding apparel for discount.

6.Take your wedding location into consideration



Take cues from the setting. You may have chosen a beach venue or a garden wedding. Consider styles that will fit the atmosphere; you don’t want to walk in a thick, ball gown while under the hot, sweltering seaside sun!

7.Don’t be afraid to speak up



If you aren’t comfortable with a dress, or you feel something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to speak up! Just because the shop assistant, or your mother or bridesmaids are comfortable with it, doesn’t mean you should be if you aren’t happy! This applies even more so to brides who are having their gown custom made; make sure you clearly communicate how you’re feeling so you are 100 percent happy with the final product.

8.Consider your accessories



Don’t forget the accessories. The belt, veil, shoes, jewellery and headpiece makes a huge difference with the entire look! Try some of these on as well.

9.Follow your heart



Listen to opinions, but trust your gut. Many brides say they know when they have found the dress, and liken it to the feeling of knowing when they have found ‘the one’. Listen to your heart and choose the dress that give you butterflies, (or makes your mum cry!).


10.Enjoy the moment!



A happy bride is a beautiful bride. Enjoy the experience, and if you’re happy with your purchase, it’ll definitely show. Keep that joy and let that radiance brighten up your aura on your wedding day!


With all eyes on you, not to mention photos you'll keep forever, of course you want to look perfect on your big day. But what does perfect mean to you? For some brides, a dream dress is a regal ballgown fit for a princess. For others, a dream look is a sexy, va-va-voom mermaid gown that makes everyone appreciate her curves; to other brides, the best dress is one that allows her enough movement to be able to re-enact the choreography from "Thriller" on the dance floor.
The choices can seem overwhelming for sure. No matter your budget, your personal style, or your timeline, here are our top tips for finding the dress of your dreams — the one you'll love today, on the big day, and in 30 years from now when you look back at your wedding photos.

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