Wedding Dress Shopping Tips UK
The Do’s and Dont’s of wedding dress shopping! So you’re looking for that amazing dress – the dress you’ve dreamed of since being a little girl playing dress-up. The dress of your dreams thats going to make you look a million dollars, make your guests gasp in amazement and your husband to be bask in your beauty at the altar!
No pressure then !
wedding dress shopping do’s and dont’s
If you want to remain more “bride” than “bridezilla” and keep your cool whilst shopping for that dream wedding dress then read on to our list of do’s and dont’s when choosing your wedding dress.
“Its cheaper on Ebay”…
Everyone loves a bargain. But is your wedding dress the place to try and make those savings? We’ve all seen and heard the horror stories of online sales from dodgy chinese websites where dresses just don’t match up to the description and images, or worse still, dont turn up at all. We think a bricks and mortar bridal shop offers the best wedding dress shopping experience, but if you have your heart set on an Ebay bargain can we recommend the following guidelines.
- Stick to pre-loved or ex sample branded gowns with clear pictures from UK sellers only. Ask for pictures of the actual dress not just manufacturers stock images.
- Measure yourself – bust, waist and hip, and ask seller for accurate dress measurements.
- Ask seller if the dress has been altered, and if there are any visible damages.
- If possible and its local, go and have a look.
- Get a reputable seamstress onside before purchase for alterations (as you will need them)
wedding dress shopping tips uk
Dont take the whole crew!
We find Mum and chief bridesmaid the best companions. Everyone loves wedding dress shopping but, trust us, too many differing opinions can leave you confused and stressed out. Stick to 2 or 3 trusted companions, preferably not drama queens!
No special undies are needed at a first bridal appointment, but you may find it useful to wear a nude strapless bra and nude pants which will be invisible under most dresses and cover your modesty. Leave the thongs at home!
Take pictures or a pinterest board on your phone with you to give the wedding dress shop a starting point for your appointment.
Be guided by the wedding dress sales consultant. They know their stuff, know their stock, and are used to seeing the dresses on different girls day in day out. They know what styles look good, so let them guide you even if the dresses have no “hanger appeal”. Some wedding dresses take on a different life when they are on the right body, so keep an open mind.
wedding dress shopping tips uk
Forget the label
Wedding dress boutiques will have a range of samples in various sizes on their rails – after all they need to cater to every potential bride. Not all of these will be your size, and none of them will fit you perfectly. Its your consultants job to pin or fix you into the gown to give you the idea of how your own dress will look. Its then the seamstresses job to ensure your dress fits you perfectly on the day. Very few brides need no alterations at all so do be prepared and set aside some budget for alterations as they really can make or break the final look of your gown.
Most wedding dress sizes bear no relation to usual “high street” sizing and your consultant will measure you and compare to the closest size on the designers size chart for ordering purposes, so do not be upset if this is not your “usual” size. Dresses can always be taken in but not usually let out easily so its better for the wedding dress to be slightly too big than too small.
Lets talk cash
We recommend you set a budget before you start shopping, then research local wedding dress shops that stock wedding dresses within your budget. You will find shops catering for all different budgets, and the average dress comes in around £1200. Dont be tempted to try on dresses way outside of your set amount as you run the risk of falling in love with something you simply cant afford.
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