Congratulations on your recent engagement! You’ve taken that exciting step into a new chapter of your life, and it’s time to embark on a journey filled with love, style, and a whole lot of decisions. As you revel in the joy of saying “yes” to forever, it’s time to dive into the world of wedding planning.
From finding the perfect wedding dress to selecting the ideal venue, creating a wedding that reflects your unique love story requires thoughtful preparation. In this guide, we’ll take you through the exhilarating process of shopping and planning for your big day, offering expert advice, tips, and inspiration to help you turn your dreams into reality. Let’s get started!
1. Set the Wedding Details
While the allure of wedding dress shopping may tempt you right away, it’s crucial to lay the foundation first. You’ll want to establish the key details of your wedding:
Date: Choose a specific date or a narrow time frame for your big day.
Venue: Decide on the location where you’ll exchange vows and celebrate.
Formality: Determine the level of formality you envision for your wedding.
Mood/Vibe: Consider the overall atmosphere or theme you want to create.
These details will shape your entire wedding experience, including the style of your dress. So, before you start browsing boutiques and designers, have a clear vision of your wedding day in mind.
2. When to Start Shopping
Timing is crucial in the world of wedding dress shopping. You’ll want to start the process approximately a year before your wedding day because wedding dresses are typically ordered about 9 months in advance, and they’re often made to order. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Elaborate dresses with beading and lace may take longer to create.
- European designers often have an August break that can affect delivery times.
- Dresses from India may require additional time due to travel.
- Hand-appliqued details can extend the production timeline.
- Remember to factor in about two months for fittings. Download our free final fitting checklist.
3. Do Your Research
Before you hit the boutiques, gather inspiration. Instagram, bridal magazines, and wedding blogs are excellent resources for ideas. However, keep in mind that the photos you see online may not accurately represent how dresses look in person. Use them primarily for style inspiration.
Consider creating a Pinterest board to organize your ideas. You’ll likely notice a recurring theme among the designers you admire. This will help you identify the bridal salons in your area that carry those designers. Additionally, think about your personal style and how you can describe it to a consultant at the store.
4. Make Your Appointments
Most bridal salons operate on an appointment-only basis. Saturdays tend to book up quickly, often several weeks in advance. Many New York salons are closed on Sundays and one day during the week. If possible, consider shopping on a weekday for a quieter and more intimate experience.
Try to schedule three or four appointments for your first day of shopping. This will make it easier to compare dresses and enhance your learning curve as you explore different styles and silhouettes. Read our guide to What to Expect When Wedding Dress Shopping and How to Make the Most of Appointments.
5. Choose Your Shopping Companions Wisely
It’s essential to have a supportive group with you, but too many opinions can be overwhelming. Consider the dynamics of the group you plan to bring along and remember the final decision is always yours.
6. Understand Your Decision-Making Process
We all process information and make decisions differently. Knowing your decision-making style can be incredibly helpful throughout this journey. Understanding your wedding dress decision-making style can prevent you from making the wrong dress selection.
These initial steps are your roadmap to successful wedding dress shopping and planning.
