When it comes to planning your wedding, there are a few key details you’ll want to figure out sooner rather than later. Determining the date, venue, and guest list should help you to get started. Additionally, finding just the right dress should certainly be up there on your list! Many girls have dreamed about what their wedding dress would look like since they were little. Once it comes time to pick one, though, it can be quite overwhelming. With so many different styles to choose from, different shades of whites, brands, etc., knowing where to start is a challenge. We have some tips to help you find your dream dress that not only looks stunning but fits perfectly and is within your budget!
Start Early
Understanding the timeline of your wedding dress shopping and fitting is key to knowing when to get started. Typically, it’s recommended to buy your wedding dress approximately 9 months before your wedding date. This will give the manufacturer time to make the dress. 5 months before the wedding, you’ll want to find a trusted tailor for alterations and start searching for accessories, like a veil and jewelry. At the 3 month mark, your dress should arrive! 6-8 weeks before the wedding, you’ll want to have your first fitting with the tailor. From there, any adjustments can be made, and you’ll come back at the 4-week mark for a second fitting. Finally, at 2 weeks out from the wedding, you’ll come back for a final fitting and at this point, you should have your perfect dress! It may seem like a long process, but it’s well worth it to have it fit perfectly to your body, and not have to worry about things falling out of place during your first dance or while you’re greeting guests.
Set a Budget
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, and it can get easy to get carried away. It’s important to set your budget upfront and stick to it, so you can tell the salesperson before they start bringing out gowns. If you neglect to set a budget, you risk falling in love with a dress substantially above your price range and find yourself in a quandary. In your budget, you’ll also want to take into consideration alteration expenses, accessories, and shipping fees. Professional steamings or pressings are also often overlooked and can add a sneaky cost to your overall budget.
Do Your Research
Before even stepping into a wedding dress store, you’ll want to do your research. We know, it sounds like fun to choose from all those dresses, but trust us; It’s overwhelming! You’ll want to come prepared knowing a few different styles you’ll want to try on, and potentially even brands. You’ll want to do some research to learn about the different fabrics and silhouettes so you can better convey to the salesperson what you’re looking for. This will make it a more seamless, stress-free experience for all!
Choosing a wedding dress is an exciting time, and by doing your homework first, it’ll make it that much more of a pleasant experience! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out Justice Lydon & Co’s wedding blog. Our wedding chapel in Quincy MA offers a unique and beautiful location for small intimate weddings. Contact us to learn more!
