By Liz Sellassie, Owner and Manager of Designer Loft bridal boutique and Bridal Guide guest blogger
You just got engaged, congratulations! Before you head to the nearest bridal salon, read these 10 important tips.
It takes most designers four to six months to deliver a completed wedding gown. And if you request any customization, like additional beading or lace, it can take even longer. Try to start your search at least a year in advance. Remember: You’ll still need another two to three months for alterations once the gown arrives.
Browse Hundreds of Gorgeous Wedding Dresses
2. Before you shop, decide – firmly – on your budget
Then, call up bridal salons and ask if they have a good selection within that price range. Don’t let yourself fall in love with a gown that is completely beyond your budget.
3. Don't wear a black bra or panties when shopping for a wedding gown
Brides don't realize that black, purple, or navy underwear can be seen through many white bridal gowns. It really ruins the look of the gown. Instead, opt for nude or ivory underwear when shopping — and on the big day as well!
4. Think about the venue and time of year
If you're having an outdoor wedding in July, you may want to re-think that heavy satin ball gown. And if you're hosting a romantic barn wedding, consider ditching the beaded ball gown.
5. You do have options besides strapless
Not everyone is comfortable in a strapless gown, and you should feel both beautiful and comfortable on your wedding day.
6. Do not feel that you have to wear a prescribed look on your wedding day
If you adore flowers, have some incorporated in your gown. If you love pink, shades of blue, or gold, choose a gown with hints of that shade — or a gown entirely in whichever color you desire. Feel free to express yourself on this most momentous day!
7. Don't bring your entire entourage
Take just a small group with you for your first round of shopping — or just one friend or sister whose opinion you really trust. Too often, we find a bride will come in with four or five family members, all with divergent views on what the dress should look like. This heightens the bride's anxiety, rather than making it a fun and relaxed experience. Come in with a person you trust first, and edit your choices. Then, you can come back with the troops once you have found gowns that you truly love and that represent you.
8. Don't be afraid to try on something you never anticipated
I cannot tell you how many brides come in swearing they want a ball gown, yet end up loving a slinky sheath instead — and vice versa. And brides who claim they want no beading can easily fall in love with a head-to-toe beaded number. Keep an open mind when trying on gowns; just like with dating, you never know when love will strike.
Find Out How Real Brides Found Their Dream Dresses
9. When choosing a gown, go with your heart and your instincts
Do not rely on what the trend at the moment is or which dress was worn on the red carpet last month. Instead, ask yourself: Does this dress make me feel and look beautiful? Will I love this dress in photos 10 or 20 years from today? Finally, while I do not advocate trying to please all of the bride's family members when choosing the gown, I would suggest that the bride asks and considers what her partner would love to see her wear.
10. You will need more than one fitting
Most brides think there will be one fitting appointment, then they can pick up the gown and happily walk down the aisle. But please keep in mind once your beautiful gown arrives, it normally takes four to five appointments to make the gown fit perfectly. And if you're adding a jacket, sleeves, or additional custom changes, you might need even more than five fittings. Budget enough time, especially if your weight tends to fluctuate.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.