The search for your dream wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. However, without the right preparation, it can quickly become overwhelming. At Honest in Ivory, we want your experience to be magical, not stressful.
To help you navigate the world of tulle and lace, we've compiled a list of the 10 most common mistakes brides make when shopping for their gown - and how you can avoid them!
1. The "No Budget" Blunder
It's easy to focus solely on the sticker price of the dress, but that initial number is rarely the final cost.
When setting your budget, remember to include essential costs like alterations (which can sometimes be significant!). A dress that seems affordable might push you over budget once the add-ons are factored in, so make sure you allow extra wiggle room in your budget for this.
Essense of Australia "Pilar" |
2. Starting the Search Too Late
3. Too Many Opinions in the Room Everyone loves you and wants to help, but too many voices can drown out your own. Invite only your most trusted confidantes - think two or three people, like your mom, maid of honor, or best friend. Too many opinions lead to overwhelming, conflicting advice that can make it impossible to know what you truly love. |
4. Being Unprepared for the Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way in helping you see the true potential of a gown. Dress like you’re ready to try on a wedding dress! Wear nude, seamless undergarments (like a strapless bra or shapewear) that won't distract from the gown’s lines. We encourage brides to go barefoot when trying on gowns, but you're also free to try on dresses with shoes.
Martina Liana "Deidra" |
5. Ignoring Your Style It’s easy to get swept up in beautiful dresses that simply aren't you. Concentrate on what makes you feel gorgeous and genuinely aligns with your personal style and your venue/theme. Your stylist is there to help guide you toward silhouettes that look stunning on your unique body type.
6. Shopping Alone or Too Broadly |
7. Being Too Rigid About "The Vision"
Sometimes the dress you think you want isn’t the dress that looks best on you. Be open to your stylists’ suggestions. They are the experts who see hundreds of brides and gowns; they know what works and what looks spectacular in person, even if it wasn't on your Pinterest board. The "unexpected" dress often turns out to be "the one"!
Stella York "Lina" |
8. Forgetting the Accessories Accessories complete the look and are an integral part of the overall vision. Account for important accessories like the veil, jewelry, and shoes in your budget and your overall aesthetic vision from the beginning. Many brides find their dress and then select accessories immediately after, allowing them to coordinate the entire look and ensure the pieces complement the gown perfectly.
9. Saying "Yes" Too Late |
10. Skipping or Skimping on Alterations
A designer gown is only as good as its fit. Alterations are crucial for a perfect fit, and you want to get scheduled for alterations as soon as you purchase your dress! Budget for this cost and schedule for multiple fittings (usually 2-3) starting about 12 weeks before your wedding day to ensure your dress is flawless.
Ready to find your dream dress with confidence? Book your appointment with Honest in Ivory today, and let us guide you toward a seamless and joyous experience!