Say YES to That Dress!

I LOVE off-shoulder lace sleeves!

 Long before I even met my fiancé, I was already a bit obsessed with TLC's Say Yes to the Dress! The show definitely helped me learn about dress materials and styles, but also the different processes brides go through when they are searching for that special gown.

Dress Materials

What is the difference between Tulle and Chiffon? What in the world is Taffeta? Knowing what kinds of materials you like or don't like, and more importantly: what they're called, is really helpful for your consultant when you do go into a bridal shop to look for a dress.
Here is an extensive list of bridal fashion terms with the definitions at The Knot.com.

Dress Shapes

This is important to be familiar with, because different dress styles (also known as silhouettes) typically flatter different kinds of body shapes. Most of these have the same universal name, but there are some styles that have more than one.

Universal Names: 

Mermaid, Ballgown, A-line, Tea Length and Mini.

Styles with multiple names:

A-line Modified = Low Waist

Trumpet = Fit-N-Flare

Here is a good website with further descriptions and visuals so you can see the differences, at Bridal Guide.com.

The Process

Where to start?

#1 - Research, research, research! 

Look online, look at magazines, and go to bridal shops! You want to be able to determine certain things like:

- What kind of shapes do I like? (Empire waist, fit-n-flare, A-line, etc)

- What kind of style reflects who I am? (vintage, elaborate, classy, simple, etc)

- What is my budget? 

- What is the theme/location of my wedding? (beach, outdoor, winter, etc)

There are important factors that you want to consider. It wouldn't make sense to have a huge, heavy ballgown dress if you're having your ceremony on a beach, now would it?

For research tools, I highly recommend the TheKnot app created by TheKnot.com, it is also known as LookBook. It tells you the materials of the dresses, the approximate cost, as well as the name of the designer.Finding a designer that fits your style and budget is a great way to help narrow down your choices! 

TIP: Having pictures of what you like is great to bring with you to a consultation, so keep a digital file on your phone or print them out once you are ready to start seriously decide and find your dress.

#2 - Balance

Remember to keep a balanced approach as you narrow down your likes and dislikes. Always, always, ALWAYS be open to try things you think you might hate, because it is really hard to envision yourself in a dress until you actually put it on, that includes accessories as well! 

Allure Bridals - my favorite designer!

When I began my wedding dress journey, I had in mind something quite different to what I ended up picking in the end, but I love it! So don't be too inflexible, but have some good ideas about what you like and what looks good on you. Let your consultant help! They are professionals and want to make sure you have explored enough options to be fully satisfied with your final decision, and don't experience any regrets!

#3 - The Sooner the Better

If you plan to order your dress from a Bridal shop, the sooner you find your dress, the better! I ordered my dress early August, and I won't see it until January! It takes time to custom-fit your wedding dress, and by the time it comes along, you might need a couple alterations still. All of these things take time, and you want to make sure your dress fits like a glove on your wedding day! 

If you lose weight or have a change of height due to wedding shoes, you will need alterations to be comfortable. These final alterations should be done 1-2 months before your wedding day, depending on the degree of alterations and your seamstress's schedule. 

#4 - Bring Loved Ones

If you are the type of bride who needs affirmation when it comes to making decisions, then you should definitely bring people along when you go dress shopping. Choose wisely! We all have friends who maybe see the glass TOO full and won't give you the honest advice you might be searching for. Likewise, be wary of people you know will have very different tastes from you and are defensive and highly opinionated. If there is someone in particular that you want to make this big decision with, like a father or grandmother, make sure you talk to them beforehand about what you both like, so you can get any clashing opinions resolved and out of the way with, because consultations are fitted into time slots, and you can't waste the consultants time with 20 minute banters.

#5 - Accessories and Heirlooms

Are you familiar with the following verse?

"Something Olde, Something New, 

Something Borrowed, Something Blue,

A Sixpence in your Shoe"

Most of you would be familiar with the first two lines. It's a cute old English tradition in which the bride is given these four "luck charms" before her wedding day, and are symbolic of different blessings and well wishes upon her and her marriage.

Keep in mind any traditions you will carry and how they may affect your dress. Whether it is the holy building you will be marrying in, or something that has been passed down in your family, or something that fancies you and has a lot of meaning. Keep in mind things like veils, lace vests, shoes, sashes and belts. These accessories an heirlooms can hold a great traditional value for you on your wedding day, but what if your grandmother's aged veil clashes with your stark white dress? 

That veil is gorgeous!

Maybe it's just a matter of upgrading any antique you will be wearing, but it could mean being mindful of the shade of white you choose for your dress, or the earrings you chose to match mom's necklace. Bring this topic up with family, friends and in-laws, because maybe one of them has in mind to give you something. 

#6 - ENJOY! This should be a happy and joyous experience! With a little stress sprinkled here and there, but overall you should be having fun! This experience will only come around once (God willing), and it should be relished while it lasts. 

If there is something I regret in my wedding dress shopping experience, it is that I did so much research I ended up completely head-over-heels in love with ONE specific dress, which meant that I would not be satisfied in considering other dresses until I tried THAT ONE on. Sadly, this led to a rather short dress shopping experience, in which I only tried on 4 dresses altogether. On one hand I was so happy to find that THAT dress looked great on me, but on the other I wonder what would have happened had I been more flexible and less fixated on THAT dress. But I do adore that dress, so fortunately I don't have too much to regret!

Happy planning!

The Sheepish Bride