Paul popped the question and asked me to marry him while we were on a short break in Germany, and so I have spent a lot of time over the summer searching for my wedding dress.  Every bride dreams of finding that perfect dress for their big day, a dress that will make your groom go weak at the knees when he sees you walking up the aisle.  However, with so many designers, dress shops and styles to choose from, where do you start?  It can appear a daunting task.

 

Here are a few words of advice that worked for me that will make it less of a chore and more of an enjoyable and successful outing!

Research – Before you even step foot into a bridal lounge, look through magazines and the internet at different designers and styles.  So you have some idea of what you like/don’t like and what will suit you.  What style/fit of dress does your fiancée like to see you in? Visit wedding fairs that have a catwalk show so you can view the dresses. One of the shows we exhibit at is the Yorkshire Living Brides Wedding Exhibition which is held at York Race course twice a year. They have some fantastic dresses on show.

Plan – Decide when you want to go on your first expedition.  Try to make it less stressful by avoiding busy times such as Saturdays and School holidays, especially towards the end of the school year, when many dress shops are also busy with the ‘prom season’(I learned this the hard way).

Assistance – Make it a special day, a girlie outing possibly or your mum, if you can stand the tears when she sees you in ‘The one’.  My mum came with me and she was very patient, but she needed a good supply of tissues! Make sure whoever you take that they are honest and know you well!

Where to go? – Word of mouth is a good place to start, ask friends and family, wedding fairs, but also the research you did earlier will have given you ideas.  But most importantly, go to shops where you feel comfortable and the atmosphere feels right.  There is nothing worse than trying on wedding dresses when you are not at ease with the staff and surroundings.

Be open minded – Yes, we all have likes and dislikes when it comes to style, but trying something on that you would not normally have, can help.  It can reassure you and your assistants that you were correct and the style is not right for you, or it may surprise you.

Choosing – People say you know when you find ‘THE’ dress, and they are right to a degree.  However, after trying on countless dresses it is always best to be sure.  When you think you have found the one that is right for you, don’t rush or be pressured in to making a decision.  Have a cooling off period of a couple of weeks and then return and try it on again to see if it feels just as right with a clear frame of mind.  It is also useful to go dress hunting with a camera, as it is quite easy to forget details of the dresses you like after the first fifteen or so!

I found two dresses that I liked in the same shop. The staff were fantastic but I didn’t make my decision there and then, I returned two weeks later to try on the dresses again to make sure I had picked the right dress. Finally, I made the decision and picked the one I had liked right from the start, but at least I am confident that I have made the right decision and it is exactly what I was after (can’t give too much away as no doubt Paul will be reading this). I know what Paul likes and I know he will love the dress and I can’t wait for our big day!

I hope you find your ideal dress that will make you feel so special on your wedding day. If you have any questions about looking for a dress why not drop me a line via the contact page.  

Happy shopping! 

 

Sarah

(Photos that Paul took at the Yorkshire Living Brides Wedding Exhibition, York Race course)

)