42 Bride-to-Bride Tips on Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress

01 of 42

Pack Extra Deo for Dress Trials

“Deodorant (and bring extra)… trying on dresses is a lot of work and I was sweating by the end every time.” – Anja M.H., Ontario, Canada

02 of 42

Treasure Your Consultant

“Don’t take your bridal consultant for granted! Tell them how you want to feel on your wedding day and stay open-minded on the details!” – Abigail R.K., Florida, USA

03 of 42

Score Your Dream Dress on a Dime

“Sample sale dresses, don’t overlook them! I got my wedding dress for 1/8 of the cost and I love it!” – Rachel A., Hawaii, USA

04 of 42

Limit Those Try-On Seshes

“Limit try-on appointments to 2-4 stores. Dresses really do start to blend together.” – Chloe T., Calgary, Canada

05 of 42

The Dress Surprise

“ALWAYS come with an open mind. Went in thinking I wanted a certain style/look based off what I liked off Pinterest, but ended up getting something completely different!” – Jenelle Y., Hawaii, USA

06 of 42

Chill Before You Bill

“Sit in your dress.” – Kristen C., Kristen Campbell Photography, California, USA

07 of 42

Match Dress to Venue

“Have your venue picked first, so you know if you’ll be walking in sand, grass, or concrete (also helps with shoe type). Is it a beach wedding? Ballroom? Outdoors? Indoors?” – Alyssa I., California, USA

08 of 42

Speedy No’s Save Woes

“When trying on dresses – put the dress on and if it’s not it, take it off and move on. Each appointment is 1 -1.5 hours so don’t waste time in NOT the dress.” – Nataliya Y., Georgia, USA

09 of 42

Stalk Styles Before the Walk

“Check shops online before you go to ensure they have styles you like and dresses in your budget and to book an appointment in advance if needed.” – Anja M.H., Ontario, Canada

10 of 42

Find The One on Your Own

“Don’t be afraid to ask to take to the floor yourself! I tried on some beautiful dresses but none of them felt like me.. it wasn’t until I walked the floor that I saw a dress I gravitated towards.. I put it on and I knew it was my dress. it was the first one I WANTED to say yes too.” – Abigail R K., Florida, USA

11 of 42

Pick Your Posse Wisely

“Really think about who you want at the shopping appointment with you – are you inviting them out of obligation, or because YOU really want them there? Will they think about YOUR choices and look, over their own preferences? If there are people who might be selfish or too opinionated, pro tip: invite them to the second or third appointment, or one that is low commitment for you. Don’t invite them to the first one – keep this as chill as possible to build your confidence!” – Chloe T., Calgary, Canada

12 of 42

Shop Alone, Decide Strong

“If you are an indecisive person, go to some dress shops by yourself and don’t tell anyone you’re going. Then you can take some people if you want that experience. But by then you will have an idea of what you like without other people’s reactions to influence you.” – Meagan L., Ontario, Canada

13 of 42

Go Vintage or Go Home

“Look on Etsy for vintage gowns! Don’t be like everyone else! Go vintage!” – Rachelle K.G., OperaKittyCO, Ontario, Canada

14 of 42

Can You Kick in That Frock?

“Determine dress shape by how you want to dance. Can’t do a high kick in a pencil tight dress or determine if you’ll do an outfit change for the reception.” – Alyssa I., California, USA

15 of 42

Only Yes-Men Allowed

“Limit the number of people you bring with you to your appointment and only bring people who are going to hype you up/make you feel good about yourself.” – Anja M.H., Ontario, Canada

16 of 42

Mind the Jewelry

“”If you want to accessorize with heirlooms, sentimental bracelets, or rings on your wedding day, consider bringing them along because some jewelry will catch on different dress materials.” – Amanda S, Amanda Soriano Photography, Ontario, Canada

17 of 42

Dream Before You Decide

“Store employees might despise me for this: sleep on your decision. I’m a classic overthinker so when I thought I found my dress I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger on it. But I booked a follow-up appointment a few days later. That night, I literally dreamt about my dress. I woke up and knew for certain it was the one. I even went and tried on other dresses and just kept thinking about my one! This really helped combat dress regret.” – Chloe T, Calgary, Canada

18 OF 42

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

“Don’t get stuck on the details! I knew exactly what I wanted, and I ended up selecting a dress that was so different than what I had planned for.” – Abigail R.K., Florida, USA

19 of 42

Budget for the Nips and Tucks

“Budget more than you expect for alterations. Remember you are going to be charged for every little change, and it’s not easy work!” – Anja M.H., Ontario, Canada

20 of 42

Dance Shop Your Dress

“If you have a special dance in mind, practice when you’re dress shopping! Try out a spin, dip, or twerk to make sure the dress of your dreams will be comfortable on the dance floor on your wedding day.” – Danielle S., Portland, USA

21 of 42

Spin to Win Your Style

“Try on multiple silhouettes to find your style!” – Chloe T., Calgary, Canada

22 of 42

Dress as Yourself, Not a Princess

“Your wedding dress is a celebration of who you truly are. Instead of thinking about only a princess style, focus on being the authentic version of yourself that your fiancé fell in love with. Choose a dress that represents your unique personality and style.” – Adrienne V., Ontario, Canada

23 of 42

Who Says White?

“Any dress is a wedding dress; it doesn’t need to be white, wear your favorite color.” – Adrienne V., Ontario, Canada

24 of 42

Say Yes to the Unexpected

“Be open! You may go in looking for a specific fit, material, etc., but may miss out on your perfect dress by not being open to other fits, materials, etc.” – Maria, The Twisted Lily Mobile Bartending, LLC, Texas USA

25 of 42

Save Big Online

“Check places like Facebook Marketplace if you’re looking to save some $.” – Anja M.H, Ontario, Canada

26 of 42

Trust Your Initial Reaction

“If you love a dress on you, don’t let the opinions of others sway you into settling for something you don’t love as much.” – Amber L., Amber LaSanska Photography, Florida, USA

27 of 42

Dress Deals for Days

“Learned about this recently, which is an annual sample sale across stores all over North America! For anyone on a budget, it’s especially great, as some dresses are up to 90% off! www.nationalbridalsale.com” – Katy C., California, USA

28 of 42

Speak Your Spend Before You Befriend

“Tell your bridal boutique your budget first so that you don’t fall in love with something above your price range.” – Alyssa I., California, USA

29 of 42

Ensure Inclusive Options

“Contact wedding shops in advance to see if they have size-inclusive dresses and if not, depending on your comfort level, you may want to skip out on those or adjust your expectations accordingly.” – Amanda S., Amanda Soriano Photography, Ontario, Canada

30 of 42

Rock Recycled Chic

“As much as I love to support brick and mortar wedding shops, there is a movement afloat for brides to sell their wedding stuff, including their dresses. Seems practical.” – Ron F., Planner, DJ, and Officiant at  Perpetual Rhythms from Ontario, Canada

31 of 42

Remember the Rinse Cost

“Remember to budget for dry cleaning afterward as well (it’s not cheap).” – Anja M.H, Ontario, Canada

32 of 42

Nipple Shields FTW

“Wear comfy undergarments to appointments, and if you are shy about showing your cleavage to a sales lady, I’d recommend nipple covers (they are going to get their hands in there, with your consent, to get things in the right place haha)” – Anja M.H., Ontario, Canada

33 of 42

White Not Required

“Look for a bridesmaid‘s dress in ivory or white. Check consignment and vintage clothing shops, too.” – Nancy T., Wedding Officiant at Barefoot Weddings, Florida, USA

34 of 42

Skip the Bridal Store

“You don’t need to go to a bridal store for a bridal dress. There are so many stunning white dresses available that aren’t wedding dresses; think vintage, or here in Toronto Holts, Saks or go custom.” – Adrienne V., Ontario, Canada

35 of 42

Plan for Dress Two

“If the budget allows, consider a second dress for the reception. It can be less formal and more comfortable.” – Lina W., California, USA

36 of 42

Season-Proof Your Dress

“Consider the season and weather of your wedding day when choosing your dress.” – Mia S., Florida, USA

37 of 42

Dress for Your True Self

“Ultimately, the best dress is the one that feels right to you, regardless of trends or opinions.” – Sophia L., Ontario, Canada

38 of 42

Choose Your Shopping Crew

“Only invite people to your bridal appointments who understand and appreciate your personal style.” – Adrienne V., Ontario, Canada

39 of 42

Avoid Over-Budget Heartbreak

“Look into approximately how much dresses are at stores you shop at, to make sure you don’t accidentally fall in love with ones way over budget.” – Chloe T, Calgary, Canada

40 of 42

Snag That First Visit Discount

“Sometimes you can get a small discount for purchasing on your first appointment — ask!” – Anja M.H, Ontario, Canada

41 of 42

Bring Them Heels

When you get your dress fitted/sized, bring shoes that resemble the heel/height you plan on wearing so that you can get the adjustments perfect. – Amanda S, Amanda Soriano Photography, Ontario, Canada

42 of 42

Let Your Bridal Guru Work Their Magic

Try as many as you can until you find the one, don’t go to a store with a dress in mind because you like it on a catalog, let the bridal consultant guide you as they know what style goes best on you based on your body type. – Eleanor, The Event Gal Florida, Florida, USA