Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now, to find the perfect wedding dress—you’ve been dreaming about it, imagining it, and talking about it nonstop! So where do you start?

<p>You might think finding “the dress” shouldn’t be too complicated. But, if you don’t put some thought and preparation behind it, the search for “the dress” can easily turn into a very stressful time. It’s important to do your homework. So, we’ve created the ultimate wedding dress shopping guide, Shopping for Your Dream Dress, to help you make this experience as smooth and exciting as it should be!<br></p>
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<a class=”view-article btn outline-black” href=”https://issuu.com/maggiesotterodesigns/docs/msd_bridal_buying_guide_2017″ tabindex=”-1″>Download The Wedding Dress Shopping Guide</a>
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Maggie’s Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

Before You Shop, Find Your Wedding Style

Before you start the hunt for your dream wedding dress, remember to start with research. Gather some wedding inspiration from your favorite social media profiles, and make sure to look at our real bride styles for up-to-date inspiration! Consider your venue, accessories, floral arrangements, and wedding colors; these details will greatly influence your dress choice.

What Kind Of Bride Are You?

From classic to beachy, boho to rustic, there are so many bridal styles to consider. If you’re still looking for inspiration, start with Maggie’s style quiz!

Setting A Budget For Your Dream Dress

Once you have a pretty clear vision of your dream wedding dress, set a budget. Decide on a price point you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Determining a realistic wedding dress budget can be difficult, but rest assured that there is a dress for every price range in the Maggie Sottero family.

Deciding Who To Bring Wedding Dress Shopping

Next, decide on who is going to accompany you on this memorable journey. This is an important detail that is sometimes overlooked, but it can make all the difference between a good or bad shopping experience. Having too many opinions can make it much more difficult for you to make a decision and can also cloud what you actually want. Limit your squad to 2-3 people, and needless to say, only take people you trust.

What To Wear Wedding Dress Shopping

Once you’re ready to visit your bridal shops, wear something comfortable but dress it up a bit—freshen up your makeup, treat yourself to a manicure, etc. You’ll feel more confident if you do, and it helps the consultant get a better sense of your style. Don’t forget to take a pair of heels that match the height you plan on wearing on your wedding day. And remember to eat and stay hydrated so your focus stays on finding your perfect wedding dress!

When To Shop For Your Wedding Dress

To make sure you get your dream dress with plenty of time to spare, you should start shopping 10-12 months before your wedding, and have an order placed at least 6 months ahead of time. Of course, the ordering process can be expedited, but 6 months should allow plenty of time for shipping, alterations, etc. 

If your schedule is flexible, book your appointments midweek when boutiques are the slowest. You’ll have a more relaxed experience during that time frame. Weekends are almost always super busy for shops, so the energy is more intense and can feel a bit stressful.

Deciding Where To Buy A Wedding Dress

Choose an authorized retailer based on budget, location, sizing options, and your personal style. Aside from style and sizing options, location is a big factor to consider. You might not mind traveling a 100 miles initially, but keep in mind that it won’t just be one visit. You’ll be making that trip several times over the course of about six months for fittings and alterations. Try to find a retailer that is conveniently located near you, and consider asking these questions when deciding where to buy a wedding dress:

Find A Maggie Retailer Near You

Some Key Wedding Dress Shopping Tips For Your Appointment

This is a unique and special experience, so enjoy it! Trust your consultant and let them take care of you. Your consultant should be able to walk you through all the details, from price and styles to alterations, deposits, cancellation policy, etc. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything, but if you find a dress you absolutely love, go for it! Trust your gut and don’t doubt yourself.

A few things to keep in mind:

Remember that this is your experience, your wedding, and your dress. You’re the only one who knows exactly what you want and how you feel in a particular dress. Choose what makes you feel beautiful. After all, this is the most important dress you’ll ever wear!

Wedding Dress Terms You Should Know

Off-the-Rack – Sold directly off a retailer’s rack or floor.

Made-to-Order – Manufacturing process following a gown order.

New Seasons – New collection, usually a season ahead.

Sample – Wedding dresses chosen by the retailer to be displayed in their boutiques.

Wear Date – The day your gown needs to be ready by.

Store Events – Events held by retailers to promote new or popular styles.

Sister Style – Variations of a particular style.