Choosing the perfect wedding dress is a pivotal moment for any bride-to-be. It’s a decision that should reflect your personality, style, and make you feel truly special on your big day. To help you in this journey, we at Stepping Stones Photography have compiled five expert tips, all designed to improve your chances of finding the dress of your dreams.
1. Start Early
Begin your search for the ideal wedding dress at least 9-12 months before your wedding day. This allows ample time for selecting the dress, accommodating alterations, and ensuring you’re not rushed into making a hasty decision. Many designers require several months to craft your gown, so starting early is key.
2. Keep an Open Mind When Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Dress
While having a vision of your dream dress is great, be open to trying on different styles. What you think you want may not necessarily be the best fit for your body type. Trying various silhouettes and designs can help you discover the perfect style that flatters you the most.
Pro tip: Know your body type and lookup photos on Pinterest for wedding dress styles that flatter your body type. Notice what all the dresses have in common and try on a few of those style dresses.
3. Find a Wedding Dress that Flatters Your Figure
Choosing the right wedding gown isn’t solely about aesthetics. Consider your body shape, personal style, wedding theme, comfort, budget, venue, and the time of year. The most crucial factor is feeling confident and beautiful in your dress. Be open-minded, prioritize your comfort, and select a gown that truly represents you.
Pro tip: If there are certain areas of your body you are trying to draw attention to or hide, think about a dress that will flatter those features. For example, if you are wanting to make your arms look slimmer, consider a wedding dress style that flatters arms. Find a wedding dress that drapes over your shoulders, has sleeves (maybe a loose lace or chiffon material), etc.
4. Traveling with Your Wedding Dress
For destination weddings, ensure your dress arrives in pristine condition. Invest in a garment bag to protect your gown during travel. Always carry your dress as carry-on luggage when flying to avoid potential damage. Once you arrive, hang your gown immediately and steam it to eliminate any wrinkles.
5. Perfecting Your Look
To ensure your dress looks stunning on your wedding day, get it professionally steamed to remove wrinkles. Consult with your dress consultant regarding the right undergarments for a seamless look. Choose the right accessories, hairstyle, and makeup to complement the beauty of your dress and create a cohesive bridal look.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect wedding dress for your special day. Remember, the key to a successful dress search is staying true to yourself and allowing plenty of time for a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Wedding Dress Shops in Atlanta
Being a bride is a whole experience that prayerfully, you only get once. Below are a few of my favorite wedding dress shops in Atlanta that will treat you like the queen you are. I have had a ton of brides rave about their experiences at these bridal shops as well as the selection of beautiful dresses. Feel free to check them out as you hunt for your perfect wedding dress.
Preparing for your Georgia wedding day? For more helpful tips in planning your wedding check out my blog on 5 things to do after getting engaged. In need of an Atlanta wedding photographer? Contact Stepping Stones Photography by clicking here. Happy wedding dress shopping!
