8 steps to finding the perfect wedding dress

i pulled it off

And there you are. With a teary eyed mother on your right and an overly passionate consultant on your right. And I am caught in between. I looked into the mirror. This is it. The very first dress I tried on. I’m not quite sure why but I have a feeling that no dress is going to top this one. I tried on about 47 other ones but in the process, I realized that all 47 of those attempts would not make me feel the same way the first dress did. What everyone always says is true. You know when you know. But against my better judgement, I tried on a whole bunch of others. I tried the very first dress on again and signed the order form immediately. Kinda crazy come to think of it.

Although the very first dress I tried on ended up being the one, I definitely have a ruthless opinion about life in the dressing rooms. And I learnt a few things along the way. For all future brides out there, here are some of my wise lessons for your quest to finding the perfect bridal gown. Not the ‘who’ and ‘where’ this time, but the ‘how’.

This might be a redundant subject and goes without saying, but in nearly ever store there is one important rule: make an appointment first. Like I said; this is called common sense. But when I was standing next to a distressed and thwarted girl who hadn’t made an appointment, I thought: it might be wise to jot down this tip anyway.

‘Strip down to your underwear,’ is probably something you will only ever be asked at a doctors appointment or by a wedding dress consultant. And of course the consultant is used to this (as is your doctor) but making sure you are nicely shaved all over isn’t such a bad idea.

Seeing as you are going to be walking around in practically near to nothing in the changing rooms, it might be a wise idea to leave your skimpy set-ups at home. That is, if that’s what you usually parade around in of course. Whatever it is you like to wear, when it comes to wedding dress shopping I would advise you to wear sleek and well-kept underwear, preferably in a nude color without stitchings.

Every bridal boutique has a pair you can borrow, but I prefer not to wear someone else’s shoes. Let alone a pair that has been worn by dozens of others. That’s why I would advise you to bring your own pair that have roughly the height you want to wear on your wedding day. Makes it easier too when you are writing down the measurement alterations (if necessary).

You are on the hunt to finding your dream gown to walk down the isle in. And picturing yourself walking down the isle is just a whole lot easier when you somewhat look the part. A slight bit of makeup and a brushed head of hair. Plus, everything always looks better with a bit of mascara and some concealer right?

It makes complete sense to go to your appointment with a binder full of printed out Pinterest pictures of dresses. ‘I want to try on that one and that one and that one.’ But trust the advice your consultant gives you. You may be hesitant at first, I was too, but THE dress ended up being none of the dresses on my list.

Even when you’ve found the one, try on every different fit. From long lace sleeves to goddess gowns to poofy dresses. Just to try them on cause who knows, maybe that poofy dress will surprise you!

I know I know I know, so cliché, but this is the honest truth guys. You feel it when the the dress is the one. Really. So trust your gut instinct, sleep on it for a few nights, but when the dress is the dress, then so be it. Alright, enough of the philosophical babble. But I’m sure you get what I mean when you’re standing there. In between a sobbing mother and the consultant.