wedding dress shopping

Maybone

I hate dresses. I hate shopping. But it's time for me to go pick out a wedding dress. I have some ideas of what I like, and as much as I do not look forward to trying things on, I am a little excited.

What are things I need to bring to my appointments? Like do I need special undergarments? Should I print out things I like? Shoes? I have a few people coming with me to help me decide. Just not sure what else would be helpful.

em105

Tips for logistics-  other posters all over this board have awesome suggestions about being prepared with what you like but know what you're open to, having a solid idea of EXACTLY what your budget is and making sure you bring the important people who support you not those who will make your life harder.

Wear what you plan on wearing under your dress.  Spanx or even bike shorts are nice 'cause the dresses slip on and off more easily and some random dress lady doesn't have to stare at your undies.

I brought a strapless bra (I'm a 34DD) and used it, but it's totally up to you.  I wouldn't go buy something if you don't have one because your dress often dictates the type of undergarments needed.

Have your hair and makeup look like you would for a nice dinner out at least.  If you're too focused on 'gee, I look like I just rolled out of bed,' you won't see the dress.

Bring water and snacks.  I've been an athlete all my life and NEVER have I tried an activity so dehydrating as trying on dresses.  I was parched!

Most places don't have you wear shoes to try on a dress, so unless you have a pair that you've already got your heart set on wearing, don't worry about them.

When you go, be financially ready to buy a dress if you see one you love, or prepared to in the next few weeks.  

And again, these are just logistics, but I will tell you to take a minute and read a few old posts on the board.  Bringing too many people, divas who steal your thunder, people who are always negative or people who never have an option EVER aren't good ideas.

Have an idea of the formality of your wedding and the basic 'look' you want to go for (I went with classic, simple, elegant but you could go for glamourous, sexy sparkly) and don't forget you can add to the 'look' with your accessories.

jennylee813

I'd suggest a strapless bra, simply because many dresses are either strapless or have small straps/sleeves. It will make you more comfortable when you're trying things, and give you a better idea of how a dress will 'hang.' If you try on a dress without a bra, expect it to fit differently when you try it again with a bra.

As PP said, don't worry about shoes yet - you will need them once you start having fittings. By that time you should know what you're wearing under the dress and have your shoes.

Good luck!

Peledreamsofrain

Hrm, I'm a bit unorthadox in how I like to approach 'dress hunting'.  I was a bit stressed by the idea at first myself, and I didn't want the experience to be stressful at all.  So I decided to focus not on what I 'should do', but rather on what I WANTED to do.  Or what would make it fun for me.

First decision was to turn it into a covert operation and go in solo.  I didn't want a ton of well-meaning ladies picking dresses that would look aweful on me, and feed into body-conciousness, then depress me out of the fun. So, in the interest of not hurting their feelings, it turned super-spy (you can tell I am easily amused as well).  To this day, nobody knows but my FI that I did this.

The second decision I made was to ask the store to supply me with undergarments at the get-go.  I mean, not really many people have mermaid dress under-skirts just lying around, or corsets.  I wore flaming orange panties, and the attendant never knew because I was always dolled up in petticoats between dresses.  This also entertained me for no logical reason.

By the time i was done with the session, I had a clear idea of what I liked and what looked amazing on me.  I reserved several dresses (including THE ONE), and made an appointment for a visit with all the ladies who wanted to go with me.  The store attendant was really amused about my instructions to treat it like it was the first time they saw me. 

I also agree with the water rule.  Those dresses are water-vampires.  I have no idea why.

Good luck, make it fun for yourself.  Good memories last longer than dresses!

shenzhentoby

My friends told me that cheap-bridal.com is a wonderful wedding dresses online shop. Maybe you can try it.

Maybone

Thanks for the input. I will definetly be going to a store though, I don't buy much clothing online, becuase everything fits different.  I am making appointments for next week, so I will remember to bring water, wear a strapless bra and flaming orange panties!  Got it! The tips really make me feel better about this!

Maybone

This was the one! We didn't get a great picture of the front, but the back is what sold me! Love it, thanks for the help ladies!