Hello everyone!
I just ordered my gown yesterday and after my experience I wanted to give my perspective on some of the classic wedding dress shopping tips. Some I found were true others false. Disclaimer: These are my experiences alone so everyone is different. This is just offered to other people out there like me.
1. Classic Tip: You have to research online and bring in ideas of what you like/want. My verdict: FALSE!
I did not look at any dresses online. Not one. Why? Because of course every dress is beautiful on the size 0 model who has been airbrushed perfectly. I also had never worn a full length gown before so I had no idea what any of them would look like on. PLUS: The dress I picked looks so different in the online pictures it is crazy! I have a blush underlay and in the pictures online it is so pink it is ugly! The person who did the Photoshop on the picture obviously never saw the actual dress.
2. Classic Tip: Never refuse to try on a selection by the consultant. My verdict: TRUE!
The last bridal shop I went to (third one in the same day) the sales lady went through her questions and then offerend to let me go around the store and pick out ones to try on. Without blinking my eye I just looked at her and said "I would like you to pick them all out." She was a bit taken back. Armed with just a few facts leaned in our initial conversation, like I hate my big hips and want to be comfortable on the day of, the first dress she brought back was the one I ended up ordering. Trust your consultant, or at least give them a chance, good ones know what they are are doing. PS. After shopping I had narrowed it down between two dresses from two different stores,both of them were dresses the consultant pulled.
3. Classic Tip: Limit the number of people. My Verdict: TRUE!
First time out took my mom and sister. My sister will tell me most things look good and my mom will be brutally honest. It was a good balance. If you think you found the one take a different close friend for round 2 to get a third opinion.
4. Classic Tip: Shops will not let you take pictures. My Verdict: TRUE and FALSE
We all know there are shops that will not let you take pictures. Luckily all the ones I went to not only said I could take photos but encouraged it. If you think you have found the dress you HAVE TO TAKE A PICTURE IN IT!!! Let me repeat. TAKE A PICTURE IN IT. Find a store with the gown that will let you snap a shot on your phone OR ask the sales lady to use her own phone so you can see it. I passed on many dresses because of the difference in how they looked in the mirror versus the picture. (Yes I realize these dresses were not sized perfectly for me etc, but you can get a really good idea.)
Obviously a good photographer can take a good picture then edit anything they need to. But most of your guests will be snapping away on cell phones.
5. You will not fit into any dresses. FALSE!
I am a street size 12ish, but have big hips. I was amazed at how many dresses zipped up and those that needed to be clipped still did not look horrible. Wedding gowns are so different from regular clothes. Their structure just makes them fit better...even if they don't "fit". So do not be scared.
That is all I have at this point. Sorry it was so long but I put this out there to those of you who are like me and try and find all you can out about something before you go do it.
If anyone else has classic tips they would like to put their own spin on please share!