How does it make you feel? Dress/suit shopping
As fun as it’s supposed to be, it’s no secret that trying on wedding-wear can be a taxing process. Sometimes the dream dress doesn’t look, well, dreamy. Maybe one of your trusted support people isn’t actually being very supportive. Maybe everything is going well, but the whole process is bringing up unexpected emotions. This is our guide for being well-prepared for your wedding dress or suit shopping experience, so that you can enjoy the process, regardless of any hitches.
Bring reference photos if you are wanting to try on anything specific. Even if you know the lingo, a good reference photo is a streamlined way to start with what you’re most curious to try on.
Be open-minded about trying different styles. You don’t have to be open-minded because someone in your family is really pressuring you to wear a ballgown or a traditional tuxedo but, rather, be open-minded for yourself. A lot of people picture themselves at their wedding in one style of dress or one kind of suit and have for their entire lives. Give yourself the space to try other styles.
Listen to the consultants on the sales floor. Wedding dress consultants have seen many, many, many brides, just as sales staff and tailors at the suit store have fitted many a suit. Lean on their expertise when you find yourself stuck for what to try next.
Try on everything. There will be dresses you try that you think, “I’m going to hate how I look in that” and you will be proven right. But you will also try on dresses you didn’t expect to like that make you feel gorgeous. Be open to the unexpected.
The support crew you bring is important. Don’t expect anyone you bring to be any different than they normally are. That is to say, if your mom is very critical and pushes her own preferences on you in your daily relationship, do not expect her to magically be different at the wedding dress store. Whether that means you leave her at home, or just know to be emotionally prepared to ignore her comments is up to you. Sometimes bringing more people helps drown out the one negative voice, so don’t hesitate to stack the couch with friends, sisters, brothers, bridal party members, etc who understand that the only person who has to like what you wear to your wedding is you.
How do you feel? There is only one question to ask yourself when looking at the mirror: “How do you feel?” How you feel in the dress is more important than anyone else’s opinion or any ideas you were holding onto when you came to the store.
Enjoy the shopping experience and be true to yourself. It’s you who will be walking down the aisle in what you chose, so chose what makes you feel fabulous.